Photography gear briefs & discussion links
Sigma's mirrorless 85mm f/1.4 Art prime, from 2020. Launched at $1,199 (US). Who it suits: portrait and wedding photographers on Sony E or L-Mount.
Why it exists. Sigma calls the lens a "reinvention of the definitive fast-aperture portrait prime that pairs class-leading optical performance with a compact, dust-and splash-proof design" (Sigma America release).
It was designed for mirrorless mounts, at 625 g on Sony E, with an 11-blade aperture.
Who should buy it? Sony E and L-Mount portrait photographers who want f/1.4 at a moderate launch price.
Sigma America announced the lens on August 6, 2020, at $1,199 in the US (Sigma America).
It uses 15 elements in 11 groups and a stepping motor. Specs below are from Sigma Global.
Key specs for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art, from Sigma Global and Sigma America. Source for each row in brackets.
| Format / range | Full-frame mirrorless, 85mm, f/1.4; Sony E and L-Mount [Sigma Global] |
|---|---|
| Optics | 15 elements in 11 groups [Sigma Global] |
| Aperture | 11 rounded blades; minimum f/16 [Sigma Global] |
| Filters | 77mm [Sigma Global] |
| Build | Dust and splash-proof [Sigma America] |
| Weight | 625 g (Sony E) [Sigma Global] |
| Announced / price | August 6, 2020; $1,199 (US) [Sigma America] |
Six photos taken with the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art, shared on Flickr and Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Sigma: Launched at $1,199 in 2020 (US).
Who it's for: Sony E and L-Mount portrait and wedding photographers who want f/1.4 without a flagship price.
Comparing portrait lenses? See our Lenses by purpose guide.
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