Sigma 90mm DG DN Prime Lens Review

Sigma 90mm DG DN Prime Lens Review
In this lens review Mark look at how this Sigma 90mm lens has been designed to appeal to photographers looking for a lightweight alternative to the many larger and heavier f/1.8 and f/1.4 options that are out there.
Mark shows multiple ultra high-definition examples he captured with this lens over an extended review period.
This lens review was not sponsored by Sigma and Mark purchased his own copy of the lens to make this lens review video.
Ultra High-Definition Image Gallery: flic.kr/s/aHBq...
Purchase Lens from B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3lfZ2U3
Mark Galer is a Sony Alpha Ambassador for Australia.
Join Mark Galer on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars, 'over 20 downloadable' eBooks + cameras setting (CAMSET) files (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). / markgaler
Mark's supporting website: www.markgaler.com
If you find Mark's work for the Alpha community helpful please consider making a donation to support the creation of new learning resources for Alpha users. Go the Donations link: www.paypal.com...
#SonyAustralia #SonyAlpha #SonyAmbassador #SonyAlphaANZ

[@photobatya]

And seems like Mark Galer is the best lens reviewer on youtube at the moment. No other photographer shows so many stunning photos of people during lens reviews, others can shoot crap and measure sharpness and CA levels, or show us "see how I drink coffee" shots. Your reviews proof the main is what is behind the camera, not in front of. But if so, probably one does not needs so many lenses.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks - I too would like to see more reviewers taking more photos. Sometimes I feel they think they must be in a personality contest :-( I always make a point of uploading ultra high-definition images and making my Raw images available to my Patrons on Patreon.com/markgaler - I think the photos should ultimately define how good the lens is.

[@loudmotion5639]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills personality contest is the right word sadly...contest of who is the more hyper :( Been trying to look for some review of the new 24-70 f2.8 and after watching over 10 reviews, i still not convinced as there is barely any content in the reviews... finally end up on your channel and thank you for posting so much photos!

[@DCERA]

Yess! Finally Thank you Mark for extending your perfectly executed reviews to some interesting 3rd party options. Please continue.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks - If a lens interests me sufficiently I just have to bite the bullet and purchase it. At the current rate of Google advertising it will only take a few years to recoup my expenditure ;-)

[@DCERA]

@Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills it would be very interesting to see your review for Samyang's tiny series.The 24, 45 and 75mm f1.8 are excellent optically and very lightweight. Most of them also share the same filter diameter. I don't think they have a similar Sony counterpart in that focal distances.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I am busy shooting and supporting my Patrons on Patreon.com/markgaler so unfortunately I don't have the time to review all lens options- especially when most companies won't give or lend me the lenses of extended review periods. Unless you release a video on the day the lens is announced there is no profit in reviewing lenses from the Google advertising and even then reviewers need to be able to review the lens in just a day or two. When I take a lens on half a doesn't different shoots over several weeks it is done to primarily build educational resources for my Patrons. (Patreon.com/markgaler).

[@robwill9261]

Brilliant review! I've been carrying a kit consisting of the Sigma 90, Sony 50mm F/2.5, and Sony 24mm F/2.8 for about 8 months now, and I couldn't be more pleased with the config. I have a few larger lenses like the GMaster 24mm, but it's becoming increasingly rare for me to actually take them out to play. So happy that somebody is finally extolling the virtues of the mini-rig. Less is more. Couldn't agree more with your speculation re a 135mm F/4. That is definitely something I would look at seriously.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Good choice!

[@robwill9261]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for your reply, Mark. The only issue I have with the Sigma 90 is the disproportionatly large lens hood. It *looks* like the smaller lens hood from the Sigma 45 might fit as an alternative. Any thoughts? I see in one of your videos that you are using the lens hood from the 24mm F/2.8 on your 50mm F/2.5, so I have to believe you are open to this sort of shenanigans.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Well spotted on the 50mm lens hood - I use the original 50mm lens hood with a Freewell 49 to 67mm filter adapter attached, so I can use my two Freewell quick swap ND filters on all the compact lenses. I would happily swap the 90mm hood once I did some testing shooting into the dune without a hood attached to check resistance to flare.

