Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch MSRP
$1,599- Weight
- 1,720g
- Filter
- ⌀105mm
- Min focus
- 1.00m
- Max mag.
- 0.12×
- Formula
- 17E / 12G
- Released
- 2018
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 3x FLD
- 2x SLD
- 1x Aspherical
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Aperture range
- f/1.4 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 1,720g
- ⌀ × length
- 115.9 × 157.5mm
- Filter
- ⌀105mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.3 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 1.00m
- Max magnification
- 0.12× (1:8.3)
Optical character
Nicknamed the "Bokeh Master", Sigma's 105/1.4 is built around a 105mm front filter and a large front element that keeps out-of-focus highlights round well towards the frame edges. Its background blur is about as smooth as anything available for Sony E, and it is sharp enough at f/1.4 to make that blur usable rather than dreamy.
The cost is mass: 1,720g, a supplied tripod socket, and a hood the size of a coffee can. It is a lens for planned portrait sessions and stage work, not travel.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found excellent sharpness from f/1.4, very low longitudinal CA thanks to the FLD and SLD glass, and bokeh quality that ranks with the best portrait lenses ever made. Cat's-eye effects in the corners are milder than in most fast teles.
Every review raises the weight and front-heavy balance, and notes that the HSM AF is accurate but not fast. The lens was later overshadowed on Sony by the FE 135mm GM and Sigma's lighter mirrorless designs.
Owner sentiment
Owners love the subject separation and describe its portraits as instantly recognisable. Eye AF on the native E version is dependable for posed work, and the tripod foot is welcome on a lens this heavy.
The complaints are predictable: weight, the huge hood and expensive 105mm filters, and the amount of attention it draws. Several owners say it stays home unless the shoot is planned around it.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Exceptionally smooth bokeh
- +Sharp at f/1.4
- +Very low colour fringing (3x FLD, 2x SLD)
- +Dust and splash resistant
- +Tripod socket included
Weaknesses
- −1,720g and front-heavy
- −105mm filters
- −No aperture ring
- −AF adequate rather than fast
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.3
- Bokeh Rendering
- 9.6
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.3
- Flare Resistance
- 8.3
- Build / Sealing
- 8.8
- Value / Size
- 7.8
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 105mm |
| Category | Short Telephoto |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Special elements | 3x FLD · 2x SLD · 1x Aspherical · Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) |
| Minimum focus | 1.00m |
| Max magnification | 0.12× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 1,720g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 115.9 × 157.5mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀105mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Launch MSRP | $1,599 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- sigma-global.com/en/lenses/a018_105_14/
- briansmith.com/sigma-fe-fullframe-e-mount-lenses/
Similar focal length alternatives
- VS105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs 105mm f/2 Smooth Trans Focus (STF)
- VS105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art
- VS105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm F2.5
- Laowa
105mm f/2 Smooth Trans Focus (STF)
105mmF2- WT
- 745g
- FLT
- ⌀67mm
- MFD
- 0.90m
- MSRP
- $699
MFRING·DC - SigmaArt
105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art
105mmF2.8- WT
- 710g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.29m
- MSRP
- $799
AFWRRING·DC - VoigtlanderAPO-Lanthar
Macro APO-Lanthar 110mm F2.5
110mmF2.5- WT
- 771g
- FLT
- ⌀58mm
- MFD
- 0.35m
- MSRP
- $1,099
MFRING
