Sigma 85 Art is tested by Roger

[Jopa]

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/02/mtf-tests-for-the-sigma-bbl-the-big-beautiful-85mm-art-lens/

Seems like the Otus is much sharper @ the center, but the Sigma is better at the corners.

 

[Maximilian]

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/02/mtf-tests-for-the-sigma-bbl-the-big-beautiful-85mm-art-lens/

Seems like the Otus is much sharper @ the center, but the Sigma is better at the corners.

I would interpret this as "The Otus is slightly but (surely not recognizable) sharper in the absolute center while the Sigma gains (surely not recognizable) advantage as soon as you get a litle bit away from the center."

The corners seem to be the territory of the Sigma.

But a lens is more than just sharpness. Roger said this as well.
So let's wait until we see full reviews.

(if it just wasn't that big... : )

 

[YuengLinger]

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/02/mtf-tests-for-the-sigma-bbl-the-big-beautiful-85mm-art-lens/

Seems like the Otus is much sharper @ the center, but the Sigma is better at the corners.

I would interpret this as "The Otus is slightly but (surely not recognizable) sharper in the absolute center while the Sigma gains (surely not recognizable) advantage as soon as you get a litle bit away from the center."

The corners seem to be the territory of the Sigma.

But a lens is more than just sharpness. Roger said this as well.
So let's wait until we see full reviews.

(if it just wasn't that big... : )

Relax. You'll get used to the size.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Reviews are beginning to shape up the lens as one that is certainly the best for the price, and maybe the best at any price. AF testing by users has yet to be established, many use the dock to adjust to just one camera, but a lens needs to be able to work on many different cameras, sometimes within a few minutes, so I prefer to see comparisons across different camera models rather than a lens that has been tweaked for just one model camera, or even one individual camera. The dock is useful for single camera owners, questionable if a lens is going to be used on multiple different models or even bodies. Still, If I bought a Sigma or Tamron lens, I'd get a dock.

 

[Alex_M]

this is something that I would like to share with forum. I have got 2 canon 6D cameras and I do shoot with Sigma Art lenses quite a lot. What I found is quite interesting, I believe. once I have got my Sigma Art lens calibrated on the dock for one of my Canon 6D cameras, I can then use the lens on the second camera with a single in camera AFMA adjustment only and at all distances to subject form MFD to infinity.
here is my theory of what is really happens:

Sigma lens "AF curve" is different from Canon OEM lens "AF curve". what dock does is it brings Sigma "AF curve" in sync with what Canon camera expect "AF curve" of the lens to be like. once, adjusted, the lens then can be AFMAed in camera at x50 focal length distance to subject on the second body. not saying this is universal but works for me for 2 identical cameras with +7 AFMA on the second.

Reviews are beginning to shape up the lens as one that is certainly the best for the price, and maybe the best at any price. AF testing by users has yet to be established, many use the dock to adjust to just one camera, but a lens needs to be able to work on many different cameras, sometimes within a few minutes, so I prefer to see comparisons across different camera models rather than a lens that has been tweaked for just one model camera, or even one individual camera. The dock is useful for single camera owners, questionable if a lens is going to be used on multiple different models or even bodies. Still, If I bought a Sigma or Tamron lens, I'd get a dock.

 

[Hflm]

this is something that I would like to share with forum. I have got 2 canon 6D cameras and I do shoot with Sigma Art lenses quite a lot. What I found is quite interesting, I believe. once I have got my Sigma Art lens calibrated on the dock for one of my Canon 6D cameras, I can then use the lens on the second camera with a single in camera AFMA adjustment only and at all distances to subject form MFD to infinity.
here is my theory of what is really happens:

Sigma lens "AF curve" is different from Canon OEM lens "AF curve". what dock does is it brings Sigma "AF curve" in sync with what Canon camera expect "AF curve" of the lens to be like. once, adjusted, the lens then can be AFMAed in camera at x50 focal length distance to subject on the second body. not saying this is universal but works for me for 2 identical cameras with +7 AFMA on the second.

Reviews are beginning to shape up the lens as one that is certainly the best for the price, and maybe the best at any price. AF testing by users has yet to be established, many use the dock to adjust to just one camera, but a lens needs to be able to work on many different cameras, sometimes within a few minutes, so I prefer to see comparisons across different camera models rather than a lens that has been tweaked for just one model camera, or even one individual camera. The dock is useful for single camera owners, questionable if a lens is going to be used on multiple different models or even bodies. Still, If I bought a Sigma or Tamron lens, I'd get a dock.

I do that, too, but think it to be nothing special, quite logical in my opinion.

 

[Alex_M]

It's good to hear that this method works for multiple body single Sigma Art lens situation therefore can be further recommended as a confirmed solution.

I do that, too, but think it to be nothing special, quite logical in my opinion.

 

[Jopa]

Interesting theory Alex, and it aligns with what I see. Mine requires -6 to -5 on both 5dsr and 1dx2.

 

[Larsskv]

The resolution, bokeh and AF seems to be strong points for the Sigma. It seems like a very impressive lens. What I am curious about is how it compares against the 85LII. The 85LII has a certain look to it's images that is amazing, but hard to describe, but I'll try. In addition to being sharp, contrasty (from f2), great color and beautiful bokeh, the 85LII produces (a feeling of) depth to its images, that I don't see in other lenses. I have looked for it in the Otus 85 (online images) and I don't think the Otus produces the same kind of depth/3D feeling.

I think this depth quality is usually easier to find in pictures taken with medium format cameras.

If the Sigma competes with the 85LII in that area as well, I might consider adding the Sigma to my kit.

 

[Alex_M]

that makes three of us who share the same experience. quite probable that we are doing something right here...

Interesting theory Alex, and it aligns with what I see. Mine requires -6 to -5 on both 5dsr and 1dx2.

 

[Jopa]

The resolution, bokeh and AF seems to be strong points for the Sigma. It seems like a very impressive lens. What I am curious about is how it compares against the 85LII. The 85LII has a certain look to it's images that is amazing, but hard to describe, but I'll try. In addition to being sharp, contrasty (from f2), great color and beautiful bokeh, the 85LII produces (a feeling of) depth to its images, that I don't see in other lenses. I have looked for it in the Otus 85 (online images) and I don't think the Otus produces the same kind of depth/3D feeling.

I think this depth quality is usually easier to find in pictures taken with medium format cameras.

If the Sigma competes with the 85LII in that area as well, I might consider adding the Sigma to my kit.

They all are different, but each is capable to produce great results.
Otus: https://www.flickr.com/photos/maximenco/15785379329/in/photostream/lightbox/
Sigma: https://www.flickr.com/photos/omproject/31731655622/in/photostream/lightbox/
Canon: https://www.flickr.com/photos/omproject/30080985291/in/photostream/lightbox/
Batis: https://www.flickr.com/photos/omproject/27117654212/in/photostream/lightbox/

IMO processing makes more difference than the optics A good thing about the Otus - it doesn't require any corrections, except of vignetting. Also contrast is huge wide open.