Sigma 322965 85mm F1.4 DG DN | A For Sony E, Black

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The latter issue is no longer a problem with modern highest-end mirrorless AF systems, such as on the Sony A9-series and even the crop-sensor A6600. Their AF systems, combined with the powerful stepper motor and the decently lightweight optics of the Sigma 85mm 1.4 DN, make low-light high-speed action photography a possibility, as long as 85mm is right for what you’re doing; it may very well be that you’re better off with either a 70-200mm f/2.8, or a longer lens like the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM. Landscape & Nature Photography The larger focus ring has no hard stops but has a very nice resistance and the rubber finish it has feels better than the metal one on the Sony and easier to turn.

The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art weighs 630g/ 22.2oz., with a filter size of 77mm and a body length of 94.1mm/ 3.7in.*. Designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras, it has a “large lens diameter and superb optical performance” and “a lightweight and compact body,” a combination which has long been difficult to achieve. Were those Sigma Art lenses worth it? Yes, they were flawlessly sharp, if that’s what you’re asking. However, they were almost more trouble than they were worth, especially to any photographer who expected primes to be a portable, lightweight alternative to their big heavy full-frame zooms. Sunstars have never been high on Sigma’s priority list and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is no exception. The eleven not perfectly aligned aperture blades result in rather fuzzy sunstars with 22 rays. This is a portrait lens though, so complaining about sunstars is a bit unfair. Coma I believe that a beginner photographer benefits from a lighter and more versatile lens. A possible alternative for an enthusiast would be the nifty fifty. It’s easy to use and gives the most flexible range of focal lengths you use most often. Good examples include the 50mm f/1.8, as seen in Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM or a Nikon 50mm f/1.8D. Another comparable lens is also by Canon—the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.This Canon has the same bulky feeling as the Sigma, but the quality of the bokeh and image sharpness are unbeatable. Take note, it costs three times more than the Sigma.I've got the jpgs open on my desktop and the Sony has more contrast than the Sigma in the centre. No doubt about it. Sharpness is not really an optical term so maybe we are talking at cross purposes. The Sony has better contrast - the edges are better defined, so it has better acutance than the Sigma. I am not talking about resolution - perhaps you are. If you think the Sony is more contrasty but the Sigma has higher resolution then that distinction needs to be spelled out, because resolution without contrast will never shine in a print. Sunstars are noticeable by f/5.6, and beautifully well-defined by f/8, thanks to the fast wide-open aperture, however, the 11 rounded blades usually result in 22-point, open-ended sunstars, instead of needle-point sunstars of older manual focus lenses.

Wide open, the center and midframe already look very good to excellent. The corners are a little bit softer wide open, but still very usable. At f/2 contrast is a bit higher and the corners look very good now. The corners improve a bit further at f/2.8. Peak performance is reached at f/4-5.6. When stopping down further diffraction becomes visible. When it comes to choosing which prime (or zoom) is perfect for you as a portrait photographer, I used to only recommend investing in the one focal length you would use the most, so that you can get a high-end f/1.4 or f/1.2 prime, and then “fill the gaps” with more affordable, portable f/1.8 or slower primes. One last point that we discovered during these tests. One of these lenses is not a true 85mm. Basically, the Sigma is visibly longer in reach than the Sony, this isn’t necessarily a pro or a con just something to keep in mind. Minimum focus distance (sharpness close up)

The performance at infinity is very good from wide open, so I would not hesitate to use the lens wide open when needed. At f/4 the lens peaks and the performance is outstanding all the way into the corners. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | f/4 (panorama) Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | f/4 Portrait distance In addition to five SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements and one aspherical lens, the 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art has incorporated the latest high refractive index glass, which works to thoroughly correct aberrations that cannot be handled by the correction functionality on the camera side. With a particular emphasis given to the correction of axial chromatic aberration, users will enjoy sharp images with no color bleeding, all the way up to the maximum aperture of F1.4. In the field the flare resistance barely bothered me though, with the sun more in the center ghosting is less of an issue. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | f/11 Sunstars Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art | f/11 Besides these points there are only positive things to notice like the almost APO like correction of chromatic aberrations, very nice bokeh and outstanding sharpness. Due to the limited size and weight the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is not a specialty lens of which you think twice before bringing it, but a fast portrait lens that easily finds its way into your bag. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM for Sony E-Mount is one of the first in a new range of native Sigma lenses dedicated to Sony's full-frame range of mirrorless cameras.