[@robwill9261]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Fair enough. Currently I leave the 90's hood at home because it breaks the minimalist vibe I am going for. If you get a chance to test the 45 hood, please post here. Ditto if I get a chance to test it. Love your work / rob

[@HSNG10]

This Sigma 90mmF2.8 lens is interesting for travel prime kit. For a really compact kit, I would choose the Sony 24mmF2.8 G, 40mmF2.5 G and Sigma 90mm. For a more capable kit, I would pack the Sony 20mmF1.8 G, Zeiss 55 F1.8 and the Sigma 90mm. When using my a7RIII, I can use crop mode to get 30mm (from 20mm G) and 82.5mm (from 55mm) and 135mm (from 90mm) - so basically 20mm to 135mm covered by 3 small primes. I wish Sony would apply the design of the 20mmF1.8G to refresh the Zeiss 55, and launch a 50mmF1.8 G lens with aperture ring, AF/MF and other controls of modern G lens, and fix the CA of the Zeiss.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

We are on the same wave-length when it comes to lens choice.

[@mrmonday42]

Mark, I'm amazed that you reply to every comment not to mention how professional your comments are. I haven't stopped thinking about this lens since I saw this video a year ago. I think I've watched this video 4x now. I was waiting to see what Sony would come out with in this focal length, but the new 85mm GM2 is a bit disappointing since it's larger than the Sigma 85mm f1.4. I currently carry the 20mm f1.8 G, 35mm f1.4 GM, and 70-200mm f2.8 GM2 when traveling, but I end up just taking the 20mm and 35mm when I'm walking around the city because I like carrying a small sling instead of my backpack. So, my 70-200mm gets left at the hotel unless I know that I will need it. This has got me thinking about telephoto primes that will fit in my slings. I have a 3L Peak Design sling that fits the 35mm and 20mm. I tested it and it will fit my 35mm GM and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 but it is a tighter fit than I like. The Sony 85mm f1.8 would be perfect but I have found that I enjoy using an aperture ring. I really hope that Sony updates the 85mm f1.8 to a G version, I would buy that in a heartbeat, but I think I am finally ready to pull the trigger on this Sigma. I also purchased the Bellroy 10L camera sling because it can fit all three primes in it and it has less padding than the PD sling so I can fold it in half and it takes up the same amount of space in my bag as the PD does when not in use.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The Sigma 90mm has no competition when someone is looking for a super-compact short telephoto lens. I would like to Sony to compete in this space. My presence on KZbin is quite small compared to the learning resources I make available to my Patrons on Patreon.com/markgaler

[@mrmonday42]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I just pulled the trigger on it. I'm excited to try it out!

[@simonfuller76]

Thank you Mark for this real life review. It's great to see this actually used with a purpose and the fact that it succeeded in various lighting situations. I am enamored with my Sigma 65mm f2 and the Sigma 35 f2 is also nice to use, but I have been using my 35mm f1.2 more for many serious projects. Both have their place in my bag on different days. My issue is more with the Sigma 105mm f1.4,and for as much as I love the image quality it lets me down with so much flare, being so heavy and bulky, which is fine but in a bag with other gear its a limiting. After owning Sony 85 f1.8 the Sigma 135mm f1.8 and exchanging it for the 105mm f1.4, I can say that 100mm is amazing, and we should have some interest in a 100mm f2, in the same air and flavour of the 65mm f2, and with the same quality of contrast and flare resisitance. That would be amazing. Sadly I feel this 90mm would feel too similar to the 85mm,but 100mm is so useful. I hope lens makers try more medium tele primes.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I work with such a small messenger bag, the difference in size between the 85 F1.8 Sony and the 90mm F2.8 Sigma can be the deciding factor as to which one gets to travel (I should point out that I own both these lenses).

[@SilatShooter]

As always, thank you for this review. I picked this lens up and WOW, what a gem! Have the 85mm f1.8 but sometimes just a bit too big and draws too much attention when traveling. This Sigma is Soooo much more discreet. Feels great and focuses superbly. Agree, we need something longer and compact like this. Have really preferred moving to these smaller lighter optically excellent lenses. Still have some faster glass, but more and more prefer going to lighter set-ups. Reminds me of Leica M glass. Tiny but great.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have directly asked Sony management (face-to-face) for a lens this small along with a 135 F4

[@martin9410]

I love the Sigma I series of lenses. When I'm casually traveling in tourists areas, I like to pack light. So my light travel kit is the Sigma 17mm f4, Sigma 50mm f2, and the Sigma 90mm.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I wonder how small Sigma could make a 135mm F4 lens.

