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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 3mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's 85mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC weighs 700g, which means it is 25g (3%) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 725g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Sony Alpha and Canon EF mounts.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's widest aperture value is
F1.4.