Sigma Reimagines 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Mirrorless

08/03/2020Link0

Sigma has announced a smaller, lighter 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for full-frame L-mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. Over the years, Sigma’s Art-series lenses have gained a reputation for both their exacting sharpness and hefty weight. The latest portrait lens, redesigned specifically for mirrorless cameras, dramatically slashes the weight of its previous model from 2.49 to 1.39 lb, making it easier to use handheld for extended periods of time. Similarly, its length has been reduced from 4.97 to 3.7", making it a better fit for the mirrorless format. Despite its condensed package, the new lens maintains the optical qualities that have made the Art lenses so popular, and adds the benefits of a de-clickable aperture ring.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

To ensure the image quality expected of an Art lens, the new 85mm uses the latest high refractive index glass to correct for a variety of aberrations and distortion. Its optical design consists of 15 elements, arranged in 11 groups, and includes five Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and one aspherical element. Complementing the optics, the fast f/1.4 design also helps to produce the distinctive selective focus and shallow depth-of-field imagery with which the fast 85mm lens is associated.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

In terms of focusing, the 85mm f/1.4 features a stepping motor that is optimized for phase detection and contrast AF methods and also remains small, lightweight, and has near-silent operation. Like its predecessor, the lens has a focus mode switch to switch easily between manual and AF modes, as well as a customizable AFL button. New to this version is a de-clickable aperture that allows for smooth adjustments when shooting video, as well as a locking switch that prevents accidentally changing settings while shooting. For headshots and other close-focusing situations, it has a minimum focusing distance of 33.5".

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

For outdoor shoots, the new 85mm has a dust- and splash-proof build. It is compatible with the separately available USB Dock for future firmware updates. A lockable hood and soft lens case are included. It takes 77mm filters.

Have you shot with any of Sigma’s Art lenses? Share your experiences in the Comments section, below!

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