[@dirktheunis2715]

Such stunning pictures and a perfect review, hats off! Thank you for making this wonderful video.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wheresrunnicles236]

Really helpful video, thanks. Currently looking for a short tele for my A7C and deciding between this and the 85 1.8 so this has helped reassure that 2.8 is probably enough for me. I’d love to see a compact 135 too. Currently I’m filling that niche with an old Olympus OM 135 F3.5. It’s small & light, even with the adapter, and dirt cheap, but of course manual only and while the quality is okay for portraits I wish it was a bit sharper across the frame for landscape work. A modern sigma would be just the ticket…

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Great minds think alike ;-)

[@BenSussmanpro]

Very interesting. Maybe if I didn’t already own the Sony 85. I like the shorter min focus distance & all-metal construction. But to me there is a special quality from the Sony 85 that makes me go “Wow” when I see the results. Anyway, I like watching your product reviews b/c you always give useful photography instruction. Thanks.

[@blindguymcsqueezy1]

Dear Mark, please keep going and don't stop at the reviews of lenses! Appreciate your efforts, love you, please do a review of the Sony 35mm 1.8 and additional lenses from Sigma and voigtlander ❤️❤️

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Unfortunately the importer of these lenses expect me to pay for them. If I end up selling them after the review I will be out of pocket for the time I have invested in the review. I have mentioned the excellent FE 35mm F1.8 in many of my 'lens choice' videos, but my own personal 35mm lenses are the FE 35mm F1.4 GM and the FE 35mm F2.8 ZA. I only tend to review lenses that I want to add to my own personal gear as I am primarily an Alpha educator and not a product reviewer.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Good review as always. I usually stick with lenses from the camera manufacturer. But, I'm considering this lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Good choice!

[@eViperRabbit]

I am shocked that Mark is reviewing a non-Sony lens 😱😱😱

[@TW-iu9zy]

😂

[@theizza68]

Me too!

[@samtaylor4592]

Same! Didn't think he could as a Sony ambassador, guess I was wrong

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have also managed to complete one Sony Lens review and a couple of Bag reviews since my return from India + a 2.5 hour travel seminar for my Patrons. Been very busy.

[@tom_nuyts]

Interesting and very comprehensive presentation with many practical and useful comparisons - one of the best about this lens - 👍👍👍

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@acerides1724]

This review I think just made me decided sigma 90mm is going to be my next lens. Pretty good price, weight, and build value. Thank you!!!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Good choice!

[@brunozhao7895]

great review with so many vivid pictures as support, thanks!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you like them! Always surprised how many very popular reviewers don't show many photos or provide viewers access to ultra high definition images used in their reviews. There would be 90% fewer reviews for any given product if this criteria was applied and viewers were a little more selective. It appears many are prepared to take the word of a complete stranger when making a purchasing decision.

[@benjamindover4337]

Bought one and it's exceeded my expectations. Loving it.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Great to hear!

[@lindakantes873]

Love you informative videos --love the 90 on my A7C --tried a bit of portrait-ish stuff yesterday thank to your inspiration

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Great to hear!

[@warthog123]

Beautiful images. What a sharp lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you like them!

[@samtaylor4592]

Great review Mark, I do hope you review some more 3rd party lenses, I'd love to get your take on them!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Unfortunately one of the down sides of being a Sony Ambassador is that I have to purchase Sigma and Zeiss lenses from the importer. I also only tend to review lenses I am considering adding to my own personal lens collection. It may take several years for Google advertising to pay for the lens but not the time it takes to make the review. I will continue to seek out lenses that can't be found in Sony's own lens lineup or are better than the Sony equivalent in some way. I have reviewed the Batis 2.8/135 and 2.8/18mm lenses.

[@davidgates3044]

I’ve paired this compact lens with the new Sony a7CR and it’s a great light weight package. And with the 61mp sensor you get the equivalent of 125mm by going into APS-C mode and still have 26 mp in such a small lens

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Excellent combo

[@terencemorrissey4413]

I think the 135mm F/4 is a brilliant idea.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks - my shoulder will appreciate shedding some extra weight.

