Sigma's legendary Art-series portrait prime — reference-grade sharpness at f/1.4 that redefined third-party expectations.
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (2016) set a new standard for third-party portrait lenses. It matches or exceeds the sharpness of Canon and Nikon OEM 85mm f/1.4 primes at a fraction of the cost, with bokeh quality that rivals any lens in the class.
Sharpness is extraordinary even wide open — one of the sharpest 85mm lenses ever tested. 9-blade circular aperture produces gorgeous bokeh. HSM AF is fast and accurate. Build is solid but lacks weather sealing. 86mm filter thread is unusually large.
Canon EF mount version. Also available in Nikon F, Sony A. 86mm filter thread — expensive filters. 1130g — very heavy for a portrait prime. Internal focus. DG DN Art version for mirrorless is lighter at 630g.
Good used availability. Test AF accuracy at close and infinity distances — some copies need USB Dock calibration. The DG DN Art mirrorless version at 630g is worth seeking if you shoot mirrorless. The DSLR version remains a portrait benchmark.