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Archive 2022 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

D2022
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Hi,

I have been shooting outside with the Canon 135 F2 for several years and it has produced great results, but am considering purchasing the Sigma 85 1.4 Art. I also currently own the Sigma 50mm 1.4 art for indoor portraits. I'm starting to think that the 135mm lens may offer a bit too much compression, where 85mm is more natural without distortion. (Mostly shooting half body/full body shots of Children).

I normally only travel with 1 or 2 lenses so if I picked up the Sigma 85 1.4 art, I would probably leave the Canon 135 F2 at home. I currently also own the Canon EF 85 1.8 and although I like the focal length, it rarely gets used as doesn't have the same results as the Canon 135 F2.

I'm aware that the Sigma 85 1.4 art is optically very good and also heavy, but for those who own both, which lens would you rather shoot with if working distance/weight isn't an issue? Does the Sigma 85 1.4 art match the Canon 135 in terms of Colours and bokeh? I find that the Canon 135 often gives a very 'magical/dreamy' look.

For those that own both, did you find the 85 1.4 art replaced using the Canon 135 or do you still prefer one over the other?

For anyone else already shooting with a 50mm and 135mm do you find an 85mm useful as well or does the 50/135 combo cover your needs.

Thanks

Dec 27, 2022 at 07:45 AM

TeamSpeed
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

What is the 85 1.8 not doing for you? The sigma, however good it is, won’t do much more other than maybe better overall IQ. Is that what you are hoping for over your current lens?

Dec 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM

D2022
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

TeamSpeed wrote:
What is the 85 1.8 not doing for you? The sigma, however good it is, won’t do much more other than maybe better overall IQ. Is that what you are hoping for over your current lens?

The 85 1.8 is great for the price. I'm not sure if it's the colours, microcontrast, bokeh or a bit of everything but comparing the images from it against those from the 135 F2 (or some of my other L lenses), it just doesn't have the same feel to the overal quality.

Dec 27, 2022 at 12:14 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

I think this is more of a focal length decision and it depends what body you are using. Are you shooting with a DSLR or ML body? When I was shooting a DSLR, my favorite lens was the 135/2 even though I owned all the sigma Art lenses. Sigma Art lenses are obviously better optically, but that comes with extra size and weight. If you are traveling often with several lenses like me, then the Sigma Arts sit home and collect dust whereas the 135/2 makes it in the bag every time. Now that I switched to an ML body, an adapter is required which makes the 135 longer and a little heavier. So now I'll be upgrading to the new Canon RF 135 1.8 as it's not too much heavier/bigger than the 135/2 with adapters.

I prefer the 135mm over the 85mm focal length, whereas others prefer the opposite. So pick your FL first and then decide which lens.

Dec 27, 2022 at 12:27 PM

D2022
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

artsupreme wrote:
I think this is more of a focal length decision and it depends what body you are using. Are you shooting with a DSLR or ML body? When I was shooting a DSLR, my favorite lens was the 135/2 even though I owned all the sigma Art lenses. Sigma Art lenses are obviously better optically, but that comes with extra size and weight. If you are traveling often with several lenses like me, then the Sigma Arts sit home and collect dust whereas the 135/2 makes it in the bag every time. Now that I switched to an ML body,...Show more →

Thanks for you're view.

I shoot with a Canon R (ML). In what way did you find the sigma's better optically? Ignoring the focal length differences it sounds like I wouldn't be losing anything based on IQ by using the Sigma 85 1.4 over the Canon 135?

I tend to travel with only 1 or 2 lenses, so I don't think the weight of the 85 1.4 art will be too much of a hinderance. The RF options look great, the 85 1.2 would be top of my list but unfortunately is also out of my budget.

I think it may be that i've used the Canon 135 F2 for so long that i'm starting to prefer the look of an 85mm (has a bit more depth and less flattening of faces imo), but at the same time don't want to sacrifice anything optically as the 135 F2 certainly produces special looking images.

Dec 27, 2022 at 01:31 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Probably either is good optically, I doubt either is bad. I've certainly seen excellent portraits using 135. As I believe has already been said choose based on FL. I haven't used but I'm not sure how much good better bokeh etc is if the FL is not for you

Not sure it's the greatest idea that you are looking at another 85mm since you haven't used your 85/1.8 very much, which sounds like a good lens. Doesn't hurt to try it, I guess, though.