[@JackieSemple]

Just received my copy of this lens without previous sight of your excellent review. Performance wise I have still to discover what it really can do. I live in the UK and fly frequently to other parts of the UK and mainland Europe so a compact lens is important. Unlike you I do not favour a max aperture of F4 in any lens. But this is Western Europe where it is not always bright!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I travel extensively - some areas are bright and some are not. I shoot at all times of the day and work inside and outside. My priority is size and weight when travelling - the 90mm is very small compared to the 85mm F1.4 lenses - which I am not prepared to travel with.

[@JackieSemple]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Used this lens when travelling recently in mainland Europe. Its optical performance was as impressive as you have indicated in your review. Auto-focus I think is either on a par with or close to that of my Sony 85/1.8. I’m slightly biassed in my preference for faster lenses of that FL. But its presence in my small backpack is conspicuous by its diminutive size and weight of 295 gms, features that are very persuasive when travelling. Build quality is beyond reproach. So, an impressive piece of kit that I’m likely to retain.

[@Cthames123]

Brilliant video review! Thank you. I think it is an engineering marvel that Sigma is able to offer a 90mm, with that sharpness, in such a small body. I’m impressed! I almost want to spend my money on this, but I just bought the Sony 90mm, f2.8, macro OSS, which I’m already enjoying for the macro capability and sharpness,(wow what a new full frame shooting experience). I’ll be exploring my Sony 90mm, f2.8 more, but it is a large lens for me. I have to rearrange my camera bag so I can bring it with me to go shooting. While missing the macro functionality and optical stabilization, the Sigma 90mm, f2.8 seems to have every bit the sharpness of the larger Sony 90mm, f2.8 in a compact form factor and cheaper price tag. So there, you’ve ruined me!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I travel with a very small messenger bag so I am drawn to using very compact lenses.

[@rayburn1083]

I love all your work and your recent stuff about India. Plus your other stuff about travel kits. My quest to arrive at a circa 7kg carry on kit has arrived at one A7Rv body, 3 lenses, a 13" MacBook Air and accessories. Here's my "three" lenses: 20mm 1.8 28mm 2.8 35mm 3.2 50mm 4.0 65mm 2.0 75mm 4.0 100mm 4.5 135mm 5.0 200mm 5.6 Hows's that? Well I take 20mm 1.8G Sony for wide and 65mm 2.0 Sigma for "hero" and general HQ prime. The remaining "7 lenses" are all contained within the 28-200mm Tamron. Which in itself is about the size and weight of the 35mm 1.4GM. To me it's a hugely versatile kit.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Not as sharp as your 20 and 35 ...but sharp enough for many users who don't want to change lenses too often.

[@rayburn1083]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes for sure. Owning GMII zooms for domestic professional work I originally dismissed a "superzoom" for travel. But once I tried the 28-200mm Tamron I was frankly gobsmacked. It's relatively fast aperture combined with lightweight, compactness and competitive price now makes it the central part of my travel kit. Any tiny reduction in sharpness is made up for by framing more in the camera and cropping less. It also means I can pack my 3 best primes (20mm 1.8G, 35mm 1.4GM, Sigma 65mm 2.0) alongside my 13" MacBook Air and still still stay below that magical 7kg carry on. As we all know, assembling a travel kit below 7kg involves compromises. If one considers building a kit around the 28-200mm Tamron plus a prime or 3 I'd suggest we're assembling perhaps the least compromised general travel kit that is possible. It means I don't need to consider compromising on taking my best primes in favour of smaller and slower alternatives.

[@Heart0rHead]

Looking at Sigma / Sony for that compact 135. Not everyone needs that paper thin focus plane.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Compact 135 lenses are a rare beast, so this 90mm on an APS-C sensor is the best we can do.

[@GlennZucman]

I'm with you!! Love the Sony Compact G's. Love the OG Sony/Zeiss 35mm f2.8. Love the Tamron 20mm f2.8 1/2 macro. The shortage, exactly as you say, is for a compact tele! I came across the Samyang 75mm f1.8 for Sony FE. It's almost the exact same size as this Sigma 90mm and a bit lighter. It's a budget lens with an innovative custom switch that can change its one ring from MF to Aperture. I like it on the a7c. The Sony 85mm f1.8 feels a bit large on the a7c for me. I hadn't heard of this Sigma 90mm f2.8 before and it looks interesting. Thanks, Mark!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Samyang have some really light full frame lenses but the lack of weather sealing makes me a little nervous as I often photograph in the rain.

