Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art Lens for Sony E

What’s new?

The Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art Lens completes Sigma’s f1.2 Art prime series, joining the existing 35mm and 50mm lenses as its medium-telephoto option. It introduces an f1.2 alternative alongside the existing 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art, using a new 17-element optical design to maintain high resolving power and control aberrations at maximum aperture. For portrait photographers, this brings the depth and rendering of f1.2 to 85mm with the optical correction required for wide-open shooting. Sigma has also addressed the focusing and physical demands of an 85mm f1.2 through a floating focus mechanism and dual HLA motors, retaining fast and precise autofocus despite the substantial optical construction. At 905g, it is one of the smallest and lightest lenses in its class, containing the weight normally associated with a large-aperture portrait lens and making f1.2 more practical for regular use.

Optical performance at f1.2

Opening an 85mm lens to f1.2 puts considerable demands on its optical design, particularly when Sigma aims to retain high resolving power at maximum aperture. To combat this challenge, the Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art Lens uses a substantial 17-element, 12-group construction. Two SLD and three aspherical elements work alongside high-anomalous-dispersion glass to suppress axial chromatic and spherical aberrations, helping to retain fine detail and reduce colour around the plane of focus. Sagittal coma flare is also corrected, with flare and ghosting addressed through Sigma’s optical design process. The result is an 85mm that can take full advantage of the light-gathering ability and very shallow depth of field of f1.2, without sacrificing the image quality expected from an Art lens.

That same attention extends to the out-of-focus areas that are central to an 85mm f1.2. Sigma has designed the optical system to suppress colour bleeding and double-line bokeh, helping produce clean transitions away from the subject. A 13-blade rounded diaphragm maintains a near-circular aperture as the lens is stopped down, keeping out-of-focus highlights rounded beyond f1.2. For portrait photography, this combination gives photographers fine detail at the point of focus with smooth, controlled rendering across the shallow depth of field.

Fast autofocus and controlled focus transitions

To drive such a substantial optical build, Sigma has paid equal attention to focusing performance. Dual HLA motors provide fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus, with reliable tracking that supports precise subject acquisition at f1.2. This gives photographers responsive AF without trading away the optical performance of the 17-element design. For recording, Sigma has suppressed focus breathing by arranging the focus groups and optimising the aspherical elements. This limits shifts in angle of view during focus transitions, keeping framing consistent when pulling focus between subjects.

Operation and handling

Sigma uses TSC and other lightweight, high-strength materials to keep the complete lens to 905g despite its f1.2 aperture and 17-element construction. The control layout follows the same practical approach, keeping frequently used functions directly accessible through two AFL buttons and a dedicated aperture ring. Users can lock the ring to prevent accidental changes or de-click for smooth adjustments during recording, giving photographers and filmmakers more tactile control.

Lightweight design for its class

Weighing 905g and measuring 87.2 x 121.7mm, the Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art Lens is one of the smallest and lightest autofocus lenses in its class. This keeps the size and weight of an 85mm f1.2 at a more manageable level for handheld portrait photography and regular use. Sigma complements the compact construction with dust- and splash-resistance, plus a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element. This helps protect the lens during outdoor use and makes fingerprints, moisture and other surface contamination easier to remove.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Sigma 85mm f1.2 DG Art Lens
• 1 x Pouch
• 1 x Lens Hood LH878-08
• 1 x Front Cap LCF-82 IV
• 1 x Rear Cap LCR III