The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Venus 105mm F2 and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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. Venus 105mm F2 is the longer of the two lenses at 99mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 98mm, is 1mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Venus 105mm F2 also has a larger diameter of 76mm compared to the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 74mm 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. Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 460g, 38% (285g) lighter than the Venus 105mm F2's weight of 745g.
Filter Threads
The Venus 105mm F2 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a 62mm 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 Venus 105mm F2:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Venus 105mm F2 and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Venus 105mm F2 is also available in Sony E , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF2 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
105mm but while Venus 105mm F2 has the fastest aperture of
F2, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.