[@ayo8323]

Hi Mark, thanks for the interesting review. I own the A7C and have been on a quest for smaller, lighter lenses. I agree, there is a real lack of small and light telephotos. I would love to see a 135 f4. I have a very old 135 f3.5 Pentax lens with an adapter. It’s not great optically compared to modern lenses for landscapes and is manual focus so not great for moving subjects, but the size is perfect and the bokeh is very fine on portraits if you nail the focus. From my perspective, f3.5 on a 135mm lens is perfectly acceptable, so expect f4 would be as well. Thanks again for all your work.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Let’s hope we see the 135mm F4 sooner rather than later

[@alahad4723]

Minolta had an excellent 135/2.8 AF lens for A-mount, very compact, a pocket rocket. I hope Sony can reproduce that design and manufacture a compact 135.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I hope so too!

[@victorsomeone807]

Thanks for the review Mark. I did watch it a couple of times but still not sure which way to go. I guess these days we're spoiled for choice and that can become a problem - a good problem to have though. I'm considering this Sigma 90mm and the Sony 85mm f/1.8. The Sigma is tempting to me because it's lighter, has an aperture ring and better minimum focus distance. The build quality is a nice to have. But when looking at a DXOMARK comparison the Sony seems superior to the Sigma in every image quality measure that they cover (sharpness / distorsion / chromatic aberrations / vignetting ) except transmission. And today the Sony is significantly cheaper (in Europe) than the Sigma. I can get the Sony for 450 EUR vs 630 EUR for the Sigma (both new). You're an excellent photographer and, as shown, able to get great photos with both lenses. I'm wondering, which of them would you get if you had to choose just one? Thanks a lot in case you get to reply.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Don't get hung up on looking at MTF charts and DxO data - look at my ultra high resolution examples on a big 4K monitor and decide if it is sharp enough for your needs. On my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel I help patrons to make the right choice for their personal needs. I can't make decisions for people if I do not know what criteria they are bring to the decision-making table.

[@Mattrossphoto]

That is actually a portrait of the monkey not a wildlife 😂 dude you’re good🙌💯

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don’t think the monkey was posing though - just trying to work out if I had anything worth stealing

[@christopherkorey2602]

Great video and agree 100%. I own the Sigma and love the size, just wish it was f2 for shooting at night. You may want to try the Samyang 75mm 1.9 cinema lens. While it's designed primarily for video it's optically quite good. My dream set up would be an A7C camera with a high mp sensor and a Sigma 85 or 90 f2 in the size of the 90mm 2.8

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Happy with my Sony F1.8. Increasing the aperture of the Sigma to F2 will nearly double the size of the front element and possibly double the weight.

[@christopherkorey2602]

Perhaps but if Samyang can make a tiny 75mm I'm sure Sony and Sigma can do better@@AlphaCreativeSkills

[@ChaosKamiKaze]

@@christopherkorey2602 samyang does have a 75mm tiny one. it's slightly larger than this.

[@oconobee]

Really great to see you review a non-Sony lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for watching!

[@daveychainsaw961]

Just spent a week in New York with the an A7IV, 35GM and Sigma 85 1.4 in the Pilot 7L. By the end of the week I was really feeling the weight and just took the 40G with me for the last day. This 90 looks like a good compromise for days when i want to carry less. Do you ever find yourself wishing you had the 1.4 when you use this lens?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

If you take a look at the image gallery you will see that I can mostly achieve excellent figure/ground separation with the 90mm F2.8. Stepping a little close or putting more distance between the subject and their background is just as effective as using wider apertures. The 90mm focal length provides this lens with a similar figure/ground separation as a 50mm F1.4. I offer one-on-one guidance on my Alpha support channel Patreon.com/markgaler.

[@Heart0rHead]

I would say that many examples presented here I would stop the lens even more. Why? I don't like when the nose tips look blurry.

[@vahidsharifB641]

Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You're welcome

[@yoice.]

As of now, the holy (lightweight mini telephoto) trio are 75f1.8 at 230g, 85f1.8 at370g, and this 90f2.8 at 290g. Unfortunately, none of them would make the a7c series sit on its own without tilting. Ideally, if something like an 85f2.5 at ~250g come along, it would be the perfect travel telephoto lens. Till that day…

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Try a base plate from Neewer or SmallRig if you want to sit the camera on a shelf without tipping with either the 75 or 90 attached.

