The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art hasn't been on the market long, only it has already begun to make some serious waves. Lenstip and DxO have rated it the sharpest 85mm lens ever created, beating out fifty-fifty the legendary 85mm F1.4 Zeiss Otus, which isn't something that we take lightly. We were lucky plenty to get our hands on the lens back in mid-November and we were very impressed to say the to the lowest degree, so much so that it took top honors for the 'All-time Prime Lens of 2016' equally chosen by our staff.

It has, without a doubt, been a pretty big topic of discussion not simply amongst our staff members, but also amidst portrait photographers around the world. With that said we simply had to become our hands on it to see how it really performs and to see how information technology holds up next to some very stiff competition at 85mm. The Sony Fe 85mm F1.4 GM is a very formidable competitor and arguably the best modern 85mm F1.4 on the marketplace (backside the manual focus Zeiss Otus, of course). With that in heed, the question is; can the Sigma agree its own? Our review will answer that question and more.

APS-C

With an equivalent focal length of 136mm and an equivalent aperture of F2.2, this lens tin be used on an APS-C camera. Even with its slightly longer focal length, it does still fit into the focal range that's oftentimes used past portrait photographers and the fast aperture does permit for it to be used in low-light situations as well. However, its size, weight and price makes it worth considering 85mm F1.8 lenses instead.

Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Fine art headline features

  • F1.iv maximum aperture
  • 85mm max stock-still focal range
  • 2 SLD glass elements
  • 1 aspherical chemical element
  • Canon EF, Nikon (FX) and Sigma SA Bayonet mounts

Specifications Compared

Sony Atomic number 26 85mm F1.4 GM Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
 MSRP $1800.00 $1199.00
 Lens Type Prime Prime
 Focal Length 85mm 85mm
 Filter Thread 77mm 86mm
Prototype Stabilization No No
Lens Mount Sony FE Canon EF, Nikon (FX), Sigma SA Bayonet
Aperture Ring Yep (w/ d-click feature) No
Maximum Aperture F1.4 F1.4
Minimum Discontinuity F16 F16
Minimum Focus 0.80 m (31.5″) 0.85 m (33.46″)
Diaphragm Blades xi ix
Elements 11 14
Groups viii 12
Special Elements/Coatings 1 'Farthermost Aspherical' chemical element, three ED elements and 'Nano AR' coating 2 SLD glass elements and 1 Aspherical chemical element
Autofocus Yes Yes
Motor Type Ring-type Supersonic Wave Band-type Hypersonic
Total Fourth dimension Transmission Yes Yeah
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No Aye
DoF Scale No Aye
Full Conditions Sealing Yep No (dust and splash proof)
Weight 820g (i.81 lb) 1131g (2.49 lb)
Dimensions 108 mm (4.23″) x 90mm (3.52″) 126mm (5.0") x 95mm (3.vii")
Hood  Yep ( ALC-SH142) Yes

As you can encounter the lenses are fairly different in terms of build and pattern. The Sony 85mm has a manual discontinuity ring that can non only function on its own, but the aperture can too exist adapted with the camera by switching the band to 'A'. This ring besides features a special de-click feature for smooth, silent aperture changes while shooting video. The Sigma 85mm lacks the weather sealing that the Sony has and there'south as well a fairly substantial difference in size and weight as the Sony 85mm is a fair bit smaller and lighter. The cost indicate is ane area of the where the Sigma really prevails over the Sony, on paper, at to the lowest degree.

Specifications are fun to look at, but the real question is how do these lenses perform? Read on, to find out.