Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
p.1 #1Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Hello everyone,
Is there anywhere a direct comparison of the bokeh between the Sigma 35 1.2 I and II versions? I haven't been able to find anything so far. Does anyone have a comparison you can post here? Does anyone have both lenses?
The only comparison i know so far ist the comparison of Dustin Abott to the Viltrox 1.2.
I still use the old, heavy Sigma version 1. I love the rendering, but the lens is too heavy for me. But i'm afraid the new version has worse bokeh rendering.
Best regards
Is there anywhere a direct comparison of the bokeh between the Sigma 35 1.2 I and II versions? I haven't been able to find anything so far. Does anyone have a comparison you can post here? Does anyone have both lenses?
The only comparison i know so far ist the comparison of Dustin Abott to the Viltrox 1.2.
I still use the old, heavy Sigma version 1. I love the rendering, but the lens is too heavy for me. But i'm afraid the new version has worse bokeh rendering.
Best regards
Feb 14, 2026 at 01:46 PM
p.1 #2Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
This one is interesting … the MkI has great "3D pop"…
Feb 17, 2026 at 09:20 AM
p.1 #3Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Following this thread – I will say I have seen unofficial comparisons that indicate to me that the Mk I is better... I will say that I'm skeptical from a 'physics' perspective whether in every case a lens can be reduced in size without any compromise.
Feb 17, 2026 at 09:43 AM
p.1 #4Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
The only way to know for sure is to rent the MKII for yourself and do your own testing.
Feb 17, 2026 at 10:08 AM
p.1 #5Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Bastian compared the mk I to the Viltrox:
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-0-95-f-1-2-fullframe-lenses/
And Dustin Abbott compared the mk II to the Viltrox (link seems down at the moment). Maybe you can extrapolate.
To my eyes, both Sigmas seem to have a bit better bokeh than the Viltrox, so I can't necessarily say which is better between mk I and II. But both seem very good, and the size and price differences are significant, so maybe those are a better reasons to choose one over the other.
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/comparison-super-fast-35mm-f-0-95-f-1-2-fullframe-lenses/
And Dustin Abbott compared the mk II to the Viltrox (link seems down at the moment). Maybe you can extrapolate.
To my eyes, both Sigmas seem to have a bit better bokeh than the Viltrox, so I can't necessarily say which is better between mk I and II. But both seem very good, and the size and price differences are significant, so maybe those are a better reasons to choose one over the other.
Feb 17, 2026 at 12:39 PM
p.1 #6Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Very interested to see if there are any bokeh differences from V1 to V2. Regardless of the weight I preferred the original Sigma 35mm 1.2 to the Sony 35mm 1.4 currently in my bag. I like and have a very good copy of the Sony 35mm 1.4 but it just doesn’t have the “pop” of the Sigma IMO. Very close to selling the Sony and getting the new Sigma soon.
Feb 17, 2026 at 06:12 PM
p.1 #7Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
i had V1 and wasn't happy with it, I just read the review of v2 and ordered one (l mount), arriving Friday! i do have the viltrox in sony mount, its big but superb. Not a travel lens!!
Feb 17, 2026 at 06:46 PM
p.1 #8Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Hmm in this video at 10:24:
https://youtu.be/SA9iGHzYhgs?t=624
The new Sigma actually looks more busy than the GM, to my eyes at least
...
But I guess my point is the differences are pretty small between those lenses (and reliant on the scene at least a bit). Though I vaguely recall watching a short comparison video where the old Sigma's bokeh was marginally smoother than the new one's...
https://youtu.be/SA9iGHzYhgs?t=624
The new Sigma actually looks more busy than the GM, to my eyes at least
...But I guess my point is the differences are pretty small between those lenses (and reliant on the scene at least a bit). Though I vaguely recall watching a short comparison video where the old Sigma's bokeh was marginally smoother than the new one's...
Feb 17, 2026 at 06:57 PM
p.1 #9Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
I shot the VI for a number of years and now shoot the VII.
I’m not sure there is a big difference in bokeh; however, the V1 has central distortion (I actually liked when shooting people) and abrupt transitional bokeh, that provided a bit more 3D “pop”. Of course, the VII is the better overall lens, technically.
I had a chance to shoot the Viltrox and really liked the added contrast but did not like the added weight. Dustin Abbott’s video review is right on the money. I’m becoming ‘whimpy’ in my old age and the couple hundred grams of weight savings with the VII is a worthwhile tradeoff, for me.
I’m not sure there is a big difference in bokeh; however, the V1 has central distortion (I actually liked when shooting people) and abrupt transitional bokeh, that provided a bit more 3D “pop”. Of course, the VII is the better overall lens, technically.
I had a chance to shoot the Viltrox and really liked the added contrast but did not like the added weight. Dustin Abbott’s video review is right on the money. I’m becoming ‘whimpy’ in my old age and the couple hundred grams of weight savings with the VII is a worthwhile tradeoff, for me.