Dec 27, 2022 at 01:50 PM

TeamSpeed
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Here is an alternative... While you can still get these on ebay (since Canon has gone after any AF enabled RF 3rd party lens, so these have been yanked from all shops), this is a good RF alternative to your Canon 85 1.8, and it is quite good. About the same price as the Canon 85 1.8 too. I have this, and the Sigma 135 EF ART, I like both of these on my R6.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204114917057?hash=item2f863276c1:g:mssAAOSw2LNjCDSN&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoGB2N9ZN%2B0jO7X2cOvGk795c1%2FZNLB0A45XpvLlCknfi9Sysz1drWqEy3fqiJoZYMd3ckGXN7hEwHHJEj6%2BLDp0ldfaf5Ss2JFabcxoAUcjtUaF8yc%2Fgw%2FhYh3BM2cLB9JtnSp07WyRyD5BiV7igYgx3q%2BT%2BlnU97X3rRv2zMLAiCFaw1L9lL9jBNuhZg0nSmgXloG3O7VX6bJii7ZPAW%2FM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4iOj9CqYQ

Just throwing out an alternative since you are using an R mount camera.

Review:
https://dustinabbott.net/2021/12/viltrox-rf-85mm-f1-8-stm-review/

Dec 27, 2022 at 02:16 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

D2022 wrote:
Thanks for you're view.

I shoot with a Canon R (ML). In what way did you find the sigma's better optically? Ignoring the focal length differences it sounds like I wouldn't be losing anything based on IQ by using the Sigma 85 1.4 over the Canon 135?

I tend to travel with only 1 or 2 lenses, so I don't think the weight of the 85 1.4 art will be too much of a hinderance. The RF options look great, the 85 1.2 would be top of my list but unfortunately is also out of my budget.

I think it may be...Show more →

You would not lose anything IQ related moving from the 135 to the Sigma 85 art, in fact you would gain (I'm sure someone can share charts). As for the 135, it gets beat up for it's LoCA in harsh lighting and supposedly the new high resolution sensors like the R5 and above can out-resolve the 135 wide open. But for me, it's more about the rendering and feel of the 135 compared to a lens with better technical specs. Just like some people like the old EF 85L rendering better than the near perfect RF 85. The EF 135 is fast focusing, compact, lightweight crushes the backgrounds, and has great color. It just produces magic IMO. I had one glued to my DSLR at all times. Now that I'm using R5's I will have the RF 135 glued to one of them it's available. I hope the RF 135's rendering is similar to the EF 135.

Dec 27, 2022 at 02:21 PM

D2022
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

AmbientMike wrote:
Probably either is good optically, I doubt either is bad. I've certainly seen excellent portraits using 135. As I believe has already been said choose based on FL. I haven't used but I'm not sure how much good better bokeh etc is if the FL is not for you

Not sure it's the greatest idea that you are looking at another 85mm since you haven't used your 85/1.8 very much, which sounds like a good lens. Doesn't hurt to try it, I guess, though.

Thank you for you're view.

TeamSpeed wrote:
Here is an alternative... While you can still get these on ebay (since Canon has gone after any AF enabled RF 3rd party lens, so these have been yanked from all shops), this is a good RF alternative to your Canon 85 1.8, and it is quite good. About the same price as the Canon 85 1.8 too. I have this, and the Sigma 135 EF ART, I like both of these on my R6.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204114917057?hash=item2f863276c1:g:mssAAOSw2LNjCDSN&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoGB2N9ZN%2B0jO7X2cOvGk795c1%2FZNLB0A45XpvLlCknfi9Sysz1drWqEy3fqiJoZYMd3ckGXN7hEwHHJEj6%2BLDp0ldfaf5Ss2JFabcxoAUcjtUaF8yc%2Fgw%2FhYh3BM2cLB9JtnSp07WyRyD5BiV7igYgx3q%2BT%2BlnU97X3rRv2zMLAiCFaw1L9lL9jBNuhZg0nSmgXloG3O7VX6bJii7ZPAW%2FM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4iOj9CqYQ

Just throwing out an alternative since you are using an R mount camera.

