 |
|
|
minkynuts
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jan 15, 2022
Location: Portugal
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Jan 15, 2022
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 4
|
|
Pros:
|
Excellent image quality for portraits
|
|
Cons:
|
I bought this lens for low light sports photography 3 weeks ago, a mistake, if your subject moves faster than a snail all is lost, the af is so slow to acquire the subject,
|
|
|
|
|
 Jan 15, 2022
|
|
laceyjoy92
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 5, 2021
Location: United States
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Oct 5, 2021
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Love this lens. I'm a wedding photographer and would keep it on my camera all day if possible.
|
|
Cons:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oct 5, 2021
|
|
KeithRyan
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 1, 2021
Location: United States
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Feb 8, 2021
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Great DOF, adapted well through mirrorless adapter (we have a Z6), and more affordable than native glass.
|
|
Cons:
|
A touch on the heavy/bulky side, but that's negligible...
|
|
|
Beautiful depth of field, great compression, adapted really well to the Z adapter for our mirrorless Nikon Z6... quiet, focused nicely, and no loss of details. This has become on of our regular go-to lenses.
|
|
|
Feb 8, 2021
|
|
jovi
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Apr 8, 2016
Location: Finland
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Apr 8, 2016
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Beautiful Bokeh, build like a tank, accurate AF, good overall feel
|
|
Cons:
|
Size, weight
|
|
|
Beautiful fast prime and superb bokeh! After making some microadjustments the AF works fine on my 5dm2 and the lens is sharp even wide open. To me the AF feels more accurate than with my Canon 35/1.8 although a bit slower. Haven't compared to 85L, but surely a great value for the money. My favorite lens for portraits!
|
|
|
Apr 8, 2016
|
|
photodivine
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jan 11, 2016
Location: United States
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Jan 11, 2016
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $850.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Excellent sharpness, contrast, bokeh to die for
|
|
Cons:
|
Weight
|
|
I've appreciated this lens together with the Nikon D700, and I think it's a very good choice to spare money (in comparison with the double costly Nikkor), keeping an high quality.
The bokeh is very similar to the Nikkor AFS, and even at f1.4 the definition is extremely high in the center, and far better than the Nikon AFD on the corners (the Nikon AFS is more linear).
The out of focus has a little CA in background (the foreground is virtualy perfect), but it's not disturbing.
I've never seen any flare, even shooting under a stage with the spot lights in the frame.
The AF is not the faster in the market, but is very precise, and it works well.
I'm only disappointed for the color fringing that appears with the D7000.
Every spot light prouces red fringing, and it's a bit frustrating.
But there's no problem with the D700.
A last word for the finiture.
The new "EX" is very different from the previous, and the feeling touching the lens is far better than before (the body is metallic, no plastic).
But I fear the propension to get scratched quite fast.
But it's really the only weakness I see, and I don't see any limit using this lens with a FF camera.
Highly reccomended!
http://www.hitsticker.com | http://www.printradiant.com
|
|
|
Jan 11, 2016
|
|
condra
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Nov 18, 2015
Location: Ireland
Posts: 1
|
|
Review Date: Dec 2, 2015
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp, contrasty, bang for buck, well made, fast AF
|
|
Cons:
|
May need AF fine tune, CA at f1.4
|
|
|
This was my main portrait lens when I was a Canon user. When I switched to Nikon, I couldn't resist the allure of the Nikon 85mm 1.8g. While that lens has good optical performance, the AF is slow and unreliable, so I went back to the Sigma with my tail between my legs. On my d750, this lens has super fast AF, and is razor sharp from 1.8. For the money, it is unrivalled.
|
|
|
Dec 2, 2015
|
|
petr vokurek
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Apr 16, 2007
Location: Czech Republic
Posts: 161
|
|
Review Date: May 21, 2015
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp, very well built, good value for money
|
|
Cons:
|
strong CA wide open...
|
|
|
This lens is a keeper in my arsenal. I used to have the Canon 1,2L II for a long time, then the 1,8 and now I have the Sigma which I find the best of them all. In my opinion it is the best mechanically and optically close to the L lens (better then the 1,8). Yes, the 1,2 L is slightly finer optically but it is very heavy, very expensive and I donīt like it mechanically- the front part with the hood rotates and the hood is actually very large - so much so that itīs quite problematic to accomodate in my bag. Also, it really is heavy and I didnīt like to take it with me for things like walking with the kids. The Siggy, on the other hand, is very reasonably sized without being too small (like the Canon f1,8 is- which can be good but to me it just doesnīt look like a serious lens:-))and I donīt hesitate to take it with me wherever I go. The AF is surprisingly good for a Sigma (or for any lens) and the tracking ability really surprised me. I would never even attempt to AF track anything with the Canon 1,2 L :-) but the Sigma has no problems with my 5d III. The CA on the Sigma can be really bad if you shoot into the light at f1,4. However, it is a common problem of all these 85mm lenses and it can be dealt with in LR relatively easily. So, of all the AF options available for Canon at the moment I find the Sigma the best. It is already sharp at f1,4 but I mostly use it at f1,8 where it is just a tiny bit better overall and I have been very happy with it. Highly recomended.
