Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Review

[@nicotoutenhoofd7610]

There’s one other reason why someone would pick the Sigma 90mm over the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and that’s the inclusion of an aperture ring on the lens. I have an A7C with Sony’s tiny 24mm f/2.8 and 40mm f/2.5, both of which have aperture rings. One downside of the A7C is fewer dials and buttons, and for my style of shooting on that small body I much prefer to adjust my shutter speed with the rear dial on the camera and adjust the aperture using the actual aperture ring on the lens, so the Sigma was my best choice when I wanted to add a third lens to my small travel kit.

[@musar03580]

And yet another reason -- at least for anyone owning a SIGMA fp, or fp L camera. In this case, SIGMA lenses are native. Generally thought of as third-party lenses, this is one use case in which SIGMA lenses are native and everyone else's are third-party.

[@KeAiFu]

I am using the Sigma 85/1.4 DG DN ART with the A7IV, mostly in the night with neon lights in the party areas. The Sigma 90/2.8 is my daily and travelling lens with the A7CR - makes a nice light combo. Both sigma lenses make sense for me.

[@stkuj]

I just got the Sigma 65 f2... I just love how these lens look! The design and build is outstanding!!!

[@ArthurR]

Im testing that one out now! I agree about the design and build!

[@benjamindover4337]

@@ArthurR I'd be interested in how the 65 fits in as an all purpose street and portrait lens.

[@frankfeng2701]

Too bad it has terrible focus breathing.

[@arquivo225]

Perfect Review! Past years i have tested Nikon 85 1.8 and 1.4 and I understand that the 1.4 is waaay more beautiful. BUT now i'm looking for a very compact gear and so I remember also taking nice pics with 105 2.8 going near the subject or pearsn. Thank you for showing both 85 and 90 side by side. I think I will give a chance to this 90mm. This size LIKE a 50mm blows me away.

[@jonathanmacdonald5157]

I bought this 90mm lens for my S5 because f/2.8 is plenty fast enough for most things if it's sharp wide open (which it is) and because the super high quality metal build, close focus and aperture ring, along with the compact size, of the I-series lenses is just wonderful to use. It feels like you're using an old 1970s lens except with AF and superior optics. Sometimes I miss a faster aperture but I'd miss the build, pleasure in use and close focus of this lens more.

[@Sorgesol]

For me the small size decided it. I have the sony a7c and this lens just suits the camera so well. (On the other hand, my favourite lens is the Sigma 135mm and that one is massive 😅)

[@sisdl15]

I was looking at the Sigma 85mm 1.4 but think I'll go with this 90mm f2.8. Maybe I can also add a 135mm too :)

[@thomaschipman]

helios 40-2 85/1.5 is my all time favorite portrait lens. it has its quirks, but i love the way it renders.

[@ArthurR]

Interesting choice! I like it. Havent tried that one, but the other Helios ive tried was awesome.

[@keystonebrotherb]

It weighs 810g, and difficult to use at f/1.5 but can render phenomenal photos.

[@pf4773]

As a photographer/videographer (budding) that needs everything compact and light, while I love Sigma and just got their 18-50mm apsc lens for my APSC A6600 Sony camera, I can't accommodate too many fixed lenses in my bag. My solution, good quality compact zooms. The lenses I bring with me are: sigma 30mm, Sigma 18-50mm, Sony 18-135mm, and the Sony 70-350mm zoom. The zooms handle everything very well for photography, and for videography I use the sigma 18-50 and sigma 30mm coupled with the crane m3 gimbal. I also use the pocket 2 by dji, the ultimate in portability.

[@Gregoire0]

Thank you Arthur ✌️

[@patrickmckeag3215]

Another great video Arthur. Thanks. I have the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 II on my Sony A7II and it's my favourite lens for indoor portrait shots at our family dinners. 85mm is the best focal length for these situations as you get a nice head and shoulders composition without having to be right in the person's face. I would not spend the extra money for the Sony or Sigma as this is about as good as it gets for my usage. Very happy with this lens and I consider it to be excellent value.

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

How does the 90mm optically and the other aspects like focus speed, bokeh quality, etc. compare to Sigma 65mm f/2 ?

[@bobfleckcreative]

I love the Sony 85 1.8. It feels great on either my A7R3A or 6600 and is a great portrait lens on either one. It’s not light, nor small but balances and handles well on both cameras. I have no desire to ever change this lens. Nice review though. I enjoy all of them. Thanks Arthur.

[@ArthurR]

Agree with you. It's a great lens for the money!

[@bobfleckcreative]

@@ArthurR question. Of the two cameras listed above does either have the advantage when shooting APS-C video?

[@shahabh2108]

@@bobfleckcreative For the apsc video the 6600 will definitely have better detailed 4K as it's subsampled from 6k. In 1080 not much difference.

[@terriplays1726]

Just what I wanted to say. The Sony 85/1.8 must be one of the best value for money lenses on the system, especially since its been out for a few years and there is already a healthy secondary market. Very hard competing in its parameter range.