Review:
https://dustinabbott.net/2021/12/viltrox-rf-85mm-f1-8-stm-review/

Thanks for the suggestion, think i'll avoid the viltrox though

Dec 27, 2022 at 04:49 PM

D2022
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

artsupreme wrote:
You would not lose anything IQ related moving from the 135 to the Sigma 85 art, in fact you would gain (I'm sure someone can share charts). As for the 135, it gets beat up for it's LoCA in harsh lighting and supposedly the new high resolution sensors like the R5 and above can out-resolve the 135 wide open. But for me, it's more about the rendering and feel of the 135 compared to a lens with better technical specs. Just like some people like the old EF 85L rendering better than the near perfect RF 85. The EF 135...Show more →

Thanks, i'm surprised about the Loca comments for the 135, i've always found it fairly good in harsh lighting. It does show some, but nothing that cant easily be fixed in post. Certainly nowhere near as much Loca as i've experience on the 85 1.8.

I agree on the rendering and this is what i'm more interested in with the Canon 135 vs Sigma 85 1.4 rather than technical specs. Charts are all good, but most lenses are more than sharp enough for portraits and it's the rendering which really sets 2 lenses apart imo. I've never used the Canon 85 1.2 but from samples i've seen I really like the way it renders images, it has that same magic that you describe on the 135. The only problem is that i've heard the 85 1.2 is very slow to autofocus and i'll use it a lot for kids, so need something relatively snappy.

Based on the other top end RF lenses, i'm sure the RF 135 will produce great images.

Dec 27, 2022 at 05:00 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

D2022 wrote:
Thanks, i'm surprised about the Loca comments for the 135, i've always found it fairly good in harsh lighting. It does show some, but nothing that cant easily be fixed in post. Certainly nowhere near as much Loca as i've experience on the 85 1.8.

I agree on the rendering and this is what i'm more interested in with the Canon 135 vs Sigma 85 1.4 rather than technical specs. Charts are all good, but most lenses are more than sharp enough for portraits and it's the rendering which really sets 2 lenses apart imo. I've never used the Canon 85...Show more →

The EF 85LII is slow but still very capable on an R5/R6 body, in fact it improved on the ML bodies. I'm not sure about the R's AF as I've never used it. You won't want to be shooting sports with it, but it can definitely handle kids in motion. And, you can get them for what now, $800-$900? That's 1/3rd the price of an RF 85 so it's worth a look.

I sold my Sigma Arts and my 85LII and picked up a Samyang 85 1.4 but I don't use this FL much so I'll be probably be selling that too.

Dec 27, 2022 at 05:10 PM

jj1804
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

I occasionnally use the Tamron 85 1.8 VC USD on my R5 and really like the results. My primary use is single row panos tough, so I was after sharpness and contrast and less in for the oof blur. I bought mine for around 400$, which I'd consider pretty cheap for the lens you get. Might be worth considering to bridge the time until you can or want to afford the RF 85 1.2 sometime in the future.

I find the Tamron an excellent lens. For headshots or upper body shots I usually stop down to get both eyes sharp (on the rare occasion I do use it as a portrait lens) so the f/1.8 is not a hindrance to me. It is well built, weathersealed and Tamron updated the firmware for free to me as a second owner, which I'd consider good customer service.

To throw in another lens, have you considered the Sigma 105 f/1.4. I haven't read all the replies here but I haven't seen this lens mentioned yet. I personally haven't used that lens but have a good friend that shoots his kids (4 and 2) with that thing. The results are stunning altough I'd never be willing to lug that thing around in addition to the stuff of/for the kids. That lens might be a good compromise between blurring the background and allowing for a perspective that does not flatten everything, if you are willing to lug it around. Hope these thoughts help somewhat.

Dec 28, 2022 at 08:11 AM

bipock
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

I have had in the past, and still consider adding a 135, to my bag beside my Sigma 85. For me it would be more about the ability to change the look of an image for a client than anything else. For portraits, I rarely use anything other than my 85 and rarely shoot it at anything above 1.4.

To be honest, I think we, as photographers, can see the visual difference between the 2 lenses, but I'm not always sold that clients can - especially when you shoot them wide open. I think they see great images (assuming they are great) where a true focus on the subject, which is what they are paying for.

