Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art -- early high-level review

[ahsanford]

Here's a Sigma 85 Art (somewhat superficial) review at Petapixel:
http://petapixel.com/2016/10/17/review-sigmas-85mm-f1-4-art-lens-exceeds-expectations/

No AF reliability/consistency testing was presented, unfortunately.

Dustin Abbott, if you are reading this, please please please do us all a favor and develop some kind of repeatable-over-time-with-other-lenses AF hit rate study for your lens reviews. Sigma's IQ has been consistently terrific the last few years, but the #1 reason why folks sell/return these Art lenses is never mentioned in reviews!

- A

 

[j-nord]

Beautiful brick of glass. If I was a portrait photographer...

 

[Viggo]

I saw it said : "New AF motor" . Maybe just maybe 8)

 

[ahsanford]

I saw it said : "New AF motor" . Maybe just maybe 8)

I'm more worried about the steering wheel than the motor. Speed of AF was not terrible with the 35 Art, but where the AF landed absolutely was. My hit rate shooting wider than f/2 was simply unacceptable.

- A

 

[Viggo]

I saw it said : "New AF motor" . Maybe just maybe 8)

I'm more worried about the steering wheel than the motor. Speed of AF was not terrible with the 35 Art, but where the AF landed absolutely was. My hit rate shooting wider than f/2 was simply unacceptable.

- A

Oh absolutely, I've had 5 Art lenses so I've been on that ride

But I'll grab any info about new in AF as good news for the useless AF. Maybe overshooting or undershooting was a problem with the old motor?
A

 

[Alex_M]

Precisely: overshooting or undershooting
New motor has considerably more torque for increased AF accuracy. This motor debuted in Sigma 50-100 Art that has very good AF accuracy (according to TDP review). I perfectly understand the strategy behind the Sigma's decision to test new motor tech on a more niche lens being 50-100 and than use the tech tech in such are desirable lens as 85 1.4 Art and then in 24-70 / 70-200 lenses.
My understanding is that Sigma was holding back release of 85 1.4 Art (and likely 24-70 Art and 70-200 Sports lens) until they sorted the AF consistency issues. Makes perfect sense as Sigma was loosing business due to well known AF problem.
I look forward to the TDP Sigma 85 1.4 Art review to confirm AF accuracy improvements before I will give my money to Sigma. Retail price for the Lens in Australia is simply fantastic ( As low as A$1,135.00) and I am definitely looking to purchase one shortly.

I saw it said : "New AF motor" . Maybe just maybe 8)

I'm more worried about the steering wheel than the motor. Speed of AF was not terrible with the 35 Art, but where the AF landed absolutely was. My hit rate shooting wider than f/2 was simply unacceptable.

- A

Oh absolutely, I've had 5 Art lenses so I've been on that ride

But I'll grab any info about new in AF as good news for the useless AF. Maybe overshooting or undershooting was a problem with the old motor?
A

 

[Viggo]

Wonder if they will implement this motor in the 50 and 35 also...

 

[ahsanford]

Wonder if they will implement this motor in the 50 and 35 also...

I can't speak for the 50, but rumor has it B&H is selling a 35 Art with that great AF motor: it's called the 35mm f/1.4L II, and it costs a bit more.

- A

 

[Ryananthony]

Wonder if they will implement this motor in the 50 and 35 also...

I can't speak for the 50, but rumor has it B&H is selling a 35 Art with that great AF motor: it's called the 35mm f/1.4L II, and it costs a bit more.

- A

More then double unfortunately.

 

[Ryananthony]

Also, they had their hands on the lens but couldn't weigh it?

 

[Refurb7]

Also, they had their hands on the lens but couldn't weigh it?

Sigma lists the weight as 1,130 grams or 39.9 oz. —
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_85_14/specifications/

 

[Ryananthony]

Also, they had their hands on the lens but couldn't weigh it?

Sigma lists the weight as 1,130 grams or 39.9 oz. —
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_85_14/specifications/

Thank you.

 

[ahsanford]

Also, they had their hands on the lens but couldn't weigh it?

Sigma lists the weight as 1,130 grams or 39.9 oz. —
http://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_85_14/specifications/

Thank you.

Ouch. That's heavier than the 85 f/1.2L II and even heavier than the 70-300L! Wow.

I guessed I should have expected this from the sharpness-obsessed 'new Sigma', who somehow managed to make a 50 prime as big as a 24-70 f/4 zoom.

- A

 

[Alex_M]

Sigma is aiming at Zeiss Otus 85 quality (and weight but not price ) that is even heavier at 1200gr in EF mount

Weight: ZF.2: 1140g, ZE: 1200g
Camera mounts: F Mount (ZF.2), EF Mount (ZE)

 

[Viggo]

Wonder if they will implement this motor in the 50 and 35 also...

I can't speak for the 50, but rumor has it B&H is selling a 35 Art with that great AF motor: it's called the 35mm f/1.4L II, and it costs a bit more.

- A

More then double unfortunately.

Ha! Not only that, but it absolutely kills in every aspect. Good thing I bought it then 8)