[@stefanusadrian8398]

What do you think this lens compared with fe 85mm f1.8 in term of af and sharpness?

[@randallbrander8157]

My favorite is the Nikkor Z 85mm F/1.8 S lens for Nikon Z cameras and the Sigma 56mm F/1.4 APSC lens for the Sony E-mount. I have updated the Megadap ETZ11 adapter to version 3.40 and will probably buy that Sigma 20mm F/2.8 lens to work with my Z cameras. I cannot remember if you put that lens on your APSC camera though. If you have let me know please.

[@mrpp296]

Can you make a detail video about apsc mode in full frame camera please? How does it perform and every little thing about it including picture samples.

[@nhancao4790]

Real OGs of the channel know Arthur used to be in the Mafia and he rodes a Honda super cub

[@ArthurR]

Back in the day! I should have never sold that cub!

[@nhancao4790]

@@ArthurR Nothing beats a small practical Cub especially when one lives in a city.

[@xquisite22]

the Sigma 85MM 1.4 is by far my most favorite lens ... hands down ... no competition... when I die, bury me with it and my 7Artisans 55... those two lenses have built my career

[@Princeton_James]

😂😂😂

[@noenken]

Comparing 65 vs 90mm in terms of field of view there is not that much difference. So I picked the 65. Optically better, one stop faster, not that much bigger or heavier. (I have it for the S5.)

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Great review thanks a lot. You convinced me to wait for the 1.4 85MM instead. Yes I buy only second hand lenses so I will have to wait …

[@MarkCupLee]

I just bought it to use on my a6000 & ZV-E10 for its compactness since there is no telephoto primes for sony aps-c cameras to choose form, and it fits aps-c body perfectly. The metal built is great, but I rather it is made out of plastic to be even lighter (and maybe cheaper). Hope I will not regret selling 55-210mm for this lens.

[@MarkCupLee]

Note: Aperture ring does not work on a6000 and older cameras. Works fine on ZV-E10 tho.

[@gliazzurra]

i wish you tested this with apsc camera.

[@duchu1987]

I like my small Samyang 75 1.8 for portraits when travel. It's lightweight, fast, small and decent quality. Cheaper than that Sigma.

[@hirschkuh1982]

The 75mm Samyang is crap. Have a look at the Viltrox AF 75mm 1.2. This one is so much better than the Samyang

[@duchu1987]

@@hirschkuh1982 The Viltrox 75 is almost three times more heavy, almost three times more expensive and it is for crop sensors only. It's not a same league. And definitely it's not a travel lens.

[@KeAiFu]

I had the Samyang, but with modern Sony cameras, A7C II/R the AF of the lens has problems and is pumping all the time.

[@duchu1987]

@@KeAiFu Did you try the newest software update? Almost all Samyangs has already software for Sony a7CR.

[@valetdecour]

I got the ziess 55mm and the sigma 85 1.4 Art lens and love both of them....

[@Undvne]

I'd always take a larger aperture over the 2.8 offering.

[@nitinchauhan9835]

Will it work on sony a6100

[@enjoygary]

I have the Sony 85mm 1.8 It focuses super fast and is sharp even on APSC

[@abhishekkendle9974]

I’ve been watching your videos since long, bought my first camera and kit of lenses watching your videos! Looking forward to buy the tamron 35-150 f2.8 and would like to hear about it from you. Waiting for the same. Love your way of reviewing and for the same reason I’m holding back my buying decision for now! Peace 🙏🏻

[@henryt9731]

Hey Arthur, can do a comparison on the color science of the a6000, a6100, a6600 and the A7C? 😳

[@1946gsp]

This lens was touted as one which would pair well with an aps-c camera (didn’t i see the Full Frame-APS-C code on the box? I bought it for use with my a6600 to have the extra crop factor 135mm reach. I agree with you that, for a full frame camera, there are many other (better?) choices. But I think the main draw for this lens is for its suitability for apps-c camera users. Or not. What the heck do I know?!😂

[@RTReview.]

Hope they finally produce lenses for z Mount.

[@maelong7]

Samyang 75mm f/1.8 could be a good competitor to this lens.

[@Princeton_James]

Yes. Such a good lens

[@tharindubro]

Great video as always . I do have sony A 6100 and sony 85 mm 1.8 . But now Im going to buy sigma 85mm 1.4 . Is this combination okay or will I loose quality of images?

[@Donbros]

90mm is really versatile fl

[@jotapht3700]

Wish you have tested in apsc, it should be awesome!

[@SilatShooter]

I disagree with your assessment. I have both this and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 and they're vastly different in size and weight (as you mentioned). The 90mm is optically excellent with plenty of bokeh. It's the better street lens and on an aps-c body it's 135mm equivalent making it a great travel lens. The build quality is superb as well. I had the Sony 85mm f1.8 for travel and replaced it with this 90mm, for it's discretion in use. So I take this with Sigma 56mm f1.4 when traveling giving me a nice compact one-two punch with a smaller aps-c body. When I'm shooting in a controlled environment, I grab the 85mm f1.4 but for general use and travel this 90mm is easier to grab and it's images from it are great.

