Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN ART Lens Review (Sony E-Mount)
In the past, I have discussed my reasons for using the Sigma lenses as my go-to brand for prime lenses coupled with the Sony A7R III body. In fact, I have an entire photography gallery dedicated to the Sigma prime lenses in my camera bag. For the past year, a Sigma lens has been pretty much always attached to the Sony camera body for all of my photography projects.
But I’d like to delve deeper into my experience with each lens to better highlight a few of their capabilities and my personal opinion on their overall quality. In the past few months, I have been doing a lot more portrait and lifestyle work with models and have naturally turned to the 85mm lens for almost an entire photoshoot.
In short, I have been very fortunate to carry this lens for different styles of photography, and with this 85mm being one of my first prime lenses ever, I have been able to use it to challenge myself as a photographer and try to utilize the lens in more creative ways.
This review is solely based on my experience using this lens and what I prioritize when I go out to photograph on-location.
SPECIFICATIONS
The technical specifications of this E-mount lens are listed on Sigma Photo’s website. But to list a few of the specifications that I always consider when buying the lens, this Sigma lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4, minimum aperture of f/16, weighs 625g (or 22oz), with dimensions at 82.8 x 96.1mm / 3.3 x 3.8 in. (diameter x length), and a 77mm filter size.
APERTURE
My biggest reason for first purchasing this lens was because of its wide aperture of f/1.4. As a photographer with origins in night street photography, I was keen on having a lens that would allow enough light into the frame without having to sacrifice shutter speed or ISO. While I don’t find myself often going to f/1.4 as much, the ability to do so has been very useful in capturing both incredible street photography and portraits.
Given the fact that this is an 85mm lens, if you have less than stable hands any don’t have a tripod or any sort of surface to keep your camera steady, you’ll likely want to have a higher shutter speed than you would with a wider-angle lens (especially if you’re trying to capture a faster-moving subject). Of course everyone is different, but as someone who likes to shoot handheld from different angles, I’ll always prioritize a high shutter speed over anything else. That’s where having a wide aperture has come in handy for me.
A wide aperture is useful for street photography at night
Portrait taken at an aperture of f/1.4 with the Sigma 85mm DG DN ART Prime lens.
