Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN ART Definitive Review | 4K

Build and Handling 02:25 | Autofocus Performance 10:15 | Image Quality 15:37 | Summation 30:40 | This video is sponsored by Fantom Wallet. Visit www.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN15 to get 15% off. | Read the Text Review: bit.ly/85DNReview | Visit the Image Gallery: bit.ly/85DNimage | Purchase the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN ART @ B&H Photo bhpho.to/2PoKQVg | Amazon amzn.to/33DXOH7 | Amazon Canada amzn.to/2DoHG1a | Amazon UK amzn.to/2DrQHGL | Amazon Germany amzn.to/30AoDtP | Ebay bit.ly/sig85DN
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Keywords: Sony, Sigma, Sigma 85mm DN, Sigma 85 1.4, DN, Sigma 85mm F1.4 Review, Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN Review, ART, 85mm, F1.4, 1.4, f/1.4, DN, DC, ART, Portrait, Wedding, Review, Dustin Abbott, Autofocus, Sample Images, Video, Video Test, review, Video review, Real World, Tracking, Eye AF, Sony a7RIII, Sony a7RIV, Portrait, Sharpness, Resolution, Bokeh, 85mm F1.4 GM, Samyang AF 85mm F1.4

[@Biring1]

Hopefully they do this re-design for all their primes!

[@sunilchitolie6771]

They will

[@esppics21]

I'm looking forward to a 50mm 1.4 or 1.2 in a small compact design.

[@Biring1]

@@esppics21 Yeah I'd buy that in a heartbeat. Would also be nice with a new 24mm too.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@Biring1 Would be lost money for my FE version of my 105mm :-( ..But Must admit "You have a point" lol

[@JamesClark1991]

I'd buy a new 50mm or 55mm 1.4 in a heartbeat!

[@thomasgunn4146]

Now that's a sponsor advertisement done right! Smoooooth, high production value, and doesn't drag on.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you. I’m trying to work with companies to allow me to bring some creativity to the process, and this company actually prefers it.

[@KhoaSV]

Gotta love that Japanese craftsmanship!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a nice lens.

[@navpreetsingh8156]

Think I will trade the 85mm 1.8 Sony for this, always prefered 1.4 lenses and now they are at a better size and Sigma are generally a good deal in a few months time, thanks for the review

[@malaybasu961]

Looks like this lens has significant focus breathing. It's very difficult to beat 85 1.8 is focus performance. Wait till real-life production versions are tested by independent reviewers.

[@navpreetsingh8156]

@@malaybasu961 focus breathing on a prime? Relax bro thats you quarantine breathing, take deep breaths and eat celery

[@DrTarekahmad]

I'm considering the exact same thing.

[@withoutpassid]

@@navpreetsingh8156 I think I meant focus pulsing.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@DirkDien]

Most detailed review like always, thanks Dustin! Hope your channel is getting bigger and bigger!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I appreciate that!

[@davidburton2294]

Hey Dustin you've 'pimped' your videos with the sunnies and cool ad. Love it.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you’re enjoying it.

[@roymayh3819]

Good thorough review as usual covering ALL the details which is Dustin's strengths. Noticing some "condensing" of style and being more to the point, more fun to watch and better pacing. Dustin is rocking with this new lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I appreciate that!

[@sniperv]

Great to see you getting a new product to review pre-released. You and Gerald Undone do an amazing job with reviews especially on the technical side. This new Sigma lens looks awesome and should have been the approach to Sony FE glass from the start. They really cheesed out by just sticking their adaptor on their existing DSLR lens for the FE line and also saying publicly that FE glass was harder to produce. Obviously it can be done and done well. It’s also a shame that both Sigma and Tamron waited so long to release Sony FE glass. But it seems once the release of the A7iii and A7Riv L, Sony proved it’s a mature brand in the industry.

[@brianl8843]

exactly

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think that the new Sigma and Tamron lenses have done so much to cement Sony's place in the market. RF and Z mount need that kind of support to survive.

[@EddieInzauto]

Right when this video started, I thought, "well if this is shot on that lens, I'm very happy I just bought one." Lo and behold....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a nice feeling.

[@EddieInzauto]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Yep! Now my entire Sony kit is a complementary pair of this Sigma and the Voigtlander 35mm 1.4 Nokton Classic on an A7R3...and that's how I'm leaving it. Thanks for all your videos. I think youre the best lens reviewer on KZbin.

[@RalfWeyer]

Great review as always Dustin 👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks! 👍

[@bobsykes]

Great review! It’s nice that you shared the family photos, too.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you.

