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Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD vs Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

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Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC

Telephoto Prime | Sony Alpha

Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD
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Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Macro Prime | Sony Alpha

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC vs Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 85mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.8 whereas Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a Macro Prime lens with a 70mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 700g.
  • Diameter: 85mm
  • Length: 91mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.8m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Key Specs

  • 70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 527g.
  • Diameter: 76mm
  • Length: 95mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.25m
  • Max Magnification:1x

What type of photography are the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro
Bird/WildlifeAverageFair
SportsGoodFair
PortraitExcellentGood
TravelFairAverage
StreetAverageGood
WeddingVery GoodGood
Walk AroundFairAverage
VloggingAverageAverage
LandscapeFairGood
MacroPoorVery Good

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 95mm. The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC with a length of 91mm is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 76mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 527g, 24% (173g) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's weight of 700g.


Lens Mounts

Both Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF and Sigma SA mounts.

Focal Range

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105mm.

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD over Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro

Focal Length - Tele 85mm vs 70mm 15mm more Tele coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Length 91mm vs 95mm 4mm shorter
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust

Reasons to choose Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro over Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD

Focal Length - Wide 70mm vs 85mm 15mm Wider coverage
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 527g vs 700g 173g lighter
Diameter 76mm vs 85mm 9mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.25m vs 0.8m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs 0.14x higher magnification better for close-up shots



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC vs Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Sigma
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Macro Prime
Lens Mount Sony Alpha Sony Alpha
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 85mm 70mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Unknown
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 13 10
Optical Groups 9 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.8m 0.25m
Max Magnification 0.14X 1X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Micromotor
Full Time Manual Yes No
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown yes
Physical Specs
Weight 700g 527g
Diameter 85mm 76mm
Length 91mm 95mm
Materials Unknown Metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 67mm Unknown
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown LH620-01
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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