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

Thanks man, I was almost about to buy a second hand. I’ll wait for a new sony 85 GM or consider the Sigma 85 f/1.4 that you like. Btw. How is the autofocus of Sigma 85 f/1.4 compare to Sonys new fast linear focusing system?

[@frankfeng2701]

In terms of priority/versatility, Tamron 70-180 >= Sony 85 1.8 >= Sigma 85 1.4 > Sony 90 2.8 Macro > Sigma 90 2.8

[@yeungns]

From all the reviews I read it seems that the Sigma 85 1.4 DGDN is the best E-mount 85mm lens currently in terms of sharpness, build and AF speed. 85GM is the only GM dethroned by a 3rd party lens. Would be difficult for Sigma to produce another lens that can compete favourably against it.

[@Sergey_Pashnin]

And where to see the photos themselves with more resolution ?

[@jozi9301]

I personally have the 85mm 1.8 from Sony, and I'm gonna say it's my favorite because I can't afford to buy the other lenses at the same focal length 😂

[@11hossein]

I have a6400, would you still recommend ttartisan 50mm f1.2?? (I’m low in budget) (want to have a portrait lens)

[@keystonebrotherb]

I just love my Samyang 85 1.4 I love it. Pre-ordered the Samyang 135 1.8 Can’t wait!

[@TheCrustyCupcake]

Arthur, I know this is a full frame lens review, but I've got a question for you. I recently ran into a gentleman at a show who had an A6400 with him and asked him about it, he said after using it for a few months he has found he preferred his A6000, this seems to line up with how often you seem to review lenses on your A6100. Got any insight for someone interested in picking up an A6400?

[@9dragonarts]

Im lucky enough to own few good lens, but this I series is over all unbeatable.

[@Remmerboy]

You missed the opportunity to test it on APS-C camera. It's 135mm equivalent which could be amazing portrait focal length

[@StefanAlexandruGeogloman]

Not related to this video, but do you have a word on Sigma 18-50 f2.8 vs Sigma 16mm/56mm f1.4? Could it replace the trio, the photo quality? It's not as bright or has the same bokeh, but it's more flexible. A comparison might help if you also consider it useful. :)

[@PatrickWithCamera]

It can't replace, had same idea, bought 18-50 to replace my trio, it didn't happen, sigma 16mm @F2 and sigma 56mm @F1.8 are sharper than 18-50 at any aperture, also sigma trio(especially 56mm) got more pleasing rendering. If you think about video then this sigma 18-50 is great deal, for pics primes are much better.

[@annareutov2445]

Great video

[@davidalangraham]

Viltrox 85mm. For the price and sharpness, it's awesome!

[@johnsoncityaerialphotograp7201]

You guys expecting again? Congrats!

[@kismat_rana]

Can anyone tell me, h far I should be to get street headshot when I use this lens on apsc ? 🙈

[@shahabh2108]

There is a website called dof simulator, go and check it for yourself it shows you many parameters including subject distance, how much fill the frame and background blur

[@benjamindover4337]

Nice

[@Primeros1000]

I love sigma but… I don’t get it, a 2.8 prime? I have couple contemporary lens and couple Art I do love sigma but I don’t think I would want this one

[@maZec31]

I love street photography and my go to lens is 85mm 1,8 from Tokina. But it is big. It is the best 85mm 1,8 for sony yes but is big. Only sigma 85 1,4 is better. But i want this lens. Because it is so small and light

[@Muchtoobizy]

Thanks for this good, honest review. I have the Sony 85mm f1.8 and I think it does a better job of blurring the background which is important for portraits. I also have the Sigma 65mm f2 and even though its wider than the 90mm, I think the larger aperture gives it a bokeh advantage over this lens when used for portraiture. I think Sigma should have made this an f2 lens. It would have been larger of course, but it would have been a better portrait lens.

[@hecjvaldez]

Hi! with one would you recommend between the Sony 85mm 1.8 vs Sigma 65mm f2?

[@thewiseoldbird]

Nice to know it comes in a white box with a user manual

[@jg_jgjg]

Sigma 56mm 1.4 for apsc

[@mogeking56]

A Look at Sigma's Compact Portrait Lens, the 90mm f/2.8 Contemporary: Camera 📷 lenses are so expensive that if your not a professional it’s a waste of your money seriously 😳. Their high cost is killing their own Industry.

[@sdhute]

What's up with Sony apsc.... There are all sold out like Sony has stopped making APSC.

[@photobatya]

Honestly, the way you are processing photos is killing any lens wow factor

[@Tirielphoto]

This is macro, 2.8 is enough!

[@Niceguy54444]

so stupid test full frame lens on crop

[@Tirielphoto]

Why are you comparing portrait 85/1.8 sony to Sigma 90/2.8 macro.... This is lens is for macro not for portraits!!! You may use it for portraits but it is a damn MACRO lens. 🤦‍♂️

[@PatrickWithCamera]

Trololo? :D

[@mrmonday42]

This is not a macro lens