Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Review

[@cmiller7299]

I'm glad you mentioned the lens used to film your dialogue! I was JUST about to comment, asking what was used as the bokeh looked rather different.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Carl Miller Yes, the Helios has a VERY unique bokeh signature.

[@endadonk3947]

helios

[@RobSoundtrack]

I was staring at that swirl just as you introduced your helios. Bravo!!! This review helped me a tooooon- as usual I stopped by because I recalled we have similar opinions on how glass should be, and I'm glad I did!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+RobSoundtrack Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the Helios look!

[@KenCheng]

yeah, my biggest gripe is with the CA, and truthfully, I don't reach for it much these days since picking up the Carl Zeiss 135mm F1.8 (for portraits)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Ken Cheng If CA really bugs you it is hard to top recent Zeiss optics.

[@johanlannek6274]

Great review! I really enjoy watching and reading the reviews that you do. Keep up the great work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Johan Lannek Will do, Johan. Thank you!

[@dlee13]

I was very close to buying this lens but I've decided to just save the money and wait till either the 85 Art is released or if Canon update their 85 f1.8 to the same quality as the 35 IS. I enjoyed the video and can't wait to see more :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hard to fault that. For your sake I hope one of those lenses comes sooner rather than later

[@bdenize1]

Noticed the bokeh of your video at first sight. I am a great fan of these Russian lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In the right setting it is very cool

[@Zmar.Photos]

i though it was green screen at first until he said the helios and i was like oh that makes sense lol, i own a helios 44-2, and a jupiter 9

[@rrrrrrtt1]

Dustin, can you please do a review of the recently released Tamron 85mm f1.8? Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+rrrrrrtt1 One is one its way to me as we speak :)

[@rrrrrrtt1]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@maxfactor4209]

what a nice lens. this is ultimate budget portrait lens. added to my wish list.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+max factor The new ART version was just announced and this one will be discontinued, so I'd wait to watch for cut prices. The ART version is huge!

[@dennisogden1546]

I guessed right off you where using the Helios. I have the 85 mm and the 50 mm versions. I had a problem with the screw on 50 mm mount it became fixed solid into the camera body. I had to use grips to release it. But here comes the silver lining. I purchased the cheaper none opp tic ( m 45 screw mount) The Helios require the M 45 mount allow optical correction to enable infinity focus The M45 adapters come with optical correction and without ...I replaced the the mount with the none optic version figuring it would be easier and safer if it jammed in to the camera again it would be easier and safer to remove using hole where the optic should be. Bingo for close focus of plants for instance the Bokeh is amazing ( no infinity so extra Bokeh!!!!) Dustin I sold off my Nikon 85mm G version f 1.8. Over priced.Not sure I would risk the Sigma...... my guess is if you had a bucket with an hole in it you find a way to make the picture look good, I love the effects, of the Helios, but buyer beware they take a lot of extra effort but so rewarding. One last point, your videos I enjoy and they do help me in making a purchase, Todays video at first gives you an appearance that was a little strange almost like you where superimposed onto a cartoon background. Check out the bird feeder, it tended to distract me a lot . Hope you don't mind the comments because I do enjoy your videos more so when you just show what you can achieve the lens. Have you done a video on the Helios 85 mm ?One last point if you are still reading The 85 mm is still being re manufactured /refurbished with a Nikon mount. The tip with the 50 mm f2 Helios I think you will enjoy, if you chose to try it. I got mine for the sum total of 40USD about £ 28 Its images are priceless.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+dennis ogden Thanks for all the feedback. I've never had such an issue with my Helios - it is an M42 mount. I've not yet tried the Helios 44 (85mm) but plan to in the future.

[@mudgie069]

Great review. I've also got the 44-2 Helios lens which I love. I'm thinking of either picking this up for my Nikon D750 or the Samyang 85mm f/1.4, I know chalk and cheese :) The reason I'm considering the Samyang is because I'll also use it with my Panasonic GX8 and I think the Samyang may work better on my GX8 than the Sigma with its focus ring. Give me good food for thought though.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Howie Mudge Glad to stir up the creative juices.

[@RizandroNapone]

Good review and good production value. Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@femtinoobera]

so i am a wedding photographer , i used to have the tamron 24-70 2.8 paired with a canon 6d which i got great shots with but i felt like switching to the prime lenses line up so i sold the tamron and got the 35mm 1.4 Art but i still cant decide to get this as my second lens mainly due to its age and considering rumors that sigma might release an art version real soon and i will compelled to change it. your thoughts ? is it still a very valid lens especially for weddings and some portraits ? or would you rather a 70-200 cos thats the next i have in mind

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Tolulope Obe I don't personally think that an ART version in imminent. This lens is too new, and even if it was replaced, I don't think there would be major optical changes. This lens is already pretty good.