Dec 28, 2022 at 08:33 AM

amacal1
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Dec 28, 2022 at 11:16 AM

IlyaSnopchenko
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Not sure how relevant the question still is, but I have to chime in in support of the Tamron 85mm f/1.8. It's a great lens that I've used on the Canon and now on the Nikon Z9 (via adapter). Excellent sharpness and very good AF. Not to mention the amazing stabilization (which might or might not be less relevant on cameras equipped with IBIS).

A shame they discontinued it so quickly after inception (the fate this lens shares with - say - Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS II). I know I'll hang on to my copy and it would probably be the penultimate lens I'd get rid of if - heaven forbid - I had to sell my kit.

Dec 29, 2022 at 07:30 AM

D2022
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Thanks for everyones input. Lots of good responses although i'm still not sure i'm any closer to a decision

It sounds like either option is going to produce great results and is just a focal length preference. So just need to decide if a better 85 will add much to the 50/135 that i'm already using!

In response to a few of the suggestions:

Tamron 85 1.8 - I'd never really looked at this lens before, but after a few quick reviews/ comparisions I think I prefer the look of the Sigma.

Sigma 105 1.4 Art - I did look at this lens, but actually prefered the look of the 85 1.4 art in comparision video's. Both looked great, however the thing that put my off the most is the weight of the 105 1.4 Art. It looks very heavy for a portrait lens!

Canon RF 85 1.2 - This lens looks beautiful. But photography is just a hobby for me, so as nice as it is I don't want to spend that much on a lens.

Visual differences between 2 lenses - Completely agree on this comment. I think we see subtle differences and pay a premium for any small improvements that most non photographers wouldn't be able to notice.

Dec 29, 2022 at 12:01 PM

jj1804
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

Great recap. Seems like you’re making this harder for yourself than it needs to be. Just buy a used copy of the Sigma and sell again if it turns out you don’t like it. In my experience this is oftentimes cheaper than renting a lens. Especially when you want to keep it for several weeks. Then reassess.

Or to further muddy the waters consider the Samyang/Rokinon 85 1.4?

Dec 29, 2022 at 05:10 PM

comotionfilms
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

I do a lot of kid’s photography, and I also carry 2 lenses, 35mm and 85mm. I’ve owned a bunch of 85mms, and my favorite is actually the RF 85mm AF by Samyang/Rokinon. It’s perfect at f1.4 and a wonderful match for your EOS R. I normal shy away from 3rd party lenses (though I do own the sigma 135mm), but there is something special about this lens, especially wide open. With the eos R, the AF locks onto the eye, and every shot is razor sharp. The thing I love about it is the look of the bokeh. When using it for kids portraits, the background has a very interesting look, with perhaps a bit of… swirl? I don’t know, it’s just a beautiful look. If you stop down, it loses the magic that makes it special, and just becomes a nice lens. I’m in a fortunate position where I can buy pretty much any lens I want, but I just keep using this one because it’s so nice. I’m sure I’ll eventually buy the Canon RF 85 1.2 (I already have the EF one), but I’m in no hurry since I love the Samyang. I could shoot everything on my RF 28-70, but I gravitate more to lenses that have something interesting and special about their look. The sigma is technically perfect, but does it have any soul?

That said, the 85 and 50 seem like a bit of a strange match. They are different focal lengths, but not crazy different like a 35/85 combo, or a 50/135.

Dec 29, 2022 at 09:12 PM

johnbro27
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

I've never had a Sigma Art lens disappoint. I had the Canon 135 f/2 and sadly it never really charmed me. The Tamron 85 is a good lens; I bought the RF 85 AF from Rokinon (same as the Samyang) and I really really like this lens. My Sigma Art 40 and 135 are brilliant but don't travel often due to weight and size.

Dec 29, 2022 at 10:12 PM

Jean jacques
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sigma 85 1.4 Art vs Canon 135 F2

did you try the Samyang AF RF 85mm 1.4? difficult to find actually.
I find it as good as sigma art


	https://flic.kr/p/2o63Rdj


	https://flic.kr/p/2o7WAJC

Dec 30, 2022 at 08:18 AM

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