Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG ART lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)

Sigma like to make monstrously impressive lenses and here is another one of them, in its own way - is it really the Portrait Lens To End All Portrait Lenses?
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link) (Be sure to get the right lens for your camera system):
geni.us/sigma105mmf14
All pictures taken by me on Canon 6D, and Sony a7R II and a5100 cameras.
Support me on Patreon! / christopherfrost
Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):
Canon EOS R5: geni.us/CanonEOSR5Body
Canon EF-RF Adaptor: geni.us/CanonEFtoRF
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art': geni.us/Sigma50mm14Art
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM: geni.us/CanonRF35mm18Macro
Marumi Fit and Slim CPL Filter: geni.us/MarumiFitSlim77
AudioTechnica AT2020USB+ Microphone: geni.us/AT2020USBPlusMic
Rode Smartlav+ Microphone: geni.us/RodeSmartLavalierPlus
Rode SC3 adapter: geni.us/RodeSC3MicAdaptor
Zoom H1n Recorder: geni.us/ZoomH1nMiniRecorder
DJI Mini 2 Drone: geni.us/DJIMini2FlyMore
Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@chef_maruf]

You're the best lens reviewer on KZbin for me without any question.

[@TakeAssisAssDown]

The only thing that I would criticize is that he doesn´t share RAW Files.

[@paulhills1967]

Agreed

[@KidWiz3]

I agree, he goes further in depth than anyone else, imo.

[@LukusMaxamus]

100%

[@johanmollevik2276]

Definatly agreed

[@momchilminkov5722]

I bought 2 lenses following your recommendations. The conclusions you reached were correct and I'm happy with how lenses perform. Your channel is useful. Keep up the good work.

[@Stop-All-War]

Specifically, which 2x Lenses, maybe useful for others to know. 👍🏻

[@BachPhotography]

What a superb lens! It's also cool to see your progression as a photographer and how good your sample photos are getting as well Christopher

[@michaelscaplis]

Awesome lens. Sigma lenses are becoming better and better. When determining if a lens is sharp or not, your channel is one of the few I use as reference as you actually demonstrate the sharpness (or lack thereof). Others just “claim” it’s sharp or soft.

[@zvxcvxcz]

Yeah, Chris' reviews are great. Check out Dustin Abbott as well though, he also usually shows some critical comparisons, but he doesn't do it in as systematic of a way, so it's harder to compare across all his lens reviews.

[@ComputersHowtos]

Thanks for this. i love your videos because of your consistency to test all the lenses the same way. Keep it comming Chris!

[@stevemurrayphotos]

Another great review, Chris, really appreciate the effort you go to. Looks like I should start saving up !!

[@vitnovak]

Another great review, thanks for that! I'm in love with Sigma ART lenses for a while now, got 24, 50 and 85 and considering the 135. I can't believe how good they are and for the price, it's out of this world :-) This can't stay the same for ever, I guess we're lucky we live in the time you can get lens like this for $1000 (at least here in Czech Republic :-) ).

[@EpicureMammon]

Thank you for showing how quick the focus motor is!

[@Leo9ine]

THANK you for testing this. A lot of us have been waiting 2+ years for DXOmark to test it and it seems they never will. So glad someone has some repeatable test results.

[@sergioserramusic]

That's an astonishing performance!

[@janeholst6992]

"For many photographers bokeh is almost all that really matters" Haha you nailed it Chris!

[@christopherfrost]

Horses for courses :-)

[@bhhunter3407]

Thanks for this review. i have invested in sigma art lenses for my sony a7r4 over sony lenses, and very happy thanks.

[@madejeffri]

I've been waiting for you to made this video!

[@vpr5562]

Chris, you mentioned eos m3 but the subs were for a5000 Sony. And a Great review!!!!!

[@gunterdressler8988]

Great review, as always!

[@rdkevin7729]

How did you find the autofocus with the outer points on the Canon 6d? I have had issues in the past with poor focus on the outer points with the center being the only sharp one with some third party lenses. Thank you for your reviews, truly a great resource for us photography nerds.

[@understandingfactor]

Ok, so we need the comparison between 85, 105, 135 Sigma's art lenses! Personaly, I got 35 and 85.

