Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art review – Sony portrait photographers NEED this lens

The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art lens has been reviewed by Amateur Photographer, commending its exceptional image quality and a reasonable size-price ratio. However, it is notably heavy and requires precision technique when used at its maximum aperture, f/1.2. Portrait photographers will find it particularly appealing due to its excellent sharpness, swift and silent autofocus, and smooth background blur.

The lens boasts several advantages, including superior sharpness even at f/1.2, fast and quiet autofocusing, and smooth background blur. Its drawbacks include a large and heavy design, shallow depth-of-field necessitating careful focus, and higher costs compared to Sony's native 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens.

For Sony E and L-Mount users, the Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art presents a greater maximum aperture at a lower cost than Sony's top-tier option. As part of the Art line, the lens prioritizes image quality, incorporating 17 elements in 12 groups, two SLD elements for chromatic aberration control, and three aspherical elements to correct aberrations while maintaining compactness. The lens features a floating focus system, minimizing focus breathing and reducing framing changes during focus shifts.

Notably absent is optical stabilization, relying on the camera's in-body stabilization instead. The lens includes an aperture ring with distinct clicks or a smooth adjustment, two customizable function buttons, and an AF/MF switch. Constructed to be dust and splash-resistant, it also sports a water and oil-repellent coating for added protection during outdoor shoots.