[@fiskemannen]

Very nice with these tiny primes, so good for travel. Currently wishing this up v the Samyang 75mm f1.8, which is also very tiny and light.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The Samyang is nice and light but does not have weather sealing and only has a maximum magificatio ratio of 0.13x

[@v4l4r_m0rghul15]

Great review, thanks! How does it compare to the Sony SEL FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS E-Mount Lens?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The Macro is much larger, very sharp but has slow AF.

[@yaohuang6659]

This lens is fantastic.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I reckon so

[@photobatya]

seems like 20-70 is sharper, delivers better clarity and contrast, and has no yellowish color shift (like most of sigma lenses), but in general this sigma lens worths to be considered

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I used the 20-70 for most of my portraits in India but it is always useful caring a wide aperture prime in my camera bag - especially one as small as this Sigma 90mm. My only wish is that other companies would try to match the size and weight of this prime. Not all telephoto primes need to be F1.8 and wider.

[@GlennZucman]

Have you used the Sigma I-series 65mm f2? It looks to be a bit larger and heavier than the 90mm, no doubt because it is f2. Is it too big for the a7c? It’s a bit smaller but not lighter than the Sony 85mm f1.8.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 85mm F1.8 is possibly the largest and heaviest prime I am prepared to use on a compact A7C body. I outline my workflows on my Patreon.com/markgaler Alpha support channel.

[@gitithadani]

I have had the 90mm sigma lens since awhile. Sometimes sigma has flash sales (in India) & I got it for under 600$. There are a lot of times when I want more DOF & the ability to go closer without the macro magnification & size of the sony 90 can give some special rendering & on the 61mp sensor it gives a 135mm crop. It certainly would be possible to make a small mirrorless 135mm. I have a japanese no name slr lens 135mm f3.2 & its small & light with 10 blades. Its smaller than the zeiss jena 135mm f4 but longer than the sigma. The problem is mfd - the leica has 1.5m mfd compared to 1m of the zeiss jena sonnar. The zeiss is about 390 grams - lighter than the leica. I also have a sigma 180mm f5.6 apo lens 1;2 macro - it weighs in at around 450gms. It is very much possible to make lighter & compacter teles for the mirrorless system.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for your input

[@daveychainsaw961]

Well since my comment 4 days ago, I purchased the lens. First one had a visible dust speck in the front. Just received the replacement and it has many dust specks and a 4mm long fibre behind the front element. Pretty disappointed with Sigma QC there! I have a number of Sigma lenses that are fine so I'm pretty surprised. Will give it one more chance and try a third.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

That is surprising - that would definitely make photographers nervous about ordering online.

[@daveychainsaw961]

@@AlphaCreativeSkillsAbsolutely. I've tentatively ordered a 3rd copy and am hoping this one will be clear!

[@daveychainsaw961]

Just arrived. This one has just one visible dust particle. I know it wont affect photos but i just feel it shouldn't happen on a new lens.

[@terencemorrissey4413]

I am waiting for the new version of the Sony 90mm F/2.8.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Fingers crossed for this one

[@67tagada]

Je possède le 2.0/35 Contemporary, ainsi que le 1.4/85mm DGDN Art avec mon Leica sl2s, très satisfait !. Ils sont très piqués, bien construit et présente un excellent rapport qualité prix. Le 65mm semble pas mal aussi.

[@dandanu2526]

If you're not a pro,that's a good lens for you!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I earn money as a photographer which makes me a Pro, ...and I own this lens.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I will also like to see Sony make APSC Cameras with 40 megapixels !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sony may have already shown their hand with their next generation APS-C sensor as their FX30 features a 26 megapixel backlit APS-C sensor - which has the same pixel density as the A7RV.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I am pretty shure that Sony made the 40 megapixels sensors for Fuji APSC cameras, that will be 90 megapixels for full frame. I am getting disappointed with Sony´s slow down with new innovations. If Sony do not come with a 40 megapixels APSC camera and a 90 megapixels full frame camera in near future, I might migrate to to Fuji GFX and XT-5 !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 'slow down' was only because of the world silicon chip shortage. As Sony are seeking to become independent manufactures of Silicon chips one would expect to see a rapid acceleration of innovative products starting to appear. We may see some acceleration this year but primarily you will see Sony put their foot to the floor in 2024. I would personally be nervous abut switching to companies that don't make their own sensors as they are reliant on companies like Panasonic or Sony (given that Canon does not share its technology). It is one of the reasons I switched to using Sony cameras from Nikon ten years ago. It's an expensive game to sell and replace all lenses only to consider switching back 18 months later if Sony were to ever hold back innovative sensors from competing companies. They have currently shared stacked sensor technologies with Nikon but held back their A7SIII sensor which has never been sold to a competing company.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills When Sony bought Minolta, Sony really hit the accelerator, so I do hope the will accelerate the next years. I left Canon for Sony in 2019.

