Sigma 85mm F1.4 ART on SL

[Brian C in Az]

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Like many other SL owners, I was intrigued by the Sigma ART lenses on the SL and wondered how they would compare to Leica glass.

I decided to try the Sigma 85mm ART, I thought the wider aperture would offer me some different looks from my R lenses.

The Autofocus is quick and almost silent and fairly accurate; I would say it is no better or worse than my SL 16-35mm. I took it to the park and shot some ducks, cranes, dragonflies, and a turtle. Close range, up to 15 feet (5m for the rest of you  )the pictures are sharp and colors were accurate though they don't pop, like with my R lenses; not as vibrant. The lens does not give "the Leica look". Up to at least 15 feet or so, the pictures are sharp. On the computer, I zoomed in 300% and there is a lot of precise detail. Very acceptable for printing. At longer distances, 20 yards or more, there is a significant in sharpness difference between the Sigma and my 70 - 180 R lens; a very significant difference. There was enough foliage and vegetation for me to find the focus point on the pictures I compared, so it was not a focus issue. When looking at 300%, the Sigma does not produce the same level of precision as the R lens. I was surprised since the closer photos were sharp but at 20 to 35 yards the Sigma does not produce anywhere near the level of sharpness of the R lens. 

I think the Sigma is a good lens for it's price point. It offers good AF and good colors and enough sharpness for a decent print. It is not a Swiss army knife of a lens, it is good at what it was designed to do; close range portraits. I think that it won't produce the detail and sharpness necessary for landscape use.

So my dilemma is, do I want/need a dedicated 85mm portrait lens with AF, or does the R lens with it's superior imagery trump the AF? And F 1.4?

Are we not fortunate to live in a time when we have such a diverse range of options available? And to have the free time and resources to ponder such dilemmas? 

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[setuporg]

I've not tried the Art version, but the 85/1.4 DG DN proved a great addition to my SL repertoire.  It's very handy shooting kids and concert photos and videos from a bit afar.  It's great in low light.  A worthy addition.  My Leica lineup ends at SL 50 APO as I don't use 75 or 90 often, and for zooms I have the 16-35 and then Sigma 24-70 and 28-70.  The 85 AF is generally on par with the Leicas, but occasionally is hunting, I think because of the focal length.  I've not compared it with the APO 90 but I'd assume the latter would focus faster.  The 85 front element is wider as it sucks in the light and is probably a bit heavier.

The color of Sigmas is a bit lighter but totally fine overall.

Edited July 19, 2021 by setuporg