[@femtinoobera]

+Dustin Abbott thanks. Ordered it this morning already, been hoping for an art line for 4 months- was quite excited when I saw your review was so recent, so my decision was made when I watched this video. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Tolulope Obe I think that is the right choice. If you decide to upgrade down the road you will have gotten use out of an excellent lens in the meantime.

[@cdave2006]

I am actually finding this lens very intersting now that the art came out. It is much lighter with only 735g and it's actually sharp enough for most use (i doubt to see a difference on a 5d mark ii). Do you think it is better to go for the tamron wich has vc or 1.4 is a big diffrence? Since I can find this old sigma for 500 boxes second handed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think this is still a very capable of lens, and the size is much more manageable. The Tamron is similar in size, so go with whichever you like.

[@sasha1505]

I really enjoy your videos, very informative. Just wanted to say that the music at the start of the videos is too loud. It always makes me cringe and turn down the volume as it drowns out your voice for the first bit.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Sash Working on that to try to get a balanced audio output. I think you'll find the next two better.

[@Photoeye65]

My will arrive next week. Thanks, Dustin.... 👍🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@Crewchief227]

If it's the old one in this video I would return it. Sigma introduced the Art version at Photokina yesterday.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Crewchief 227 True, but the ART version will be $300 more and probably weigh close to twice as much. It is a BIG lens. 86mm front element.

[@Galabsharma]

Could you please comparison video between this Sigma Art 85 1.4 and Canon RF 85 1.2 ??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Galab - this is actually the older EX lens, not the ART. I probably won't do another ART comparison, however, as I've already done comparisons with at least four other 85mm lenses and it actually isn't made in an RF mount.

[@viridianaserrano3453]

+Dustin Abbott Thank you for that quick reply. Yes, most reviews out there don't even compare this lens against the Canon 85mm L. That's why I'm so confused about buying it. A lot of people claim to have received "bad copies of the lens" with AF issues. However, the video reviews seem to say otherwise. Do you still own and use the lens? I need to purchase an 85mm for portraits, but I can't decide if I should go for the Canon 85mm 1.8 (because of the reliability), or the 85mm (because of the optics). Do they produce similar, or strikingly different images?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Viridiana Serrano That's a loaded question. First of all, I would personally hold off for a month until the new Tamron 85mm f/1.8 VC is released. so far all of their new prime lenses have been really excellent, and I'm expecting great things from the 85 VC and will review it in a week or so. Beyond that, though, I would say that the Canon 85mm f/1.8 does focus a bit better overall than the Sigma, but the Sigma has the better image quality. I never owned the lens; it was loaned to me for review from B&H Photo. That is the case for most all of the lenses I review.

[@leojonkers3181]

I own this lens. Very happy with it. I also own the Canon 85 mm mark I witch broke on me, No autofocus anymore. When it still worked I must say, the Canon is (or was) very very good. F1.2 is stunning. But the same goes fore the Sigma, right from F1.4, fantastic. I can understand that while it is not a Art Sigma you have your doubts. Do not. It is Art level quality. I think that also why Sigma is not in a big hurry to replace it. Nice review again, the lens where you shot it with has a beautiful bokeh (not) :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Leo Jonkers I agree with your premise that this lens is a big reason why Sigma isn't in a hurry to bring out an ART lens in the 85mm focal length.

[@francoisequentin1647]

Hi Dustin, i do not know if you will read this but: i've got a R6 and my two options for a 85mm 1.4 are this sigma (the "old" because the art is too heavy) and the canon ef 1.4. What do you think? The canon is heavier, really (i have it) and i think to buy this sigma... Thank you, again:)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would probably go with the Canon EF F1.4 lens. You'll get better autofocus performance, its better made, and it will hold value well.

[@francoisequentin1647]

@@DustinAbbottTWI many thanks.

[@russelljames5518]

Hey Dustin, very informative review.. like all your other reviews. I'm looking for a prime 85 for my rather old Sony a99, which I use mostly for Studio Work / Portraits... needed advise on which lens to go for, keeping in mind the image quality and Bokeh! I have shortlisted this lens and the older Sony Zeiss 85mm 1.4

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Another option (the one that I've gone with myself) is the new Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 VC. It gives you an image stabilizer, more accurate autofocus, and is really sharp and contrasty (topping the Sigma at equivalent apertures). You can shop for it here: bhpho.to/21KGOFg It also retails for a few hundred less. Check out this sharpness comparison and play around with the different apertures: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1047&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=756&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

[@jongreymon5673]

do you ever tried this lens in nikon D7200? tnx for the response =)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Jong Reymon No. I'm a Canon and Sony shooter

[@quebecer4605]

Great review! I am looking for an 85mm portrait lens for my Nikon.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Nicolaas Strik It's a nice choice. It produces some great results.