[@Xetenor]

Appreciate the awesome review as always. This lens is going to end up I think in many photographers bags. Bravo Sigma on such a nice overall package! Still amazing to see the older 1.4 version size and weight difference sitting next to each other. This is a huge relief to those that really wanted a 1.4 that was not a compromise in AF and huge/heavy. I definitely will get one soon as I just got a Sony 100-400 GM :) I really want to see them redo the other primes as well, especially 40 1.4. I think Sigma's L mount move was probably the best thing they did because sony shooters are totally loving the ever growing options!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Your last point is so true. FE is really reaping the benefit of the Leica investment.

[@GilbertTV]

looks great, I look fwd to a new 35 & 50 from Sigma in the same vain

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed

[@ReelLightPictures]

As usual, a fantastic review! Thank you Dustin. I look forward to seeing Sigma’s new DN primes. I’m hoping the bring out a 50mm 1.4 and a 14/15mm 1.8 prime...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm definitely looking forward to the 50mm. Another I would like to see is a smaller version of their 28mm F1.4 - it's a very special lens.

[@ReelLightPictures]

Dustin Abbott is there talk of a 50mm 1.4 or 1.8? I would love that!

[@amitkrupal1234]

Awesome Review, I hate to see Samyang getting tough competition in 85 f/1.4 department by Sigma. But Respect to both companies for giving their best, we photographers are getting better things from this competition, 1st the A7iii, then A7S3 & now Sigma's 85.Paired with their 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN is better for wedding. Also your family photo looks awesome even shot at f/3.2 Sigma's background renders looks awesome Edit 1: Strange this the 1st time I early to watching to your video. Edit 2: Art lens been Artful at 29:47

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Competition is good, for sure.

[@pedroprietolopez330]

Great job, Dustin!!!! Great lens,too!!! I´m waiting for Canon Rf version.....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be great, though the Samyang RF 85mm F1.4 AF is already a really excellent lens.

[@jamesvanderpool6079]

Seeing this made me wonder why they went with "record breaking optical monster" for the design MO for their new 35. "Better AND smaller" wins out any day in my book.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think there may be a slight shift of design priorities from Sigma.

[@jamesvanderpool6079]

I hope you're right. If a sub 500g standard of this quality came out I'd be strongly tempted to preorder the minute the presentation were over.

[@ralphtime]

Because they made the best 35MM on the market. If you ever get a chance to use it. The size doesn’t matter any longer.

[@jamesvanderpool6079]

@@ralphtime I mean, I feel the acknowledgement of the 35 1.2 being an excellent lens was implied in "record breaking optical monster"-but no, I'm not interested in lenses that large. I am so disinterested I might even pay more than the 1.2s pricing to get a 1.4 that was nearer the 24 GM in size/performance, and almost as much for a 1.8 similar in quality to Sony's 20G.

[@Xetenor]

Another lovely review thanks you Dustin. Love that family portrait! Looking sharp with that tie!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@powerlurker]

the tradeoff of the distortion for the size and weight is a nice way，hope sigma keep develop new dn lens with this style

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Completely agree.

[@JB_Hobbies]

Wowowow! I have been a die hard Rokinon 85 fan, but I might have to see if it can sell it for some money towards the Sigma. Interesting to see that it transmits more light than the GM. Looks to transmit less light than the old Sigma 85, though. Either way, this new 85 looks like it’s just a great little lens. I hope they implement this strategy for other primes and maybe come out with a new compact 1.4 primes at 50 and 35 mm. I would definitely buy both-maybe not all at once, but definitely in the near future. What a time to be alive!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My copy of the Samyang is performing up to spec. It is more competitive than what is shown here in terms of sharpness. The AF noise is definitely louder than the Sigma, though.

[@buddyWalrus]

11 salty GM owners downvoted this video.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL - you may be right. I've seen a few comments that indicate that just might be true.

[@buddyWalrus]

@@DustinAbbottTWI In any case it was a great review. As a Fuji shooter this 85 f1.4 is a very tempting offering financially.

[@Noparticularcontext]

Their 500mm f4 is phenomenal, please please redesign this lens for Sony!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. That would be a great addition!

[@sdijnfpo0jaisf]

Sigma is on fire! Can't wait to see what they come out with next. I know I'm probably in the monitory, but I'd love to see the same treatment applied to their portly 105mm f/1.4 lens. Weight-wise, this lens is the most in need of a diet. Great review, DA. I always appreciate your thoroughness!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a great idea. I would love to see a dedicated design for Sony there, as there is really nothing else like this on the Sony platform.

