Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch MSRP
$1,199- Weight
- 1,210g
- Filter
- ⌀86mm
- Min focus
- 0.85m
- Max mag.
- 0.12×
- Formula
- 14E / 12G
- Released
- 2018
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x SLD
- 1x Aspherical
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Aperture range
- f/1.4 — f/16
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 1,210g
- ⌀ × length
- 94.7 × 152.2mm
- Filter
- ⌀86mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 7.5 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.85m
- Max magnification
- 0.12× (1:8.5)
Optical character
Sigma's 2016 85/1.4 Art was designed to be the sharpest portrait lens on the market, and it resolves eyelash-level detail at f/1.4 while keeping the out-of-focus areas smooth. The native E-mount version arrived in 2018 with support for Sony's AF-C and Eye AF.
It is a big lens: 1,210g, 152mm long and an 86mm filter. This is a different optical design from the much smaller 85mm F1.4 DG DN that replaced it, and it renders with a slightly softer, more classic falloff in the background.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers measured outstanding centre and very good corner sharpness wide open, with low longitudinal CA and attractive, creamy bokeh. Vignetting at f/1.4 is visible but typical for the class, and flare is well controlled.
The weight is the main criticism, and on Sony bodies the HSM focusing is accurate but slower than the FE 85mm F1.4 GM and the later DG DN. Some testers noted a small amount of cat's-eye bokeh towards the corners wide open.
Owner sentiment
Portrait and wedding shooters describe the results as excellent and often prefer the rendering to cheaper 85s. Eye AF works reliably on the native E version, and owners say the images need little correction.
The complaints are almost always about size and weight over a full day, the 86mm filter size, and the lens hood's bulk. Many owners moved to the 630g DG DN once it launched.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Very sharp at f/1.4
- +Smooth, creamy bokeh
- +Low longitudinal CA
- +Dust and splash resistant
- +Native Eye AF support
Weaknesses
- −1,210g and 152mm long
- −86mm filters
- −No aperture ring
- −AF slower than linear-motor 85s
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.2
- Bokeh Rendering
- 9.0
- Autofocus Speed
- 7.5
- Flare Resistance
- 8.2
- Build / Sealing
- 8.6
- Value / Size
- 8.0
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Category | Short Telephoto |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 |
| Construction | 14 elements in 12 groups |
| Special elements | 2x SLD · 1x Aspherical · Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) |
| Minimum focus | 0.85m |
| Max magnification | 0.12× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 1,210g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 94.7 × 152.2mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀86mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2018 |
| Launch MSRP | $1,199 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- sigma-global.com/en/lenses/a016_85_14/
- briansmith.com/sigma-fe-fullframe-e-mount-lenses/
- photographyblog.com/news/sigma_announces_pricing_for_seven_new_sony_e_mount_art
Similar focal length alternatives
- VS85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs AF 85mm F1.8
- VS85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs 85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO
- VS85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art vs 85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC
- 7Artisans
AF 85mm F1.8
85mmF1.8- WT
- 438g
- FLT
- ⌀62mm
- MFD
- 0.80m
- MSRP
- $299
AFRING·DC - Laowa
85mm f/5.6 2X Ultra Macro APO
85mmF5.6- WT
- 291g
- FLT
- ⌀46mm
- MFD
- 0.16m
- MSRP
- $449
MFRING - Samyang/Rokinon
85mm F1.4 AS IF UMC
85mmF1.4- WT
- 570g
- FLT
- ⌀72mm
- MFD
- 1.10m
- MSRP
- $299
MFRING
