Sigma Art Lenses compared
How do different “Sigma Art” lenses render the background
Which Sigma Art lens to buy?
The Sigma Art series of lenses range from wide angle to telephoto and within each section, there are multiple lenses available. So choosing the right one may be difficult.
For example do you rather want the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art, or the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art? And what about the 85mm? It is much smaller, but how about the background blur of that lens compared to the others?
We tested six Sigma Art prime lenses for you
To help you pick the right lens, we compared them wide open for different scenarios and on this page you will be able to view the results side by side.
Sigma Art lens comparison tool
The below tool will let you compare how the Sigma Art lenses render your images. All images were shot wide open. That means f/1.4, for all lenses, except for the 135mm – which has a maximum aperture opening of f/1.8.
Please choose the focal length and the scenario you want to compare and then click “compare images” After that you can drag the line left and right.
If you want to help spread the information, please use the share button to copy the web address of this particular comparison to the clipboard. Then you can paste it wherever you want – for example on facebook, your website, etc.
Which exact lenses did we test?
Beside the look that lenses create, weight and size can also be a deciding factor. You will be surprised at the massive weight and size difference between for example the Sigma Art 105mm f/1.4 and the Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4.
That’s why we have listed some of the technical data below. Plus: we also added links to Amazon and B&H – if you want to help us create similar articles like this, we’d appreciate if you could use these links to purchase your next lens. THANK YOU!
Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
This lens obviously is the widest of them all. Possible uses can be environmental portraits as in the image above, landscape photography and with its f/1.4 opening, it does make a very good milky way photography lens.
Weight: 760g (Sony Version)
Length: 116mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 77mm
There is a newer, lighter version available:
The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
35mm is an awesome focal length for wedding photography. Beside that I like to use it for environmental portraits, and sometimes even for sports.
Weight: 640g (Sony Version)
Length: 112mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 67mm
There is a newer, lighter version available:
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
We purchased the latter about a year after the test and couldn’t be happier.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
50mm is a standard focal length. Personally I don’t use this focal length much though. The new 50mm f/1.2 is something I’m more interested in.
Weight: 670g (Sony Version)
Length: 109,5mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 72mm
There is a newer, lighter version available:
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
85mm is the classic portrait focal length. It is probably the most versatile focal length among prime lenses. We use it for weddings, portraits, surprisingly much for sports, and even at times for landscape.
Weight: 670g (Sony Version)
Length: 96mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 77mm
This is the lens we purchased after the test. Its light weight and compact size is a dream come true for the way we work. If you pack and more than two prime lenses, weight and size matters a lot.
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
This lens is fantastic, but unfortunately it is humongous. Using it for portraits, particularly full length portraits is a dream. But we felt the difference to the 85mm wasn’t big enough to justify the weight and size for our use case. It might be well worth it for many other photographers.
Weight: 1720g (Sony Version)
Length: 158mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 105mm
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art
Another fantastic portrait lens. Much smaller diameter than the 105mm f/1.4. This is a lens we owned prior to the test. We bought it when we used Canon EF and use the MC-11 Adapter.
We have always preferred this lens to the popular 70-200mm f/2.8, because of its smaller size and weight. But it has become a little old, and the newer sports zooms have lost a lot of weight. So far there is no successor available, so personally we stopped using it and use the 85mm much more.
Weight: 1230g (Sony Version)
Length: 141mm (Sony Version)
Filter Diameter: 82mm
Sigma DG HSM vs DG DN Art?
Sigma is currently updating their Art lens line-up. The new line (DN DG) is lighter, has a manual aperture ring, a customizable AF Lock button, sometimes faster focus and better performance in regard to colour fringing. The price difference is not that big, so you might want to look into the newer versions.
So which Sigma Art lens should you buy?
Now it’s on you to decide. There is no conclusion to this “test”. It is just a visual representation of the results you can expect to get with these lenses. The emphasis of this Sigma Art Lens test was to show the background blur along with the angle of view these lenses provide.
Particularly when shooting with prime lenses, there is no one lens fits all purposes. You cannot get a 50mm Art lens thinking it is in between 35mm and 85mm and therefore will kind of cover both. NOPE, that doesn’t work.
You need to know that all of these lenses give you different looks. The difference is pretty big with smaller focal lengths, but is less pronounced starting at around 85mm. I doubt many people would be able to safely distinguish a 135mm shot from a 105mm shot. Probably not even an 85mm shot from a 105mm. So for us, the 85mm is the sweet spot of the telephoto lenses considering it’s really compact size and the weight.
Something you might also want to consider is filter diameter. We usually use 77mm filters and step up rings to make them fit our other lenses. The 135mm Sigma Art with 82mm filter diameter and the 105mm Sigma Art with an impeccable 105mm filter diameter don’t match that practice we have. And getting quality filters of that size can become difficult. Then you depend on rear filters, which are a good option, but not everyone’s cup of tea.
Good luck with your decision and please don’t forget to use one of our affiliate links above in case you decide to buy one.