|
|
|
May 21, 2015
|
|
Robin Smith
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Dec 19, 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 1410
|
|
Review Date: May 14, 2015
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $850.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Very nice image quality and great bokeh. Good value compared to competitors
|
|
Cons:
|
Color fringing f1.4 to f2
Not 100% reliable AF
|
|
|
This is a better lens than the Canon 85mm f1.8 as it is sharper at equivalent apertures. The sharpness is excellent at f1.4 although out of focus areas exhibit considerable color fringing. This is not at all unusual: the Canon 85mm f1.8 and 100mm f2 do too. The AF is pretty good, although about 10% of the time I find it misfocuses for reasons that are unclear to me. I find it excellent on AI Servo, but on one shot AF, I take extra care with a 5DII and 6D. If you want a fast 85mm with excellent bokeh for portraits and other small depth of focus effects this is a great lens, and much better value than the 85mm f1.2L. I found it had demonstrably better image quality at wider apertures than the 85 f1.8 too.
Interestingly, this lens does not have as good imagery as the 135mm L, which has much less color fringing wide open; but these are different focal lengths, and the 85 is a stop faster, and many find an 85mm a more useful focal length.
So, for a classic portrait lens, I recommend this strongly. It could be improved though - perhaps the forthcoming Art lens will do this. As it stands though, this is still a very nice lens.
|
|
|
May 14, 2015
|
|
aestiva
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 17, 2009
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Nov 12, 2014
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
As a full time wedding photographer in the Netherland, I use this lens a lot. The difference between my 85 1.2L II is that this lens doesn't has the same amazing bokeh as de outstanding 85 1.2L II, but!
It's cheaper
Bokeh is still impressive and beats a lot of other lenses
Does't has de CA that the 85 1.8 has
Has a lot faster focus than my 85 1.2L II but a little slower than the 85 1.8.
I only use de 85 1.2L II when it has to otherwise I only use this amazing lens
And this one has a nice weight and filter size.
After f2.0 this lens is very sharp
|
|
Cons:
|
Doesn't feel as solid as the L of art lenses.
Almost every lens I owned needed an AF correction
Don't use this lens in the rain!
|
|
I recommend this lens more than my 85 1.2L II! Even when my L has a nicer bokeh. This doesn't mean the bokeh isn't good! It still beats a lot of other lenses. The AF is very fast.
Only buy the 1.2L when you need it in rain or for the amazing bokeh. Otherwise this Sigma.
Look for some previews my page: http://facebook.com/totaalfotografie
|
|
|
Nov 12, 2014
|
|
PrisonerDilema
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 30, 2011
Location: Singapore
Posts: 1
|
|
Review Date: Feb 14, 2014
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $660.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Creamy bokeh, very sharp at 1.4. Much cheaper than the Keg II. Fast autofocus.
|
|
Cons:
|
HSM unit may not last
|
|
|
I bought over a very mint looking, scratch-free, user-mark-free lens from someone who bought first hand in Nov 2011 from Hong Kong with 1 year Sigma International warranty. Tested on the spot was ok. Paid cash and placed it in the car boot. In the evening, I got off from work and after dinner, took out the lens to mount it and lens could hardly autofocus and took 10s to focus on anything. Next morning, i brought it to Sigma Marketing in Singapore and surprisingly, the lens started autofocusing.
Intermittence issues I guess with the HSM. Was quoted $170 to replace the lens barrel that housed the HSM unit.
Thank goodness the seller agreed to foot $125 of the repairs whilst I did all the leg work. Took only 3 business days to repair and the lens is now as good as new, cleaned, re-calibrated.
Performance-wise, lens is super sharp, produces pics with a 'wow' look from that super creamy bokeh with a '3D' pop. Lens focuses way faster on my 6D than the Canon 85 f1.2L v1 (keg I) I first had in 2007 and on my 1dmk2, i mean really way faster.
At just slightly more than 1/3 the price of the Keg II, I would take this lens anytime over the Canon, which i missed a lot of shots indoors due to the AF.
Picture quality-wise, the Keg I's bokeh equal if not just slightly better. Sharpness-wise, the Sigma is sharper at 1.4 than Canon at 1.2, but slightly.
The Sigma does produce warmer colors out of cam and I need to correct the green color channel vs the Canon's more neutral colors.
