Sigma Unveils New 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Sigma recently announced their new 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens. This prime lens is said to produce an impressive bokeh effect, strong contrast and sharp image quality all the way to the edges. According to Sigma, the 135mm delivers outstanding resolution that suits ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs perfectly. This crystal-clear resolution acquired by the 135mm is ideal for close-ups, full-body shots and even bridal portraits. It can even be used when shooting live events, thanks to its large aperture and super-fast autofocus.

• Fast and nimble AF photography
• Image quality optimal for ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs
• Ideal for portraits requiring a dramatic bokeh effect
• Mount with dust- and splash-proof construction
• Rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• Designed to minimise flare and ghosting

SIGMA 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM
With f/1.8 brightness, this telephoto lens for full-frame cameras further strengthens the Art line’s prime options

• The ultimate 135mm telephoto is designed to prioritise optical performance
• Fast and nimble autofocus photography
• Sixth 35mm full-frame prime lens to join the Art line

Introducing the ultimate 135mm telephoto featuring top-level performance

Often, 135mm telephoto lenses are categorised as the foundational telephoto, the first lens to add to your collection. This focal length delivers a strong perspective compression effect, while the large diameter with f/1.8 brightness provides a dramatic bokeh effect. By minimising axial chromatic aberration, the SIGMA 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art makes this bokeh effect not only impressive but also beautiful while delivering superb contrast and sharp image quality in every shot. It offers the outstanding resolution required for 50MP or higher ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs. By incorporating its latest innovations in design and optical glass and rethinking every aspect of the lens, SIGMA has ensured outstanding image quality all the way to the edges, establishing the new standard in 135mm telephoto lenses.

With resolution so crystal-clear that individual hairs can be discerned in a portrait, this large-diameter lens also delivers a beautiful bokeh effect, giving photographers everything they need. It is ideal for close-ups and full-body shots, with subjects standing out against a pleasantly blurred background. In addition to standard portraits, including bridal shots, this lens is a top performer for live events, with its super-fast autofocus capturing subjects with ease.

Key Features

The ultimate 135mm telephoto designed to prioritise optical performance

• Image quality optimal for ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs
  To deliver the ultra-high resolution that brings the best out of 50MP or higher ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs, the focus mechanism features SIGMAs floating system. No matter what the distance from the subject, this lens offers top performance from the center to the edges of the image. By minimising distortion as well, the lens delivers impeccable image quality — no need for digital adjustment during image processing.

• Ideal for portraits requiring a dramatic bokeh effect
  The 135mm focal length delivers a stunning compression effect: even fairly close to the subject, the telephoto ring allows the photographer to establish a variety of dramatic perspectives. The compression effect truly shines in both close-ups and full-length portraits, making composition easy. Moreover, the large diameter with f/1.8 brightness makes possible a body shot with an impressive bokeh background. In sum, this lens puts a full menu of compositional options at the photographer’s fingertips.

• Fast and nimble autofocus photography
  The large hypersonic motor (HSM) offers two benefits. It delivers ample torque to the focusing group for outstanding speed, ensuring exceptionally stable performance even at lower speeds. The acceleration sensor detects the orientation of the lens, allowing the autofocus system to respond to varying loads on the focusing group due to gravity. Along with the optimised AF algorithm, these features deliver fast autofocus photography. In addition, the focus limiter makes AF highly responsive to distance from the subject for even more nimble performance.

• Sixth 35mm full-frame prime lens to join the Art line
  Launched in 2012, the SIGMA 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art was the first lens in the Art line. Since then, SIGMA has developed a wide variety of lenses for the line, and the SIGMA 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is the sixth prime lens in the line to offer 35mm full-frame coverage. Now even stronger, the Art line sets the new standard for prime lenses in the ultra-high-megapixel era.

Other features

• Fast AF with full-time manual override _{(Note: The operation of full-time MF may vary based on mount type)}
• Compatible with mount converter MC-11
• Mount with dust- and splash-proof construction
• Nikon electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism included
• Available SIGMA USB Dock (makes customisation and flexible adjustment possible)
• Available mount conversion service (allows use with another camera body)
• Rounded diaphragm
• Designed to minimise flare and ghosting
• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
• Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system “A1”
• Made in Japan (with outstanding craftsmanship)
• The lens barrel is engraved with the year of release

Information courtesy of dpreview