[@YelloNation]

Manny Ortiz has one

[@shaolin95]

105mm bokeh cannot be touched. I sold 85mm and 135mm after getting the 105mm. I just need a sigma 200mm f2 now

[@vinzaputra]

O my,,, crazy sharp even at full open aperture 😲

[@julius1972100]

Greetings from the Philippines... Very nice and concise review as usual. Hope u can review also the mitakon 85mm f 1.2. More power to your channel and Godbless 🙏🏼🙏🏼😊😊

[@ravikantsjadhav]

Superb review as always...

[@dominiclester3232]

Yet another great review, thanks. We get used to seeing your little town and your pretty wife, but I have to say the one of her looking out of the window is beyond attractive, bravo!

[@CJamesPhoto]

Nice Review man! iv had mine now for a couple of weeks for Nikon, its a pretty awesome lens and loving it! 😀

[@clairesophia3569]

Do you use this lens on Crop sensor??

[@Crysmeth_]

Great review Christopher. Now that the Samyang 85mm f1.4 AF is out. What are your thoughts over these 2 lenses ? I own the sigma and am considering selling it for the samyang but on the fence because I just love the images it produces and would miss it dearly. Only problem is that the len’s weight has put me off a couple of times on my travels and I am looking for a lighter 85 and a 1.4 but not keen to splurge on the Sony GM.

[@rajam.yassin5152]

always fantastic, your vids are crucial

[@markdbey]

So it's sharper than the 135!!?? Man... I was hoping not... Lol I own the 35mm, and the 135mm art lens' and the latter is my FAVORITE lens EVER! I had the 85 art but sold it and have been thinking of getting the 105...Now I NEED the 105!! Thanks for the review! I've been waiting for this!

[@rockapejv]

He said the 135 was slightly sharper.

[@rock3times]

@@rockapejv yes, he did say 135 is a bit sharper but splitting hair emphasized here.

[@jeremyspal78]

Wow I'm saving now to get this for my Sony a7iii

[@matiastolosah8182]

Hey Chris! great to have a new review bro! gotta question, can you review the 24-70 f/2.8 G2 tamron lens? keep it up ith the good work bro!

[@christopherfrost]

I'm going to see if I can borrow one soon

[@REZrblde]

I said previously that this lens is the biggest "small" lens ive seen so far,till i saw the new Canon RF 28-70mm F2 few days ago.

[@simonwalter7142]

Greta review, Chris. That looks like a bloody good lens. You could tell just from the first portraits you showed. Bit too pricey for me though.

[@HelpfulLockPicker]

Stop tempting me to buy more lenses, lol. You helped me decide to recently get the Sigma 18-35 F1.8. Thank you for everything you do!

[@christopherfrost]

Such a nice lens, the 18-35

[@christopherfrost]

Such a nice lens, the 18-35

[@FOTOESTUDIOEVOLUCION]

thanks, very good explanation

[@harraldschmitt9113]

.i have a question: i have been researching the topic of uv-filters for a while now and i simply cannot get a definitve answer, weather you should or shouldnt use them or if they even do anything

[@EETSTHECREATOR]

How do I read that sharpness diagram? Whats it called, can someone drop a link to any KZbin tutorial? Thanks

[@riccardoarenatrazzi]

Hi Cristopher, can you review Canon 85mm f/1.4 L IS?

[@Pertti456]

Hi Chris, great content! Are you considering to review the new Tamron 70-210? That would be interesting for many people, I would imagine...

[@christopherfrost]

I do hope to test that sometime soon :-)

[@BlackEagle352]

My god, look at that front element!

[@HKG5sentsp]

The broken bokeh ball was caused due to the EF mount camera design The mirror mechanism design in 6d 5d3 5d4 camera would block some light coming from corners

[@jakubtravnik2286]

At 6:58, you are showing a bokeh on a picture of statue and blurred background. All the out of focus highlights have bottom cut off so it looks like you have shot it with EFCS and high shutter speed (it starts to show up at 1/1000s and at 1/8000s it can be quite strong on my A7III, but cut off is still gradual) which is not ideal for showing bokeh. Switch to mechanical shutter or fully electronic shutter (if slow read speed does not matter like on tripod) for bokeh tests. Anyway, I'm always enjoying your reviews.