[@PrashantSaikia]

Hi Dustin., Which would you suggest among these 2:- (1) Nikon 85mm f/1.8G for $400, or (2) Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM used and in good condition for $500. I would almost exclusively like shooting wide open with whatever lens I buy; I don't wanna buy these lenses to shoot portraits at f/2.8. So, I want to know if the sigma 85/1.4 is tack sharp at f/1.4, because otherwise if I need to stop down to f/1.8 for sharp images, I'd rather get the Nikon 85/1.8G (assuming it is sharp at f/1.8).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Prashant Saikia my current favorite is the Tamron 85mm f:1.8 VC. Very sharp wide open, has an image stabilizer, and focuses better than the Sigma.

[@PrashantSaikia]

Dustin Abbott But what about colours and contrast? I've heard other reviews say the Nikon 85/1.8G produces better colours and contrast than the Tamron 85/1.8 VC. What has been your experience like, if you could please share? Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Take a look here: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=791&Camera=614&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1047&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0. I think you will see that the Nikon has a LOT more chromatic aberrations which does reduce apparent sharpness and contrast.

[@Crewchief227]

Are you going to review the Art version as soon as it get's released to the public. I would like it tested against the Milvus, cause I would be willing to sell my Milvus if the Sigma outperforms with autofocus

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My request is already in for it and I am in a priority mode for as soon as it hits North America. I won't be testing it against the Milvus, though, as I won't have the Milvus in hand. I'll definitely put it up against the Tamron 85 VC, though.

[@georgtomas2010]

Hi, I hv one of these which I use on my Nikon D3200, usually with the aps-c hood. Recently I took off the hood and tried AF and found it just wouldn't engage at all. I mean no hunting for focus even. just dead. but when I put on the hood it came alive again. what gives?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+George T That is really, really strange. There should be no correlation between those things...at all. If that keeps up I would contact Sigma and have them service the lens.

[@georgtomas2010]

+Dustin Abbott tks Dustin I will

[@coolerpro2024]

Could you do an up on this lens in 2024? That would be awesome.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid not. I am booked for months just trying to keep up with existing lenses, and this lens isn't even made for any current system.

[@coolerpro2024]

@@DustinAbbottTWI understandable. Great content still.

[@Houston_RPM]

So i could mount this lens on my nikon d5000 with a crop sensor? What difference does it make from a full frame to crop?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+DoubleJmtz The focal length will be longer (crop factor is 1.5x). Sigma actually includes a crop hood adapter that accommodates for that (makes it a little deeper.). It becomes a 129mm equivalent lens - still a very good focal length.

[@shinajvlog]

i'm planning to buy this lens in 2024, would u advise me sir please

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Advice you in what way, exactly? You need to be more specific.

[@josephalonsabe7633]

Hey Dustin! Would you take this over the Nikon 85 1.4D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't shoot Nikon so haven't used the Nikon lens. I can't really comment.

[@SLIMHATORIKATANA]

hi Dustin plz im planning to puy my first 85mm lens and i can't offre canon 1.2 so im still thinking to choose between the sigma 1.4 or the new tamron 1.8 and i care about 2 things sharpness and bokeh . plz can u advice me and thanks a lot

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I bought the new Tamron and love it. I'd have a hard time recommending the Sigma over it unless you really feel you need f/1.4

[@SLIMHATORIKATANA]

+Dustin Abbott thanks for your help you are always here to advice. so as per your advice last time i choose the sigma 35 over the tamron and I'm more than happy with it so this time I'll go for the tamron 85 and my main concern is it's sharper than the sigma ?

[@MrRaychard123]

How about this lens vs 85 1.4 art? Price difference is around 300-350 dollars in my country. Is it worth spending more for the art?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That depends on your shooting priorities. The ART is sharper and more corrected, but I think the EX lens has nicer bokeh and rendering.

[@MrRaychard123]

Dustin Abbott thanks, im concern which has a better in backlit situation which can mentain image quality and contrast

[@MrRaychard123]

Contemplating on the 135 art, but after I realized the gap between the 85mm and 135mm is 50mm, it may be almost useless in hotel rooms during wedding preparations.

[@viridianaserrano3453]

Thank you very much for such amazing and informative video. I've done a lot of online research for this lens. A lot of people compare it against the more affordable Canon 85mm 1.8. Why do so many photographers say both lenses deliver similar images and performance, and, that the Sigma is not worth the extra $500?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've not read those opinions, so I can't comment on them. The Sigma is in a different class optically, however, although the Canon is a nice performer for the money.

[@shinajvlog]

nice video, btw i like ur swirly bokeh, it should be the Helios lens, if i'm not wrong :)

[@shinajvlog]

yeah, u said it already in the video :P

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You are correct

Hi ,i have same lens Autofocus Great working with d600 oldfrimware and a ihave d810 and d850 but Autofocus doesn't work with two body! Can you any for this status

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid that's a question for Sigma. I did this review years ago with a loaner copy, and on Canon.

