Question about Sigma 1.8 135 DG HSM ART

[Ning Ning]

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I'm thinking about buying the Sigma 1.8 135 DG for my SL3. The lens is already a bit older. Do any of you have experience with it? How does it perform in terms of AF speed and sharpness?

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[thighslapper]

Had it for a while before selling my SL system. Sharpness is exceptional but I found the overall look rather cold and clinical for some reason.

AF on the SL2 was adequate but a bit clunky. Can't comment on performance on the SL3, though. 

I note that those currently selling state it has redesigned optics for the L mount and an improved AF motor .... so any issues I might of had may have gone.

It is a big and heavy lens though, which meant I just used it for specific situations and didn't carry it around often..... although it is excellent value for money. 

[Ning Ning]

Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am brand new to the SL system, but have been shooting professionally with other systems for 37 years now. I've always had a 70-200 2.8 for every system, including the SL3, but I've found that for the last 5 years this lens has mostly stayed at home. On the other hand, I wanted to buy the 150-600 from Sigma anyway. This is also very much celebrated here in the forum. So I have now made a deal with my dealer that I will give him back the Sigma 2.8 70-200 and take the 150-600 and the 135 1.8 in return. 

[gdb]

In my modest experience, I find this lens really fantastic. Of course, it's a little heavy, but f/1.8 is also a big advantage (the reason for which I chose it). I had bought it for my former SL2, and found no difference on the SL3. Still, I'm no professional, that's why my opinion is modest.

On another hand, the 135mm focal length is found on every tele-zoom. Maybe it is the reason for which prime 135mm lenses are not so easy to find. For portraits, I like 135mm better than 85 or 90mm primes. 180mm is too much for my taste.

All these reasons make me enjoy this lens very much !

Cheers

Gérard

Edited August 5, 2024 by gdb

[Ning Ning]

Hello and thank you for your assessment.

I now have this lens and have already used it. When I bought it, my dealer said it was a "reference lens" and I couldn't agree more. The lens is incredibly sharp. It's true that it's a bit heavier, but the 70-200 is even heavier. The only thing that bothers me is that you can't lock the focus ring somehow.

[jaapv]

That is because cameras like the S5ii use the ring for AF fine tuning with magnification and peaking.. A very useful feature.

[goodbokeh]

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On 7/31/2024 at 11:21 PM, Ning Ning said:

I'm thinking about buying the Sigma 1.8 135 DG for my SL3. The lens is already a bit older. Do any of you have experience with it? How does it perform in terms of AF speed and sharpness?

I was considering the Sigma 135 also but I opted for the new Samyang 35-150 f/2-2.8. I've been very happy with it's construction quality and performance. There's a thread here in the L-mount lenses if you're interested in reading about it.