[@RamiH]

Thank you for this Thorough review Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@cmaciasjimenez]

Great review. Thank you. I hope they do the same for the 35 1.4, 50 1.4 and 105 1.4.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely.

[@pahountisg]

Cant wait for the rf version!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. Canon and Nikon need Sigma/Tamron support to really make those platforms mainstream.

Sounds like a superior quality lens from Sigma, the engineers deserve much credit for managing a very high level of performance into a compact and light weight package. Great review as always Dustin Abbott, quite surprised to see your review up so soon after the announcement. I do have one concern and that is with the unexpected falloff of performance on the Samyang 85MM F1.4, any idea what happened and if it can be repaired.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’ve reached out to Samyang about that. It clearly has gotten somewhat decentered, and I’m not sure how.

[@samiturunen5335]

Thank you for this detailed and awesome review / comparison 👌

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@samiturunen5335]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have Samyang 85mm and this might replace it.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

On your chart test, it looks like the original DG lens is sharper, but as you said, in the real world, the new DN lens is a lot better. I'm not seeing any CA! I'm not interested at all in heavy and bulky lenses, so I'm happy Sigma found a new direction.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think that is a fair assessment. The older lens might just win for chart testing, but I don't think it does in real world results.

[@frankluo230]

Great review as always Dustin! I think this lens is most of us wanted from day one when switching to mirrorless. No major flaw but a whole lot lighter and smaller, faster and more reliable af than old DSLR Art. To the eight brainless and heartless souls downvoted the review: get out of here.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed. This is what Sigma is capable of when they actually set their minds to building smaller and lighter

[@frankluo230]

@@DustinAbbottTWI look forward to their new 50art, 24art. Looks like 35f1.2 may be the last of old philosophy and 45f2.8 is the first of new direction.

[@brianl8843]

Another awesome review. Looking forward to purchasing this lens!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Robodila]

once again a great review! thankyou Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@Bloodshade]

I was recently debating picking up the Sony 85mm 1.8 just and this is seriously making me consider getting the Sigma. Fast and quiet AF is great. Edit: never mind, the focus pull test was very loud and grindy.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Very loud? There's zero noise there....are you sure you aren't looking at the Samyang result?

[@Bloodshade]

Dustin Abbott positive, I listened and watched all of them three times. The new Sigma sounds like a cat purring or multiple tapping sounds. It wasn’t nearly as obnoxious as the Samyang, but I still wouldn’t call that quiet unless something else was happening in the background. AF that isn’t silent is a massive pet peeve of mine

[@gameshoes]

Looks like a winner! L-mount users are sure to be pleased.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's for sure!

[@alvinvelez5543]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Dustin. Informative review

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@dmacrolens]

24:10 Nice tie!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@town3]

Looks nice. Great work Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks 👍

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Thanks for painstakingly creating what is a wonderful review. Bravo sigma! This is a complete winner in my opinion, finally a lens that beats the GM in bokeh performance.One observation though, if they made that aperture ring customizable they'd knock it out of the park.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Customizable in what way? Like the Canon control ring?

[@OkwyUgonweze]

@@DustinAbbottTWI the nikon ring can let you set aperture, iso and exposure compensation.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s similar to the Canon control ring. We might see something like that if they release an RF or Z mount version.

[@vojtechdurkovicphotography2583]

Hi Dustin, one thing you forgot.It is ghosting and lems flare protection...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I did cover it briefly. There is a video panning up into the sun on there. It's actually better than average in that regard.

[@TheLinesEnd]

Absolutely in love with mine

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to hear it.

[@TheLinesEnd]

@@DustinAbbottTWI a bigger question is will this level of 3rd party lens hurt or overtake the GM lenses? Because this lens is superb, just like a GM at 1/2 the price

[@japanclaude1]

Very good review, gorgeous lens I hope Sigma apply these updates on the 35 1.2 this would be fantastic.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 35mm F1.2 is less than a year old, so I don’t think that will happen. A smaller F1.4 version might be at some point, though I would expect to see a 50mm first, and possibly something like a 28mm or 135mm.

[@raksh9]

That's an awesome lens. Gives me yet another reason to move to Sony E or Leica L mount.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure

[@MisterChibs]

I really appreciate your reviews!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you like them!

