We’ve been patiently waiting to lay our hands on Sigma’s short telephoto prime. Michael Topham is suitably impressed by a stunning performance
Towards the back end of last year, we were inundated by a flurry of new releases from lens manufacturers. This included Sigma, who presented three full-frame optics for us to get excited about. In recent months we’ve reviewed the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art and the monstrous Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM. Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the third lens we’ve been longing to test.
It was widely reported that Sigma would launch a new 85mm f/1.4 prime to replace the company’s aging 85mm f/1.4 EX DH HSM, but what was less well known was how the Sigma would improve it. With the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DH HSM looking rather dated alongside the company’s latest lenses in the ‘Art’ lineup, we assumed its replacement would receive similar treatment in terms of its styling. Something we didn’t predict was a radically new optical design, which has resulted in it being a considerably larger and heavier lens.
Full-frame users specialising in portraiture have always had a fondness for the 85mm focal length. While some photographers may be tempted by the affordable f/1.8 alternatives out there, this lens falls into the high-end f/1.4 camp where paying a premium gets you a faster aperture with stellar optical quality. The fact it comes with a four-figure price-tag of £1,199 doesn’t make it an easy pill to swallow, but when you start to compare it with its closest competition you appreciate it costs less than the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G (£1,349), Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 (£1,379) and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master lens (£1,500). It also has to compete against the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM as Canon doesn’t offer a 85mm f/1.4 in its EF lens lineup.
Features
Denne historien er fra March 25,2017-utgaven av Amateur Photographer.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 25,2017-utgaven av Amateur Photographer.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
140 years of change
AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton
Preserving history in platinum
A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision
Life in the past lane
What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time
Choice cuts
How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide
140 years of Amateur Photographer
As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.