But for the cost, practical use, the Sigma wins hands down and my heart. Perhaps it has won me over to consider the Sigma 35 f1.4 ART over the Canon 35L.
|
|
|
Feb 14, 2014
|
|
Unlimited85
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jul 24, 2012
Location: Spain
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Jan 9, 2014
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $900.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Wondeful bokeh, decent sharpness wide open, price, decent focus accuracy/speed, construction.
|
|
Cons:
|
Longitudinal CA (color fringing purple in front and green in back) @ F/1.4 and F/2
|
|
|
Thats is, without duby, one of the best portrait/wedding lenses. The bokeh is simply awesome, and the IQ is very decent @f/1.4, great at f2 and excellent at f2.8. The compromise price/performance is very good.
The only significant problem might be the differences on the AF quality between samples (I feel lucky to get a great sample) and the longitudinal CA, but this can be corrected with lightroom/camera raw in just a few seconds.
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2014
|
|
rbussmann
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Apr 11, 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: May 14, 2013
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $799.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp, built, weight, fast AF
|
|
Cons:
|
Hood could be better
|
|
|
Until recently I have been rather critical with Sigma lenses, especially the built quality and sharpness were often rather poor. Sigma seems to have made great progress in recent years. This is a great lens, built like a tank (just the hood could be a bit better), very sharp center wide open, corners can be a bit soft, but for main application this matters little. AF is very fast, and I have experiences very little hunting, even under difficult light conditions. Great price!
|
|
|
May 14, 2013
|
|
Photonic
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
Registered: Apr 24, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 753
|
|
Review Date: Mar 7, 2013
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharpness equal to Canon 85mm f/1.2L II, focus speed, weight, price.
|
|
Cons:
|
|
|
|
Over time the ratio of Sigma to Canon glass that I own has been steadily inching upwards. It all started with the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro (which I have since sold and moved back to the Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS macro) and continued with the 120-300mm f/2.8 (which replaced my Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS), 300-800mm f/5.6 (which replaced my Canon 500mm f/4 IS, and 50mm f/1.4 (which replaced both my Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Canon 50mm f/1.2L). This lens has just displaced my Canon 85mm f/1.2L II which I have sold. To my eye, the Sigma is optically every bit the equal of the Canon with much faster auto focus and much lower weight at a substantially lower price point. I strongly suspect that Sigma will give this lens an exterior only make-over and add USB firmware update/micro focus adjust in the near future. I am also guessing they will raise the price. If they keep the same optical formula, as was the case when they updated the 120-300mm, I think this version may remain the best value in the 85mm market if your primary consideration is IQ.
I hope Canon sits up and takes notice. Sigma seems to have gotten their quality control act together and is starting to offer some really compelling value propositions.
|
|
|
Mar 7, 2013
|
|
rpavich
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 13, 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Feb 13, 2013
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Very nice lens...sharp wide open, and built like a tank.
|
|
Cons:
|
None.
|
|
|
I have to say that I was hesitant to play the Sigma lottery for an older lens like this...I just bought their 35mm (new design) and I was so impressed, I thought I'd try this lens.
I'm also impressed with this great lens....tack sharp wide open...great saturation...just a great lens.
I'm an "L" lens freak and I also own a 135mm f/2 so I have a good idea of what good IQ and sharpness looks like...and this really rivals it.
When they revamp this lens to the new standards...I'm buying that one too!
|
|
|
Feb 13, 2013
|
|
jonbrach
Offline
Image Upload: On
Registered: Dec 22, 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 919
|
|
Review Date: Aug 30, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $779.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
build,AF speed,sharp,fair price
|
|
Cons:
|
none to speak of
|
|
|
I have not been a big fan of Sigma lenses until I tried this lens.I bought an outstanding copy from a trusted member here and have been very impressed.The lens is extremely sharp wide open and focuses faster than the great Canon 85L...I suppose those who got copies with focus problems might disagree but I think this is an outstanding value lens.If Sigma could do away with the consistency issues they seem to have from lens to lens I think they might well make inroads into the market on a greater scale.That said,if you get a good copy of this lens it is a big winner!
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012
|
|
Fulcrum
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: May 23, 2008
Location: Finland
Posts: 3
|
|
Review Date: Jul 25, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
|
|
Pros:
|
Very sharp form f/2.0 onwards. Fastest focusing 85mm I have met. Bokeh is awesome at large apertures.
|
|
Cons:
|
AF hunts too much.
|
|
|
This one is a winner from Sigma. The AF is very, very fast. And the lens is a lot sharper @ f/2.0 than the AF-S Nikkor 85mm 1.4G!
Sure, the AF misses sometimes and hunts a bit too much even in good light, but at least that is something you can fix with a flick of the wrist. Full time manual focus override is very nice indeed.
And this one is very nice in bad weather as well. Very well sealed, very sharp lens with an extremely pleasing bokeh at large apertures.
|
|
|
Jul 25, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reviews
|
Views
|
Date of last review
|
|
42
|
99505
|
Jan 15, 2022
|
|
|
Recommended By
|
Average Price
|
|
98% of reviewers
|
$885.09
|
|
|
Build Quality Rating
|
Price Rating
|
Overall Rating
|
|
9.12
|
9.34
|
9.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