[@bollekeil]

Awsome Test! Thank you 🎉

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

This is the first time I am really considering to buy a Sigma lens for my A7. Size and weight are very important for me, and I like the A7 for being the smallest of the full-frame mirrorless cameras. A chunk of lens does not match up well with that in my opinion. That is why I have some of the Tamron zooms for it instead of the GMs. Also, the price does not hurt either...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

And this is why Sigma considering size is so important.

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I have bought this lens based on your review to replace my adapted Canon 70-200 2.8 for portraits and I just love it! The picture quality is stunningly good at F1.4 and regarding size and weight it really fits in perfectly with my two Tamron lenses.

[@kornasteniker3939]

I can see your recording setup through your sunglasses 😎

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes - mirrored sunglasses do kind of give it all away!

[@johnnynighthawk156]

My heart wants this. My wallet says look at the tokina 😂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL. Not an unusual place to be.

[@Solarfactor]

Hi Dustin, would you opt for this over the 50mm f/1.4 Planar? I would love to hear your views, and I appreciate your time as I know you're a busy man.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's difficult when you are talking about two different focal lengths. If 85mm will work for you okay, then sure.

[@chrismckeown1297]

Great review, thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nickweigel461]

In your 85 comparison you said the samyang 85 hit the most perfect focus shots with subject running towards camera, compared to the Sony 85 1.8 which overall had good focus but back focused frequently. To me this put the samyang on top. How does the sigma compare in that scenario?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think you may have confused my reporting on the 85mm F1.8 with the GM. The Sony had the highest hit rate in that comparison. It would be hard to run that test yet with the Sigma DN, as the copy I have for review doesn't have the final firmware. Perhaps in a future comparison!

[@nickweigel461]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Hmm you're right, the GM did indeed have 36 5 star results, the Samyang though had 34, but you gave the nod to the FE85 1.8 which only had 24 5 star results. This was what originally prompted me to ditch my 85 1.8, because I noticed the back focusing often enough. I'd rather have a higher 5 star focus rate than overall focus rate. The samyang has been great so far, but perhaps it will be replaced with this new sigma if the AF ends up being significantly better or my Samyang copy ends up worsening over time like yours - definitely a bit concnerning.

[@therigobertodelgado1275]

ordered this lens and told them you sent me :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy. I've got an order in, too.

[@therigobertodelgado1275]

@@DustinAbbottTWI question for you kind sir. I noticed on some of your other reviews when comparing the EF to a Sigma you would do a contrast under backlighting situations, or generically your flashlight. how is the contrast of this new Sigma versus the G Master under backlit situations?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's actually better than most 85mm lenses, though none of them (even the Zeiss Otus) are perfect in that situation. This lens holds contrast pretty well and the ghosting artifacts are relatively small.

[@ikeahloe]

Wish companies would make more 70mm primes

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s still not a common focal length. Sigma has a 70mm macro, and Samyang has a nice little 75mm F1.8 prime.

[@eduard.amihai7545]

Just bought it and it's a wow lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is great

[@6gwilliams]

Well done Dustin. I may be trading in my GM for this one. Cheers

[@AR-vf7vg]

You meight change.. but if You had all the wanted knowledge You would say " I will" (/not). Myself I still need to know how the bokee-balls differs in portrait situations at their 4 open-end appertures.

[@joeblack4026]

I have GM and I will keep it the rendering of that lens is special. Its maybe less corrected for aberations but man pictures from it are just astonishing. Look at the transition zone in @29:08 and you will see why the GM is so special compared to this Sigma.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@joeblack4026 I'm not educated enough yet.. The only observation there where you say to look and that I can consider pertinant is that I prefer the bigger bokeh-balls of the sigma there. Also a few seconds before (@28:07) the GM Balls although almost in middle of the frame.. are far less symetric than Sigmas bigger ones. Where I agree at Your image reference is that dont like Sigma's secular highlight spark that the GM rendres nicely smooth. To me it needs many more sample images in the portrait range, also at f2 and 2.8 to make up my mind on this for me determining portrait aspect.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Gerald, that's an interesting take, though I'm curious as to your motivation. I can easily understand someone choosing to purchase the Sigma instead of the GM (big savings!), but why would you make that trade?

[@mralexlex]

Superb review, I really enjoyed...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad you liked it

[@jayford8479]

Those are some...very unusual sounds coming out of the Samyang.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes...this is an area they've continued to improve on with more recent releases. The bar keeps getting higher for AF performance.

