ISSUE 124
42 / GEAR
SIGMA 135MM F/1.4 DG ART
The lens you never knew you needed
Specifications
Mount Leica L, Sony E Image coverage Full-frame Aperture f/1.4-16
Aperture blades 13, rounded Construction 17 elements in 13 groups with 4 FLD and 2 aspherical elements Image stabilisation No Minimum focusing 110cm Filter size 105mm Dimensions (wxl) 111.7x135.5mm Weight 1430g (with L-Mount)
£1649
sigmauk.com
Sigma’s superfast 135mm lens delivers creamy out-of-focus rendering as well as biting-sharp detail and fast autofocus
To be fair, there isn’t much competition – especially from high-end brands. The 135mm used to be a staple buy for most keen photographers until fast f/2.8 zooms took over, and no other manufacturer has released a 135mm that’s as fast as this. Built exclusively for full-frame Sony E- and L-Mount, Sigma’s optic enters the kit of serious portrait, wedding and event photographers, but also of any creative shooter who wants low-light performance or background blur. Bokeh-licious performance Sigma claims the effective aperture diameter of this lens surpasses its own 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ‘Bokeh Master’ and rivals its 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports, which we also test in this issue. And we have to agree, as when shot at a wide aperture, the background blur is stunning with smooth transitions and excellent sharpness even at f/1.4. At this setting there is a hint of minimal onion-ring highlight bokeh in the corners but close down a tad and it’s gone. In fact, close down even half a
If your priority is maximum subject separation, sensational
bokeh and a professional build for your full-frame mirrorless camera, you’ve probably not been lusting after a 135mm telephoto prime. But the new, standout Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art will change your mind. It’s not casual carry, but then it’s not casual performance either. If your shooting style supports a short telephoto prime with high impact, this could be your dream lens. The £1649 price, weight and size are the trade-offs, but the optical payoff is substantial. It sets a new benchmark for large-aperture medium telephoto primes.
BIG IS BEAUTIFUL The Sigma is a large lens but creates lovely bokeh (below)
stop and the sharpness is staggering across the whole frame. Four FLDs and two aspherical elements in the optical design, which is 17 elements in 13 groups, help to control chromatic aberrations. Add in 13 rounded aperture blades and it becomes clear this is a lens designed for optical sharpness and bokeh. Even if you don’t look at spec charts, suffice to say that this is a highly complex and modern optical arrangement – and it delivers.
Autofocus surprise A short telephoto built for bokeh
and low light is not usually the sort of lens where AF speed is a priority. But nobody told Sigma, which equips its lens with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system. Each focus group has its own HLA motor for rapid, precise performance. The floating focus mechanism maintains sharpness across the focusing range while AF acquisition is fast. We only had the chance to try the lens on a Panasonic Lumix S1H, which is not known for its AD (anomalous dispersion), but it still was very rapid and sticky. Handling is professional-grade with assignable AFL (autofocus lock) buttons, an aperture ring with lock and click options, weather sealing and a magnesium-alloy Arca-Swiss tripod collar that can be removed. The lens weighs approximately 1430g, which is heavy for a prime but acceptable for this optical ambition. Attach the included lens hood and it is a big unit. It’s not for stealthy street candids.
Sigma claims that the effective aperture diameter of this new lens surpasses its own 105mm f/1.4 ‘Bokeh Master’ and rivals its 200mm f/2
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