[@leonc100]

Love this review. Honestly though, I like my Sony 90mm 2.8. Sharpest lens I've ever used

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Very very sharp but it doesn't quite have the AF performance I need and the bokeh is a little smoother on the Sigma 90 and the Sony 85 F1.8 lenses

[@leonc100]

@@AlphaCreativeSkillsI would love to see you do a review on the Sony 90. That would be awesome. It would def help some of us understand those differences.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Unfortunately I am waiting for a fast focusing Macro from Sony. I currently use either my FE 20-70 F4 G or 100-400 GM for close-up photography. Both of these lenses have fast AF and have excellent close-up capabilities.

[@jonoy4375]

Mark likes light and sharp lens

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

If I am going to walk with a messenger bag for a few weeks then yes, absolutely. If I am going out for a 2-hour shoot then I am happy to carry a 135 f/1.8 GM or 400 GM prime.

[@mindcave]

Bring on an i-series 80mm f2

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The smaller the better for me.

[@cameraprepper7938]

The Zeiss Sonnar Batis 135mm 2.8 would have been more compact without image stabilizer (and cheaper !) !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

This is true but the F4 aperture is the primary way a manufacturer will be able to halve the weight of the Batis.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Zeiss could modify the 135mm 2.8 and make a new high end 135mm 4.0 (without stabilizer). We (I do) need more high end prime Lenses !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The manufacturers have to figure out there is a need for F2.8 and F4 primes, but reviewers and photographers have become a little obsessed by 1.2, 1.4 apertures, which doesn't tell the manufacturers there is also a need, and a market for, smaller and lighter lenses. Hence this review.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I am also tired of seeing/hearing those "modern" youtubers and others talking about "bokeh" and large apertures. I really hope one day we will see Lenses with apertures of 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.6 which have higher resolution than the GM series have now, so yes please Sony more compact high end Lenses.

[@daveychainsaw961]

Just tried a fourth copy - full of dust and fibres. Shame. Anyway just wanted to thank you for the video, regardless of my issues, I always learn so much about photography from your videos and they make me think differently.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I would imagine they are from a compromised batch - I would contact Sigma to alert them of your poor customer experience.

[@daveychainsaw961]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I guess so, SigmaUK are looking in to it and have checked their stock, all of which are clear so I'm going to get one direct from them.

[@daveychainsaw961]

Not sure if i updated this, but I finally got a clean copy of the lens from Sigma UK after 4 dust filled lenses. Very happy with it now and I rotate this, the 40G and the Sigma 65mm. If you haven't yet tried the Sigma 65mm, it is a fantastic lens.

[@mjbgjmg687]

Between the Sigma 90mm f2.8 and TTArtisan 90mm f1.25, which one would you prefer?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The one that is smaller and lighter

[@tonyselwah6420]

No comparison with the sony 90mm 2.8 macro? I know the sony is much bigger and heavier but I'm still very curious.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Although the FE 90mm is an excellent Macro lens it is too expensive, heavy and slow focusing to be a suitable comparison lens with the Sigma 90 and Sony 85

[@jonoy4375]

I still prefer Sony 85 f1.8 for a wide aperture which is better for portrait

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I presume, like me, you own and use both then.

[@scotter0524]

Hi Mark, is the sigma 90 2.8 lens’s AF motors as fast as the Sony 85 1.8 lens’s linear motors?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Probably not - but you saw them tracking a running dog, speeding bicycle and Harley Davidson in the review.

[@ivedigga]

I actually prefer the Sony 90mm macro to this lens I purchased it and I took it back to the store. Nothing compares to the 90mm macro by Sony

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 90mm Macro from Sony is a very very sharp lens but it has much slower focus and inferior bokeh to the Sony 85mm F/1.8 and Sigma 90mm F2.8. I did a bokeh comparison test a couple of years ago so users could see the differences. I don't ask my subjects to be still at sporting events, demonstrations and parades so need the faster AF of this lens or the Sony 85 F1.8.

