Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F

Sigma set out to create an exceptional portrait prime lens with the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens, and they have succeeded in delivering outstanding optical performance, a large f/1.4 aperture, and a range of advanced technologies. This lens is available with a Nikon F mount and features a super-fast f/1.4 aperture, perfect for capturing images with an incredibly shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. It incorporates two SLD elements, one anomalous partial dispersion/high-refractive index element, and one aspherical element, effectively minimizing aberrations and ensuring a crisp, clear image. The Super Multi-Layer coating further helps in suppressing flare and ghosting.

The lens operates with a Hyper Sonic AF motor, enabling fast and accurate focusing, while the large focusing ring allows for manual focus override, enabling precise adjustments. A rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to the creation of round and smooth bokeh. The lens is constructed using a thermally-stable composite material that is both lightweight and durable, and it features a brass bayonet mount for enhanced accuracy and durability. It is fully compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock, offering the ability to fine-tune various lens characteristics and update firmware.

Part of Sigma’s Art line within the Global Vision series, this lens is designed to deliver exceptional optical performance and is particularly well-suited for creative and artistic applications. It is a short telephoto 85mm f/1.4 prime lens designed for full-frame Nikon F-mount cameras, and it can also be used on APS-C models, providing a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. The fast f/1.4 maximum aperture excels in low-light conditions and provides greater control over focus position when using shallow depth of field techniques. The lens’s optical design includes two SLD elements, one element with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and a high index of refraction, and one aspherical element, resulting in corrected chromatic aberrations, minimized distortion, and limited vignetting. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces lens flare and ghosting, contributing to contrast-rich and color-neutral imagery, even in backlit conditions. The integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quick and quiet autofocus performance, complemented by an optimized AF algorithm for smoother focusing. The specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability, particularly advantageous for fast continuous shooting rates. With a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, the lens produces attractive out-of-focus backgrounds.