The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 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 an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 is the longer of the two lenses at 138mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 50mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 also has a larger diameter of 101mm compared to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's 86mm diameter.
The 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725g, 39% (475g) lighter than the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4's weight of 1200g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM 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.
Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 85mm and the fastest aperture of F1.4.