[@RasheedRichmond]

How does this Sigma compare to the Milvus or Otus 85mm f1.4? Appreciate all your hardwork.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's not far off in terms of sharpness (very similar), though the Otus wins for unique and amazing color.

[@husfdt8269]

Hearing that you've got sharper result from samyang of the corner side of the test chart before , I'm wondering if that is because of sometime lens isn't design perfect so that when you focus at the center of the chart, corner of the chart can be slightly front focus or back focus ( The lens can't get a flat surface in perfect focus at the same time ). Maybe by focusing on the corner side of the chart can bypass the problem that the lens didn't get entire test chart plan in perfect focus. Anyway this is probably not going to be a problem in real world since we shoot in 3D and focus on what we want to be sharp. Great review. Cheers!

[@havoc23]

what you're referring to is "Field curvature". I haven't really observed this on my samyang sample (which i bought after good performance in Dustin's shootout). The Samyang's performance in this video here is indeed shocking and i agree that Dustin has achieved better performance with this lens before - what happened? a "bump"?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've reached out to Samyang, as I think my copy has gotten decentered (though I'm not sure how/why, as it hasn't been dropped). I just can't get the same sharpness results out of it that I did before, and field curvature isn't a factor.

[@flyoptiks9272]

Need a 12-24mm 2.8 gm review from you before i decide if i am to buy it... where's it at!?? Love the reviews, thank you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm not sure when I'll get my hands on one of those. I still don't get priority loaners from Sony yet.

[@flyoptiks9272]

@@DustinAbbottTWI oh thats a shame, been checking your channel every day hoping to see it.. You didn't touch on it in the video but all things considered would you go for the sigma 85/1.4 over the Samyang 75/1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Such different price points that it is hard to make that comparison. The Sigma is more of a premium lens, while the strength of the Samyang is how small and light it is.

[@flyoptiks9272]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yeah thats what drew me to the Samyang over the other 85s but this has made me think twice with a nice redesign. Going to come down to the same question as i have with the 12-24 - does it justify the extra spend. Thank you for your time Sir

[@micahturner5599]

Okay I still feel happy with my milvus 85 after looking at that distortion. Still, a very welcome lens. Always happy when high quality lenses come out

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You should never feel bad with a Milvus in your bag :)

[@zenza7120]

Hello Dustin, i do really appreciate your effort in this videos. Before buying any lens, you are the authority for me. One question and forgive me if you miss it: How does flare resistance compare to GM? I just saw manny Ortiz's video showing that sigma is a bit behind compared to gm in backlit situations. What do you think?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I didn't see a radical difference.

[@zenza7120]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks!

[@abehjhakibuuka71]

I know you believe a firmware update will likely fix this lens’ tendency to hunt, but would you recommend it over the Sony 85mm gym for filmmaking?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I certainly don't think it would be any worse for filmmaking. It is more important for you to have higher real world resolution at wide apertures (Sigma) or slightly softer bokeh (GM)?

[@sonnyandreotte5721]

use a coaster thats a nice lookin table.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - that’s your comment?

[@stanleeger4711]

The Samyang AF 85/1.4 looked amazingly sharp when you reviewed it. Now it looks strangely not sharp. For example, at 20:18. I wonder what happened.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think it got decentered (a bump or something). My RF version is still very sharp.

[@pianoman1973]

@@DustinAbbottTWI what's the RF version ? :)

[@AmbroseLiu]

How does it compare in autofocus, image quality, and value for money to the Samyang/Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AF?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma has smoother, quieter autofocus. I think the Samyang has nice IQ, though the Sigma might be a little sharper. If you are on a tighter budget, I still think the Samyang is a great option. I think the Sigma is the better lens as a complete package.

[@T-Slider]

Great looking lens! How does it compare to the Canon 85 1.2 DS in bokeh quality?

[@xpynuker]

Comparing with other views, the bokeh on the DS looks a lot smoother. From the sample photos here, although it looks mostly smooth the Sigma's bokeh still looks a bit busy in the really difficult areas and also some circular highlights on the bokeh balls close up - but im just really nit picking

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Simon, there isn't any concentric rings in bokeh circles, so I'm not sure where you're getting that. I haven't tested the DS, though I'd say the bokeh compared to the standard RF 85mm F1.2L isn't any worse.

[@xpynuker]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm sorry Dustin, I mean the bokeh highlight ring thing. It was only apparent in the green grass close up shot

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think I know what you mean - it almost looks like a soap bubble. I actually like that look, myself, but bokeh is very subjective.