[@bedevere007]

Great review

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@elgan97]

Was wondering should I get this or save up for the art version. Currently able to get this for a steal though :( Thus still contemplating haha

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+EuGenios97 This lens has very good image quality, and if you can get it for a bargain I think you will be happy with it.

[@elgan97]

+Dustin Abbott Thanks alot I will consider haha

[@DalsPhotography-Daniela]

Hey Dustin, thank you another of your lovely reviews... I need to make some very nice shots of my dogs (breeder here) and my usual lens is the STM -18-135. Yet I need something far more luminous. The focal distance with my 7d mark ii, I guess will be a very nice one, with this one, but I am a bit worried as if it will catch up quickly the focus on the moving dogs. lol, u know they jump, run, ec, change directions too quickly... what do you think? I look forward to your suggesions, as usual :) I love your videos, and now there are pple here in my country who know about u too! ;) Have a great weekend up there.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a legitimate concern. It might do fine with a good focusing body like the 7D2, but I couldn't say for certain. I didn't use it much in AF Servo mode

[@dannyklesh]

Dustin would be 300 USD be a good deal for this used ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would personally think so, yes. It will give you a lot of beautiful images for a pretty small investment.

[@Bradley5221]

Thinking about this one in 2017.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's still a very good lens, and you can probably get one on a bargain now.

[@ultrasportozonaazul1016]

The big problem of this lens is that it underexposure the imagens because of the lack of t-stop. It makes the Same Settings of the 85 mm 1.8.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, a lower t-stop shouldn't produce underexposure. That's a metering problem, not a light transmission problem.

[@ultrasportozonaazul1016]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have the 85 1.8 Canon and other lenses. I went to Sigma Portugal and they actualized the firmware but the problem remains.. The Lens is underexposing for 1.5 stop comparing to the Canon and the others. It's the Lens. See this debate on the dpreview fórum.

[@Vamp898]

For the moisture resistance or weather sealing, sigma cameras have that on the body so sigma lenses do not have that.You can see this in this image www.sigma-foto.de/fileadmin/_processed_/csm_Produktabbildung_Front_SD1Merrill_15007a2027.jpg there is an rubber ring around the mount

[@Vamp898]

Here is an better image www.sigma-foto.de/fileadmin/content/products/cameras/SD1m/SD1m_front.jpg

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

While that may help the seal at the lens mount, it won't help anything at the switches or other places of ingress on the lens. Good weather sealing is not just at the mount; it is internal seals at the other places moisture or dust could enter the lens.

[@bdenize1]

Quite funny that all comments are running around the helios rather than the subject of the video.... some helios video to come maybe ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Brice Denize I guess so :)

[@cisco-jx5qx]

hello I would buy this purpose but at the moment it is too expensive what do you think of the old 85 mm 1.4 and what are the differences thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This continues to be a nice lens. Less sharp than the ART version, but with arguably nicer bokeh rendering.

[@marcuseponus3224]

This Helios 44 makes the video super-original! Bravo! ;) Next time, try to replace it with the incredible Helios 40-2 !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Marcus Eponus I'd love to have that lens, actually.

[@parolajd]

Great video but the bird feeder floating over your head looks a little dangerous. ;-)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually hit my head on that thing after a run yesterday evening. The sun went down during the run. I guess it WAS dangerous 😀

[@Crewchief227]

Hey Dustin I know you're a god fearing Canadian and so if you want I would let you borrow mine for a week of testing. If you're really interested I live just below the border in Vancouver. DM me for more details

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sigma Canada has hooked me up, now.

[@ChillWithMe_musics]

Damn what a disappointment, that bokeh is just straightup bad... I guess it's better save up for the Nikon version.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I don't know if I've heard that perspective from many people.

[@byram101]

The Bokeh that you see in the video is from the vintage lens with which he is shooting the video, it is a 58mm lens. The lens he is reviewing is the 85mm Sigma f1.4 and he doesn't actually use the lens. Just talks about it in this video.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

byram101 Ahh, you are probably right. They are confused by the look of the video!

[@tecnogadget2]

Horrible music selection on the intro lol

[@andrewmckenley5355]

Is the Sigma 85mm ART significantly better? And if so, why? Do you prefer the Tamron 85mm or Sigma 85mm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would take the Tamron over this lens (VC, weather sealing, and sharper). The new ART is better in terms of absolute sharpness, but I do think this Sigma EX has very nice rendering that I found a little more visually appealing than the art lens in some situations.

[@Crewchief227]

Hey Dustin I know you're a god fearing Canadian and so if you want I would let you borrow mine for a week of testing. If you're really interested I live just below the border in Vancouver. DM me for more details