Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Review: “Outstanding Optics for Portrait “

Posted on by

Marc Alhadeff at Sony Alpha Blog has published the review for Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens (tested on the 42MP Sony A7R III): “The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art ($1,599 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama) is an outstanding optics for portrait and well deserve its nickname of Bokeh Master”

Conclusion From Sony Alpha Blog:

The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art (1500 euros) is an outstanding optics for portrait and well deserve its nickname of Bokeh Master

  • Background blur is exceptional with superb 3D effects
  • Sharpness is incredible
  • AF is fast and very efficient including for eye AF
  • Color rendition is very good
  • Distorsion / Lens fall off / CA are close to zero
  • Bokeh balls are very good but not perfect when close down to F2.8/F4 (nor perfectly circular)à
  • Reasonable price considering performances
  • A min of 1/250s shutter speed will be required
  • Built in tripod collar is a very nice idea to support the weight of 1.85 kg
  • One of the only flaw is the resistance to flare which is just ok as you can get some loss of contrast in direct sun
  • Huge (difficult to put in a standard photo bag), heavy (1,85 kg!) , filter size is uncommon (105mm = expensive)

Before testing the lens, I was convinced , I would not be able  stand the weight of it and that this 105mm was a pure technical demonstration of Sigma capability, but when I saw the results, I was astonished and really started to love the lens ! It is a real “Bokeh” machine to produce wonderful portraits ! Its signature is unique. After a second look at the photos made I finally decided to order the lens for myself.

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $1,599 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $899 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $849 at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $899 at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $949 at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $1,199 at B&H, Adorama.

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Sony E: $1,399 at B&H, Adorama.