[@jeffluo9591]

Great lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think so

[@matography]

The pin cushioning is pretty bad. I know it gets corrected in body with jpgs and not in raw but what about when shooting video? Is it corrected in video mode ? I use original 85 art and am happy with it optically but the size is not fun.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is corrected for video as well.

[@sumanhazra8731]

Beautiful family picture. Sir i have the old version of sigma 85 1.4. Is it better to go with newer ver. As older one is too heavy and newer one is less weight. Sigma prime lens are good and available in 1.4 aperture value. I think demerits side is weight of the lens and its bigger size in respect of other brands.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The new lens is not bigger and heavier than other brands, and I personally would make the switch.

[@sumanhazra8731]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yes it seems show after watching your detailed video

[@channelmixer]

It's a fantastic lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really enjoy it.

[@lotharjoseph5040]

So,,Can we say this new sigma better than master bokeh 105mm F1.4??Regardless of weight& size and price?!!🤔cuz i just focus the better result... thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know if its better...but it is very, very good.

[@HectorSuzy]

For some reason the 85 dg dn has some problems with cat fur compared to the Sony 85 1.8 FE and even the sigma 56 1.4 on my A7RIV. The combo finds cateyes just fine, but the fur isn't easy for it and it just keeps hunting in af-c when I try to take shots from the cats side.Other than that, it's excellent for pretty much everything.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hmmm, that's a fairly strange case.

[@HectorSuzy]

@@DustinAbbottTWI haha it might be, very specific use case anyway, I shoot cats!

[@jonathanbradford9403]

First off, I love your reviews the tests are great and the photos are spectacular. I love where Sigma is headed, but some feedback, though the lens appears great, the timing of this detracts from it for me. Let me explain, they have 24-70 and the 100-400 but the 85mm is now the only point they cover in the range between 70-100. If you to throw the f2.8 argument in this is the only point greater then 70mm they cover period. As far as sales if I own the art or GM would I spend the money again? Some may, but how many? The better announcement would have been the 70-200 f2.8, it finishes their focal length coverage and would provided a cost effective alternative to the GM. Someone will inevitably mention the Tamron here, but I use the 180-200 way to often. I am part of one of the few growth segments for mirrorless cameras the DSLR shooter. I want to migrate to mirrorless, but the missing peice is the 70-200. If you have the ear of the distributor I am hoping they might push this feedback back to Japan.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do know that the lens you want is in development, but it may have gotten pushed back due a number of variables.

[@jonathanbradford9403]

@@DustinAbbottTWI perfect, thanks for the update

[@wenjinzhang4833]

Very informative review as always. Thank you Dustin. I think I will keep my GM on 85mm for the moment, but I really like sigma product line.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are making some god decisions.

[@jaschana2220]

is it just me, or are the colors in this video fire? Dang sony....

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not sure if that is intended as an insult or a compliment.

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Maybe its just me, but I prefer the larger version. I like to feel the weight. Light lenses feel cheap to me. I already have the larger Sigma 85mm 1.4 Sony E mount and love it and really dont see the point of spending another $1200usd just for a smaller and lighter lens that does the exact same thing I already have. Its half the size and weight yet same price. Sorry but I'm not paying for a Volkswagen that's the same price as the Ferrari I already own. Great review Dustin as always, but I think I am just going to keep with the bigger version.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a unique take, but if you're happy with what you have, there is never any need to buy something different.

[@AdrianChoPhotography]

Hi Dustin. Greetings from Ottawa. Thanks for this review. The characteristics of the rendering aside, what I’m wondering about with this lens is the resolution and the AF speed vs the 135 GM and the Sigma 105 (I know these are very different focal lengths). I’m guessing this new 85 is still not at the level of the 135 or the 105.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The AF speed is very close to as fast, I would say (though the 135GM and the 105 Sigma are not in the same class, there. The GM is much faster). As for resolution - the 135GM is perhaps the sharpest lens I've ever tested, so, while the Sigma is very, very good, I'm not sure it's as good

[@AdrianChoPhotography]

Dustin Abbott yes I agree the 135GM and Sigma 105 are not in the same class with regards to the AF. The 135 is incredibly sharp but I find the 105 is incredibly sharp at higher resolutions such as with the A7RIV.

[@rodneywatkins4731]

Didnt see that one coming. Might have to swap out my FE 1,8/85 if the price of the Sigma is right

[@NeXMaX]

It’s $1200

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I was very happy to find out about it, too.

