This is just a quick test between the Canon 85L f/1.2 and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4. The images were done in jpg and cropped. I used ISO 800, with ambient lighting. The camera was setup on a tripod and triggered remotely.
I found that the Sigma performed admirably against one of the holy trinity, the fabled 85L f/1.2 II. The Sigma to me was sharper at all f stops. I just tested it to f/2.2, because you buy these lenses for their wide aperture. For $899 vs the Canon’s $1800-2000, it gets the job done. I can live without that extra 1/2 of a stop. Again this is just IMHO.
nice test, thanks. My personal experience with the copy i had for a couple of days, was that the 85L was both a tad bit sharper and had better contrast in my opinion. Could have lived with the sigma, but the focus wasn't good on my copy so sent it back and didn't look back. There are however a lot of reports from very happy users, so I guess it's a fine lens
I had a Sigma for a while and tested against my 85L II in quite a few scenarios. The one deciding factor for me was the greater fine detail visible in the distance in some landscape shots with the L; it just resolved more. I did like the bokeh of the Sigma; with OOF Christmas tree lights, it looked better. I didn't see any noticeable difference between the two in purple fringing.