[@christopherfrost]

Interesting, I'll look into that :-)

[@fischek]

thanks for pushing me over the edge :) I bow to you dear Sir :)

[@christopherfrost]

I wish I could afford one of these babies ;-)

[@PossMcLeod]

Found it! haha. Didn't realise it had a 135mm V 105mm comparison, nice touch and just what I wanted! Upgrading my 85mm Art to the 105! Weeeeeeeeeeee!

[@BrianSFischer]

Got one, Love it!

[@Angelusformal]

Hi Chris, hope you doing well and read this , could you please make a review on sigma 105 macro , I bought one but I feel it’s not sharp at all , I might be wrong , before I used canon100mm macro the one without OM and this one has and yet it’s not sharp , wish to watch your review, thanks .

[@ProjectOverseer]

I own this lens. Its outstandingly good.

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you.

[@TheMetalButcher]

4:22 This might be the first time the letters in that hanging lamp are readable. I can't read them, but perhaps someone else can.

[@coffeemachines]

BIG THANKS !!

[@suryaalways8141]

How does this lens with the sony aps-c camera?

[@NuanDaa]

I have nikon d7100 what’s the best portrait lens for it?

[@cy9nvs]

1.5 KILOS what the...... 🤯 Alright, I thought it was kinda silly, but the tripod foot does actually seem to make sense. 😂 Great video as always, I'm in the process of switching from the Fuji X-H2 to the Nikon Z8, and I think this would be a great lens to replace my Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 with.

[@dionamuh]

Apparently adapters can ruin corner sharpness, for some reason. Sigma is releasing an adapted E-mount version themselves next month. It'd be interesting to see if they can get better corner sharpness out of it.

[@houdiinii]

www.lensrentals.com/blog/2014/06/the-glass-in-the-path-sensor-stacks-and-adapted-lenses/ This article is quite interesting to read. It addresses the impact of the glass thickness over the sensor. Not the glass of the lens but a small piece a few mm thick directly over the sensor. The lens designers take this into consideration and when you adapt a lens designed for one sensor (e.g. canon), it sometimes performs worse on a different sensor stack (e.g. sony).

[@mikewhiles4635]

Awesome BUT as a full time pro photographer said too me, 'Sigma AF will let you down' when discussing a Sigma 35 1.4art that I was considering purchasing. Went Zeiss instead.....

[@aliefabdurrahman3302]

Sony a5100 or Canon eos M3? At 4:58 i see word is Sony a5100.

[@clfeuillet]

6:58 your bokeh is cut in half because of front curtain electronic shutter. Deactivate it and you will have full bokeh rings. (electronic curtain starts to cut bokeh at 1/1000 and is very noticeable at 1/4000 - 8000 ! so bokeh on this image is not representative !

[@bebarkhidir5732]

You make the best reviews but i dont know why you dont turn on the corrections

[@rafikhan5334]

Sigma 105mm 1.4f vs Sony GM 135mm 1.8f, which one produce better bokeh?

[@InterMaus]

Now with your brand new investment, you could test and compare to the Nikon version of this lens. Not that i'll have the money for either of them in thr near future, but i would be very interested in your take on them.

[@themarksmanABP]

Hey Chris. I have the 7d mkii for action & the 85mm Art which I love. How do you feel this 105mm would perform for action such as dog photography & sports? I also have the 135mm Art. If I picked up the 105 then I would probably sell the others. Thanks

[@christopherfrost]

It'll be a start but you'll probably get on better with the 135mm

[@chrisklugh]

150mm f1 on the m43 could be an interesting thing to test...

[@Freezon14]

I want this lens 😍😍😍

[@TreParker2016]

Please review Sony e mount 105mm totally different experience

[@JetBen555]

now thats a big gun

[@AwakeTours]

Beautiful :) QUESTION : I see you are shooting outside.. do u have a ND Filter to allow it to go down to 1.4? struggling with this outside thanks :)

[@iancurrie8844]

That depends on if you're shooting in the shade and what the max shutter speed of your camera is. On 6D: probably. On a 5D: maybe not. Since this is an EF lens, I'd suggesting getting the RF adapter with the built in ND filter (and/or cpl) so that the filter is between the lens and camera body and then you never need to worry about it again.