Feb 18, 2026 at 03:13 AM
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p.1 #10Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
InFocus2014 wrote:
I shot the VI for a number of years and now shoot the VII.
I’m not sure there is a big difference in bokeh; however, the V1 has central distortion (I actually liked when shooting people) and abrupt transitional bokeh, that provided a bit more 3D “pop”. Of course, the VII is the better overall lens, technically.
I had a chance to shoot the Viltrox and really liked the added contrast but did not like the added weight. Dustin Abbott’s video review is right on the money. I’m becoming ‘whimpy’ in my old age and the couple hundred grams of weight savings...Show more →
That's why I'm eyeing the new Sigma as well ...
I shot the VI for a number of years and now shoot the VII.
I’m not sure there is a big difference in bokeh; however, the V1 has central distortion (I actually liked when shooting people) and abrupt transitional bokeh, that provided a bit more 3D “pop”. Of course, the VII is the better overall lens, technically.
I had a chance to shoot the Viltrox and really liked the added contrast but did not like the added weight. Dustin Abbott’s video review is right on the money. I’m becoming ‘whimpy’ in my old age and the couple hundred grams of weight savings...Show more →
That's why I'm eyeing the new Sigma as well
...Feb 18, 2026 at 03:30 AM
p.1 #11Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Based on the above video I'm really digging the Sigma. I just don't know which ART f/1.2 lens I will upgrade to---it's either the 35mm (from old 35/1.4 ART), 50mm (from Sonnar 55/1.8) or wait for the 85mm (from Batis 85/1.8) in October.
Feb 26, 2026 at 07:50 AM
p.1 #12Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Here's a Japanese made comparison with English voiceover
https://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.
https://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.
Feb 26, 2026 at 05:56 PM
p.1 #13Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Lt.Deadeye wrote:
Here's a Japanese made comparison with English voiceover
https://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.
A nice video, but the only bokeh comparison shot (the MFD one) for some reason looks quite a bit smoother on the original...
Here's a Japanese made comparison with English voiceover
https://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.
A nice video, but the only bokeh comparison shot (the MFD one) for some reason looks quite a bit smoother on the original...
Feb 27, 2026 at 06:18 AM
p.1 #14Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
j4nu wrote:
https://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.A nice video, but the only bokeh comparison shot (the MFD one) for some reason looks quite a bit smoother on the original...
This mirrors my own experience and examples I've seen elsewhere.
Lt.Deadeye wrote
Here's a Japanese made comparison with English voiceoverhttps://youtu.be/Zog3yVffips?si=L2vDkbod-nl4V0TZ
FWIW, I have the version 2 and I love it.
This mirrors my own experience and examples I've seen elsewhere.
Feb 28, 2026 at 08:47 AM
p.1 #15Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Thank you for your response.
Still no real comparison shots between I and II Version. Most of the available reviews were written two days after the lens was released. So no one has had much time to use it and gather experience. What's more, some of the available reviews contradict each other. Some reviews describe the I as having higher contrast than the new II at 1.2, while others say the opposite.
Sonyalphablog even claims that the old I is a little sharper at open aperture at the edges than the new II. There are also differing opinions on flare resistance and bokeh.
Still no real comparison shots between I and II Version. Most of the available reviews were written two days after the lens was released. So no one has had much time to use it and gather experience. What's more, some of the available reviews contradict each other. Some reviews describe the I as having higher contrast than the new II at 1.2, while others say the opposite.
Sonyalphablog even claims that the old I is a little sharper at open aperture at the edges than the new II. There are also differing opinions on flare resistance and bokeh.
Mar 01, 2026 at 02:09 PM
p.1 #16Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
Re bokeh comparisons at mfd, totally useless. Unless you intend shooting products.
Bokeh tests/comparisons need to be at a realistic distance relevant to how the lens will be used, likely at portrait distances.
Bokeh tests/comparisons need to be at a realistic distance relevant to how the lens will be used, likely at portrait distances.
Mar 01, 2026 at 02:22 PM
p.1 #17Sigma 35 1.2 vs Sigma 35 1.2 II Bokeh Comparison?
JohnJ wrote:
Re bokeh comparisons at mfd, totally useless. Unless you intend shooting products.
Bokeh tests/comparisons need to be at a realistic distance relevant to how the lens will be used, likely at portrait distances.
Agreed, full body (adults) portraits make or break many fast 35s...
Re bokeh comparisons at mfd, totally useless. Unless you intend shooting products.
Bokeh tests/comparisons need to be at a realistic distance relevant to how the lens will be used, likely at portrait distances.
Agreed, full body (adults) portraits make or break many fast 35s...
Mar 02, 2026 at 05:18 PM