[@DrTarekahmad]

Hi Dustin! Great review as usual, do you think this lens is a better over all lens compared to Sony f1.8 considering all aspects: Size, weight, price, IQ, Bokeh, focusing? In another words, would you advice me to upgrade my Sony 1.8 to the Sigma 1.4?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

To me the answer is yes (I think the F1.4 rendering is more special), but are you actually dissatisfied with what you have?

[@DrTarekahmad]

Dustin Abbott Thanks for the answer. The Sony f1.8 is great but I would like to step up to an f1.4 lens one day without going too big/heavy with a reasonable price. I think the Sigma is the one!

[@warpspeed9877]

Ha! Old greek banknote at 18:55...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes - people love seeing those.

[@afonsosantos8364]

I upgraded from Sony 85mm f1.8 to this Sigma 85mm f1.4 and am quite disappointed by the AF performance on moving subjects. Only 1 in 5 comes out in focus (A7M3 body). This lens is fit only for standing/posing subjects. Not returning it because IQ is great and I only use 85mm in studio, but will not be waiting for a Sigma Art 50mm DG DN anymore (because I do use 50mm outdoors with moving subjects), will wait for Sony 50mm GM instead (even if double the price).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting, as that has not been my experience.

[@afonsosantos8364]

Update: after changing AF-C release priority to AF I do now get all frames in focus but only at 1.5fps despite’s drive mode set to 10fps.

[@mrDoctorWho0]

Hey, Dustin! Thanks for the review! What do you think of AF speed of this lens compared to the GM and compared to Sony 85mm 1.8? I heard many complaints about GM being slow so I kinda removed it from my wishlist and use Sony 85mm 1.8 instead.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It’s faster than the GM. Fairly close the F1.8 in sped.

[@mrDoctorWho0]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks a lot for the reply. Now I'm thinking of getting myself a sigma.

[@AR-vf7vg]

I thought You had announced direct comparisons with the GM in Portrait situations. I am quite convinced the DN's ergonomics and every thing else are more appealing to me than those of my GM's, except I tend to not like, at all, those very bright specular highlight specs (not sure how to name them?) that the DN produces in Your samples. But perhaps, and that's my concern, that in portrait situation these situations might not come up (or perhaps with jewelry /earrings, glasses, water-drops), and then the bokehball-shapes at f2.8 - in comparison.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That episode is still to come. I’m on vacation this week.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Oh I understand now. - Have a beautifully soothing or repairing or recharging vacaition :-)

[@jonnyelpoiss7]

Another awesome and honest review, thank you for your excellent work. How would you compare this lens to the Sony Zeiss Batis 85 1.8? I do really like my batis for its color pop up and sharpness but 1.4 is 1.4 :/

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Both lenses are very sharp. The Sigma is sharper and would have more subject isolation. I personally would prefer it over the Zeiss.

[@jonnyelpoiss7]

Dustin Abbott thank you 🙏🏻 I might consider a swap but i’ll see if I can rent it first to see how that distortion you pointed out might be fixed with the final marketed product 👍🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The distortion won’t be. Then again, the Batis has fairly strong pincushion distortion, too. It’s nearly as bad

[@Keilikeramen]

thank you for great review at always. I want to buy 85mm f1.8 sony for indoor sport and kid photography, How does it compare to Sigma for only auto focus tracking thankyou.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven’t intensely tested tracking, but from what I’ve seen, I think AF is pretty close between the two lenses.

[@Keilikeramen]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you very much. May be I should wait and test later after release.

[@emmanuelowusu-prempeh2151]

Dustin please is it available for RF MOUNT (CANON)?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid not, though I hope Sigma will port these lenses over to RF in the next year.

[@akshaytalari9351]

Is it better than the zeiss batis 85mm

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In many ways yes.

[@Libinkttm]

22nd minute that photos is superb , group photo ..ho do you focus for group photos ? to get the sharpeness for all in the group , whats the value of aperture ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I used only F2, but that was only because their faces were basically on the same focal plane. If they were staggered, I would have had to really close the aperture down to get them all in focus.

[@Libinkttm]

@@DustinAbbottTWI in case if they were staggered ..would you have given the aperture like f8 ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Typically F5.6-F8, depending on the depth.

[@alexhall9450]

Hi Dustin. Thank you for your wonderful reviews as always. Would it be worth selling the gmaster 85mm for the new sigma lens ? I find the gmaster v heavy and slow to focus in low light. What are your thoughts ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma is lighter. I’m not sure if it focuses better in low light, however, as I haven’t had enough experience in that scenario.