[@julius1972100]

Nice review as always Chris...just want to ask which has a shallower background blur between sigma 105 1.4 and 135 1.8? Which is better between the two lenses wide open? Thank you very much sir

[@christopherfrost]

Well the 104mm will give you slightly blurrier backgrounds, just slightly

[@julius1972100]

Thank you Chris... Godbless you always brother🙏🏼🙏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@crismi144]

Thank you for this great review. Please Christopher do you know where i can find a filter for this lens? Have a great day

[@christopherfrost]

eBay, Amazon etc.

[@shaolin95]

For ND I suggest the firecrest filter. For polarizer I live the breakthrough photography x4

[@davidteer80]

Can you please post a link for the camera chart you are using. I have been looking for it

[@christopherfrost]

It's my own secret recipe I'm afraid :-)

[@sultanfathelrahman]

I have to say thank you so much

[@hasanbokra]

#frost can u compare it with Canon 200mm f2 vs 105mm art

[@andreasrochow5170]

What is the significance of the three black stickers on the lens hood, next to the distance scale and at the base of the lens?

[@christopherfrost]

I'm covering up ID stickers from the lens hire company, as I'm not sponsored by them.

[@andreasrochow5170]

I see, thanks. I really appreciate your videos. Your "highly recommended" has determined my purchase decision several times. When will you test the SONY E 4/10-18 OSS (SEL1018) lens? I am curious whether you, a wide-angle enthusiast, will like it and you will recommend it. Best regards A.

[@christopherfrost]

I bought one copy for testing but its optics were misaligned, so I sent it back. In a few months I will try again

[@jaegerschtulmann]

Christopher Frost's voice reminds me of one of those automated voice assistants like Alexa or Siri but the male version.

[@elghaziz]

Can you please make an update on this lens with the R versions. Mostly the autofocus during video work !

[@ritrattoaziendale]

Dunno about video AF, but with my R6 the lens is working like a charm (of course via the proper adapter), AF is snappy and precise both in Single and Servo AF

[@pspr33]

I'd love to try a bokeh panorama shot with this lens!

[@bogeyboy4044]

I am not a pro but I am considering the eos r because I don't have a full frame. My current camera is a Canon 7D witch I love I don't care how old it is. I am interested in the eos r but have read posts of poor ef adapters with sigma. Is this true?

[@christopherfrost]

Don't know I'm afraid, haven't tested

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Does anyone own this or the 85mm for Canon. I so want to buy one but I’m so afraid of the poor AF performance I hear about. Anyone who have poor performance on Canon bodies? Thank you

[@HS-fk6hb]

With 2*2x teleconverter 420mm f/5.6 Full-Frame!!

[@JinXing]

sadly, it isn't compatible with any tele converters.

[@localsolutions5972]

Hello.i bought this lens.but u said that stoping down lens make lens sharper.as 1.4 is very narrow.i miss every shoot.so if we shoot at 2.8 then why we buying this.it is better to use 70 200 2.8. I m not happy.and i m using this sigma on crop body nikon d7100. As it will behave well on full frame?

[@christopherfrost]

I don't even know where to start with all that

[@julius1972100]

I just want to ask which lens has more blurry background? An 85 1.2 lens or a 105 1.4 lens. Thank you

[@christopherfrost]

The 105mm IMO although its very close - it's worth noting that they'll give you different kinds of 'blurry backgrounds' due to the different perspective

[@julius1972100]

Christopher Frost Photography thank you very much. Keep up the good work

[@shaolin95]

The 85mm 1.2 is very soft wide open and bokeh is not as smooth at least compared to the much better Sony 85mm 1.4 GM. So I would vote for the 105mm 1.4

[@julius1972100]

shaolin95 thank you for the information sir... Godbless you😊

[@clairesophia3569]

Hi Chris!! Can you please help me. I wonder if I can use this Len for my Nikon DX D500 body cropped sensor? Thank you so much for answered in advance...