[@jayllukeethu4414]

Sir, please review Tamron 20-40mm FE 2.8

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

As I am primarily a photographer and Alpha educator, and not a full-time camera gear reviewer, I have to leave time to actually go out and shoot in a ore meaningful way than pointing the camera at fences and charts. As I have chosen to shoot with the Sony 20-70 lens and use primes for my wider apertures (20mm F1.8 and 35mm F1.4) I don't see how the Tamron will fit into my own personal workflow. Check out these less review videos to see why I have chosen to work with these lenses.

[@jayllukeethu4414]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills thanks for your prompt response, I follow all your reviews and learning more.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I agree that there are customers for small, light prime Lenses with the best high resolution optical image quality, from prime extreme wide angle Lenses all the way to prime super tele Lenses, I will like to see more high end compact very good and solid built14/15mm 4.0/4.5/5.6, 24mm 2.0/2.8/3.5, 35mm 2.0/2.8, 55/60/65mm 2.0/2.8, 85/90mm 2.0/2.8, 135mm 2.8/4.0, 300mm 4.0/5.6, 400mm 4.0/4.5/5.6, 500mm 5.6 Lenses. I can see that Tamron have a 350mm 4.5 on it´s way... I will also like to see a 1.4 GM tele converter that can be used on 135mm and shorter focal length Lenses !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I like you idea of a 1.4x teleconverter for use with shorter primes. Most of the lenses, however, would have to be redesigned to allow a teleconverter to be used.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills No, The 1.4x have to be a new design to fit 135mm Lenses and shorter, if anyone can, Sony can do it !

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Teleconverters have traditionally only be made for sporting telephoto lenses but Sony are aware that I think 85 and 135 primes should be able to accept the teleconverters.

[@wheresrunnicles236]

For what it’s worth, I have a vintage Olympus OM teleconverter that was designed to work with their 100 and 135 lenses (as well as the 200s). But would love to see a modern equivalent.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I had the Hasselblad Zeiss Mutar 2x, it was excellent with the Zeiss Planar 110mm 2.0 and the Mutar 2x could even be used with shorter focal length Lenses.

[@ME-vz1sf]

Hi Mark, is there an option of downloading your A7c e-boom without becoming a patreon. I want to give a donation no problem.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You can donate US $20 to paypal.me/alphacreativeskills - say which eBook you want in the donation note and my admin staff will send you a download link. There are no contracts or commitments to the Patreon support channel so only one monthly payment is required- there are over 20 hours of seminars to watch on Patreon + additional eBooks.

[@Salieri1627]

I'm surprised with you're reach sigma would not loan a lens for review

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

They may be worried that I may not be impartial

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sometimes companies are a little lazy and don’t do their homework to find out who is asking for the product. The importer of Sigma lenses into Australia probably thought they were being very generous by offering me a discount that was $2.00 cheaper than the price that the biggest retailer in Australia were currently selling the lens for. I want to review the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 APS-C lens so let’s see if I get a better response next time. This will be 6 or 7 years that I have been trying to build up a relationship with this importer. They also import the Zeiss Batis lenses but I also had to purchase their 135 and 18mm lenses.

[@stavrosk.2868]

For much less money and unrivalled quality you'll have the Minolta 85mm 1.4.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

That's an A-Mount lens that needs to be adapted and is quite a lot heavier (295 grams versus 551 grams) and will be twice the weight once adapted with slower AF

[@rizatamin]

What what?! Mark reviewing non sony product?!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It happens from time to time - check out my Batis 2.8/135 lens review :-)

[@BryceTiffany]

Allen Kevin Thomas Barbara Robinson Brenda

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Not sure who these folks are as they don’t appear to be tagged

[@NorCal-yeti]

Lol but. Sony owns 10 % of Sigma

[@networm64]

Nope, that's Tamron not Sigma.

[@cameraprepper7938]

From where do you have that ??? Sony have shares in Tamron !!! noob

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Didn't help me to get a discount if that is true.

[@NorCal-yeti]

@@cameraprepper7938 ooops you’re right but hey thanks for the noob comment.

[@rekinxxxl]

I wasn't aware of such compact primes in decent aperature for FF other than the trio sony released. Its pretty cool option from sigma

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have started traveling very light to avoid checking luggage on air travel so this is a workflow (working with lightweight compact lenses) I am interested in promoting.