The record-high performance worthy of the name of 85mm f/1.4 Art
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 is a specification almost synonymous with a portrait lens. With the Art line lenses, SIGMA pursues the highest optical performance possible and has devoted the latest optical design technologies, as well as the production technologies of the Aizu factory, SIGMA's only production site, to the development of these lenses. The result is a detailed image critical for portrait photography that is achieved at a level that will satisfy both professional and advanced amateur photographers.
In addition to five SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements and one aspherical lens, the 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art has incorporated the latest high refractive index glass, which works to thoroughly correct aberrations that cannot be handled by the correction functionality on the camera side. With a particular emphasis given to the correction of axial chromatic aberration, users will enjoy sharp images with no colour bleeding, all the way up to the maximum aperture of F1.4.
The high resolving power that covers the entire image from the centre to the edges ensures sharpness of the area in focus, and coupled with the significant bokeh effect produced by the F-value of 1.4 brings out the users’ subject in an evocative way.
The numerous rounds of ray-trace simulation, as well as repeated real-world testing, have given the 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art its ability to minimise ghosting, ensuring clear, sharp images even when shooting in backlit conditions.
With the ability to shoot from the maximum aperture of F1.4 without worrying about image quality, users can focus on the camera operations to realise their artistic expressions, such as the adjustment of exposure and depth of field. This new lens indeed delivers a level of optical performance truly worthy of the name of 85mm F1.4 Art.
Lightweight & compact - A new perception of F1.4
The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art weighs 630g/ 22.2oz., with a filter size of 77mm and a body length of 94.1mm/ 3.7in.*. Designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras, it has a “large lens diameter and superb optical performance” and “a lightweight and compact body,” a combination which has long been difficult to achieve.
The AF motor system employs a stepping motor which is optimized for both phase-detection AF and contrast AF. Not only does this provide a smooth shooting experience only possible with a mirrorless camera, such as face/eye detection AF, but it has also made the lens body itself much smaller, as the focus lens has been made small to better suit a stepping motor. Furthermore, by making the most of the in-camera aberration correction functionalities, SIGMA was able to concentrate on the correction of aberration that could be handled by the optical system alone, which further contributed to making the lens smaller in size.
With such a lightweight and small body, users can now take out a large-diameter 85mm F1.4 lens for an everyday use such as taking snapshots. The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art invites users to enjoy photography in an unconventional way.
* For L-mount.
A full range of functionalities and an excellent build quality
This compact lens is packed with a range of functionalities that will satisfy both professional and advanced amateur photographers. The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art has newly introduced an “Iris ring lock switch.*[1]” This prevents the unintended movement of the iris ring during shooting, allowing users to devote their attention to the creation of their image. The Iris ring is mounted with a de-click function for removing clicks by the Iris Ring Click Switch, enabling seamless operations that are especially useful such as during video shooting. Furthermore, the “Focus Mode Switch” on the lens body and the “AFL button*[2]” that allows various functions to be assigned from a camera body will also assist users’ shooting.
In addition to the dust- and splash-proof structure, the lens uses materials such as aluminium and TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) where they are best suited, achieving a level of build quality that is worthy of the Art line. In addition to the durability of the body, the lens pursues quality in terms of how users “feel” as well, such as the smooth motion in which each ring or switch works, and the precise hand feeling. The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art helps ensure users a smooth shooting experience in every condition.
*[1] When turned ON at the position A, the iris ring is locked at A. When turned ON at a position other than A, it is locked within the range between the maximum to minimum apertures and will not engage at the position A.
*[2] Limited to compatible cameras. Also, the functions depend on the camera.
Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
Matching the optical characteristics of the lens, this function performs in-camera corrections of peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, distortion, and more, to further enhance image quality.
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model.
Designed to minimise flare and ghosting
From an early stage in the lens design process, flare and ghosting have been measured to establish an optical design resistant to strong incident light sources such as backlighting. SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting to help photographers produce sharp and high contrast images even in backlight conditions.
Rounded diaphragm (11-blade)
The 11-blade rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur in the out-of-focus areas of the image.
Hood with lock
Features a hood with lock to prevent dropping the hood.
High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount
The brass mount combines high precision with rugged construction. Its treated surfaces and enhanced strength contribute to the exceptional durability of the lens.