[@christopherfrost]

If you get the Nikon version, yes

[@clairesophia3569]

@@christopherfrost Thank you so much! Yes I got Nikon D500 body. Saving money for this lens🤩

[@clairesophia3569]

@@christopherfrost Thank you so much for answering my questions 🙏

[@WeddingStoriesByRakesh]

Which are your top 5 sharpest lenses? Please include some versatile zooms too

[@jed1546]

Rakesh Lokegaonkar he's already made a video on this topic

[@kylefcb1]

That's a big lens.

[@lorenzofortunati]

Isnt the bokeh a bit nervous?

[@AlSo-Fotografie]

works great with my new Canon R6, tack sharp and the af works better then with my Canon 6d mark ii

[@DIGITALSCREAMS]

How does this lens compare to the 85mm f1.4 in terms of sharpness?

[@christopherfrost]

They're both absolutely fantastic

[@slr7075]

That's a bad boy for sure.

[@toraibo5919]

Which lens is the better "allround lens": Sigma 18-35 f1.8 or Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS? (Or would you consider another lens?)

[@houdiinii]

I chose the 17-50 f2.8 OS. It is much cheaper and has a wider zoom range. 35mm is just not enough as an allround lens for me.

[@s87343jim]

It depends on your shooting style. I would go back to your photos to see which focal range you have been using the most. As an "all round lens" then it is the Sigma f2.8 zoom. Also, the 18-35mm f1.8 is huge. It gets a bit front heavy if you use a smaller camera.

[@lalitdewangan2870]

comparison to Canon 85mm f/1.2, which bokeh did you like more?

[@christopherfrost]

Definitely the Sigma

[@lalitdewangan2870]

@@christopherfrost thankyou

[@hirschkuh1982]

All Art lenses are the absolutely best lenses on the market. But very expensive :(

[@ouan.wichan]

How’s the quality compare with sigma 135mm 1.8?

[@christopherfrost]

Almost as good

[@testthewest123]

1:53 About that UV-Filter: Can you elaborate on this? Most videos I have seen to date tell us that we don't need UV-Filters anymore.

[@christopherfrost]

Look a bit further down the comments, there's been a brief discussion

[@marioarias9942]

To protect the front elements

[@brandonj8018]

please review the following lenses? 85mm 1.4L IS 35mm 1.4L II Tamron 24-70 g2

[@christopherfrost]

At least two of those are coming at some stage

[@godz2928]

I hope someday somehow i can afford this lens and the 135 and the 85

[@mofi3641]

at 1:25 the boke in the transition zone isn't so good.

[@adrianlewis799]

Well this video surprised me. I’ve been a subscriber to you channel for some time and have never needed to question your conclusions. Until now . . . You state the 135mm Art is the sharper than the 105 Art. I wonder of you tested the 135 against the 85mm Art. I have both and the 135 is not as sharp as the 85 by a substantial degree. I wonder how a three way comparison would turn out between the 105, 135 and 85mm lenses.

[@rock3times]

The 85mm is marred by color fringing albeit it is correctible by post..

[@aldrindetablan4358]

"i'm hugh mungus" - sigma 105 f1.4 art

[@SubodhKhanal]

hahaha. that wicked girl will come after you

[@riveraluciano]

Humongous what????

[@christopherfrost]

HOW DARE YOU YOU CISGENDER MISOGYNISTIC NEANDERTHAL PATRIARCHAL OBJECTIFYING etc etc ;-)

[@IsaiahNarisma]

@@christopherfrost wow i love you even more LMAO

[@bhargavpa5774]

EOS M3 or Sony A5100? @4:56

[@christopherfrost]

Oops! Well-spotted - I got my camera systems confused. The APS-C test was on my EOS M3 - NOT the a5100.

[@bhargavpa5774]

@@christopherfrost that's alright both r aps-c... BTW great review and I've been following u since years... Thank u so much

[@keithspillett7312]

Great review, as always. I wonder if you'd be prepared to answer a question for me, as you DO own a Sony A5100? How well does it auto focus when combined with an adapted Canon lens?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, I own an a5100 - I use it for testing Sony (and other mirrorless) lenses. As for AF, it depends on the adaptor and the lens, I'm afraid. I've had the most luck with my Sigma MC-11 adaptor, and some lenses work better than others

[@keithspillett7312]

@@christopherfrost Many thanks.