[@alexhall9450]

Dustin Abbott thank you for your reply Dustin. I have a number of sigma lenses and have been impressed with all of them. I’m not sure the GM is worth the money for what you get. I’m seriously considering selling it and keeping the extra money. Thanks again for your reviews. Yourself and Christopher Frost are my first port of call . Keep up the excellent work !

[@rizatamin]

Sir,can you make a video comparing this lens to sony 85mm f1.8 in terms of AF speed? Especially on a fast subject like you did on previous battle? (Your kid running towards the camera or another dog sequence would be lovely :D ) thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid not. This lens was a loaner, and I don't have the 85mm F1.8 on hand.

[@ottawamountainman]

Thanks for the review. FOR PHOTOGRAPHY USE ONLY: could you comment on the speed and accuracy of the focusing of the new Art 85? Specifically with eye-auto detect in-studio use, F 4.5 and smaller like F8 and F11. The GM 24 and 135 are excellent whereas the Sony 50 1.4 and GM 85 are pigs - really slow in this context and struggle with the aperture closed down (even on a7r4 with aperture drive). How would you rate the new sigma focusing in relation with these newer Sony GM lens?

[@scotthayesproductions5715]

watch Fro's review. He specifically talks about this.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That specific scenario is not one I tested, though I saw no slowdown issues with the aperture closed down

[@ottawamountainman]

Dustin Abbott most photos in studio are taken at closed down apertures. It would be great if you added this scenario to your lens reviews :-) it doesn’t just slow down the focusing process, it makes eye-AF less reliable. Thanks. Make sure you mount a flash remote and turn it ON during testing and try with and without « Aperture drive » turner on (on recent Sony bodies like R4)

[@happyaccidents156]

Sigma DN lens really make me question the point of g master lenses.

[@adams.555]

Good question. For some shooters it might be a status for others compulsive pixel peaking

[@joeblack4026]

well for the 85gm just look @29:08 transition zone of the GM vs Sigma and you will get why the GM is so special.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The GM lenses are very good, but there's a lot of truth to the fact that the margins between the GM lenses and the new Sigmas are very slim.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@joe black - I think that is confirmation bias at work. I've ran a lot of comparisons, and, while I think the GM has great bokeh, I don't see any significant differences between it and the new Sigma.

[@Bassemphotos]

👍👍

[@frankfeng2701]

Don‘t forget another value 85 1.4 from Rokinon, which is lighter and costs half the price.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Frank, Bardur is right on this.

[@lenhister]

Hi Dustin, how would you compare the autofocus speed of this lens vs. the Sony 85mm F1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Very similar, actually.

[@lenhister]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks for your reply. I appreciate all the hard work you put into your videos!

[@davidburton2294]

I wonder how it compares to the samyang 75mm 1.8?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Sigma is a bit sharper, but the Samyang has less distortion. Both are actually lovely portrait lenses.

[@davidburton2294]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin! :) Hope you and your family are well.

[@Eihei]

The Samyang indeed does look damaged. Did you try to consult them about it? Maybe send it to them.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I have sent them an email about that.

[@Eihei]

@@DustinAbbottTWI awesome! Please do a video when you'll know something! By the way absolutely loving your videos, thank you for your work!

[@dgrano20]

I may have skipped it but did you test flaring?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I did. It’s better than most 85mm lenses (holds contrast well) and has some ghosting effects at certain angles.

[@dgrano20]

@@DustinAbbottTWI would like to see a comparison between it and Zeiss Batis and Otus lenses regarding flaring.

[@mphosis]

should i upgrade from zeiss batis 85mm to this sigma ??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

How important is F1.4 to you? The Sigma may be the better lens, but the Zeiss is certainly a nice one.

[@mphosis]

@@DustinAbbottTWI not much just in for the bokeh :) yes the zeiss has some sort of of its own character in the pics taken

[@officialtiimo]

How does the cat's eye bokeh compare to the original sigma 85 ART and the Samyang 85 in the real world? Obviously the 85 GM is a better performance in this aspect but is it a lot better, or not enough to justify the extra cost or the tradeoffs of buying a used copy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you stop down to around F2, both Sigmas give you pretty much circular shapes across the frame.

[@officialtiimo]

@@DustinAbbottTWI would you say that the performance at f1.4 is better than the original in this respect?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That depends on the distance you are shooting at. At closer distances, the DN lens gives larger, softer bokeh highlights.

[@officialtiimo]

@@DustinAbbottTWI does the DN render more harshly compared to the original at longer distances?