[@stevenpam]

Very impressive, but now I want to see the Lockpicking Lawyer review a lens, and you try to pick a lock.

[@christopherfrost]

?

[@stevenpam]

@@christopherfrost I can't be the only one here who watches both channels!

[@lazerman121]

Got plans to do the 16mm F1.4?

[@christopherfrost]

Sometime, yes

[@lazerman121]

If you still have it you should Use your new Standard Sharpness chart on the Samyang 16mm f2 and compare the Sigma to it.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

I considered this, but since I already own the 85mm, couldn’t justify the expense

[@petersuvara]

I have the 50 1.4, but not sure which one to hit. 85 1.2 Nikon Z or this. Massive price difference...

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Can you pls make it a standard part of your lens review to pass the lens infront of the sun, so that we can see and you can comment on how it deals with sun flairing/backlight subjects. You used to do this in some lens reviews but you it is not consistent. And it is an important factor when choosing a lens for outside work; esp. for portraits.

[@christopherfrost]

I already do a flaring test in front of an extremely bright LED light, in the darkness. That's a far better standardized way of testing

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@christopherfrost Tnx for the reply Chris; if you do such a test why do you not show us or report about it? Several lenses (e.g. Sigma 120-300, 135, 85, Canon 135) you reviewed have very little to non-commentary to that effect. And since I have your ear is there a lens you found that is better/best for shooting against bright lights? Maybe an idea for a future vide; e.g. instead or in addition to your usual sharpest/best IQ lenses video, you could do one for better flair handing lenses and/or fastest auto-focusing lenses. I think we are entering an era where most lenses are relatively sharp so other attributes (like flair handling, AF speed) are becoming as, if not more, important. Tnx in advance for your your answer and superb works.

[@christopherfrost]

@@dimitristsagdis7340 I do 'report about it': 06:26. I checked the other videos you mentioned, and they all talk about the lens's performance against bright light too, except the Sigma 120-300.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@christopherfrost tnx Chris since you mentioned the 105 I'll take it as an example: the section about direct light occupies 10 seconds. Sharpness is almost 3.5 minutes and distortion close to a minute. Passing the lens in front of a strong artificial light in the night with brief commentary (how many words can you fit in 10 sec) gives less than an inkling about how this lens performs in direct sunlight or with backlit subjects. In some of your other reviews there is a bit more (e.g. some backlight photo) and in others like the 120-300 you also mention there is none as you agreed. So my point was to also include the performance of a lens in direct sunlight because that is an equally important part; give it at least as much space as distortion and make that as consistent and thorough as you do with your other aspects of IQ testing. In my mind how a lens handles direct light is a much more important characteristic than distortion (unless one is talking about architectural lenses). As one can fix distortion relatively easy in post and or while shooting; but flaring, ghosting, veiling, rainbow rays... are much harder to fix in post and/or control while shooting. Keep up the good work.

[@christopherfrost]

@@dimitristsagdis7340 Thank you for your feedback. To be honest, you're the only person to ever ask that I spend more time talking about work against bright lights - I think the short section about it in my reviews is enough. All the best

[@MrHop6]

will this work on 5dmarkiii and eosR?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes

[@MrHop6]

thank you😎

[@Badonicus]

What do you think of the Canon R?

[@christopherfrost]

Looks amazing - especially the lenses and the autofocus system - but I need full-frame 4k video coverage, IBIS, and eye-AF, so I'm happy to stick with my Sony a7R II :-) (which is also a lot smaller, and has a 42mp resolution)

[@aaronobrien7821]

Christopher Frost Photography the canon has eye af

[@shaolin95]

@@aaronobrien7821 so does the Panasonic but neither is even remotely as good as the Sony one specially lacking continues tracking. And let's not forget 1 SD card slot. It's really little reason other than blind fanboyism to pick the Canon over a Sony when the sony is superior unless you really need the articulated screen