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Black Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens from the side, showing focus and aperture rings.

Sigma’s Innovative 85mm f/1.2 DG Art: A Portrait Lens with Precision Engineering

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-09

Unveiling Sigma’s Innovative 85mm: The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art Lens

Sigma’s new 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens is now available, setting a new standard for ultra-fast prime lenses. With this cutting-edge lens, which boasts an impressive aperture that promises exceptional light capture, the product is a sophisticated choice for portrait photographers who desire the shallowest depth of field.

Design and Optical Excellence of Sigma’s Innovative 85mm

Engineered with 17 elements in 12 groups, including two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and three aspherical elements, the lens excels in reducing chromatic aberrations and flare. This advanced optic features a unique 13-bladed diaphragm that enhances bokeh quality, making it exceptional for portraiture. Despite weighing in at only 905 grams, Sigma claims it’s the smallest and lightest in its class.

Portrait of Tony Noel, smiling against a softly blurred background.
Tony Noel

For photographers captivated by precision, explore how dynamic art explores nature with vivid detail and creativity.

Performance and Features

Equipped with dual High-response Linear Actuator motors, the lens offers fast and quiet autofocus, optimal for both photography and videography. Additionally, it includes an aperture ring with a lock switch and a customizable AFL button, enhancing usability in various shooting environments.

Portrait of Doan Quang against a softly focused background.
Doan Quang
Side view of Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens with lens hood and 82mm thread.
A black Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens with an 82mm filter thread, shown from the side with its lens hood attached.

Durability and Compatibility

Sigma ensures resilience with a dust- and splash-resistant design, catering to photographers on the move. This lens is compatible with Sony E-mount and L-Mount systems, broadening its appeal and filling a significant gap in the market for 85mm f/1.2 lenses.

Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens attached to a camera body, top-down view.
A black Sigma 85mm 1:1.2 DG lens attached to a camera body, shown from a top-down perspective against a white background.

Availability and Pricing

This lens, offering remarkable features and quality, is priced at $1,599 and is available from October 6 through authorized dealers. With its innovative design, it competes by offering similar specifications at a fraction of the cost of Nikon and Canon’s models.

Top view of Sony Alpha 7R V camera with Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens.
A top-down view of a Sony Alpha 7R V camera body attached to a Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG lens, isolated against a white background.
Front view of Sigma 85mm 1:1.2 DG lens against a white backdrop.
A black Sigma 85mm 1:1.2 DG 82mm camera lens shown from a front-facing perspective against a white background.
Close-up portrait of young woman with blonde wavy hair and light eyes.
A close-up portrait of a young woman with blonde, wavy hair and light eyes looking directly at the camera.
Woman on a beach at sunset, wearing a tan crop top and blue skirt.
A woman in a tan crop top and flowing blue skirt stands on a beach at sunset with her arms raised, her skirt billowing out like wings.

Dive into the realm of design innovation with a sushi-themed chess set that cleverly combines 3D printing and artistry.

Woman in forest with long dark hair, wearing a white ruffled gown.
A woman with long dark hair stands in a forest wearing a white, sleeveless, ruffled gown amidst soft, sunlit mist.

A Final Look

The 85mm focal length is essential for portrait photography, and Sigma’s iteration delivers on both promise and performance. The 85mm with its meticulous engineering meets high expectations for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Dark-haired woman in a white lace top, looking towards the camera.
A woman with long, dark, wavy hair looks toward the camera, wearing a white lace top and resting her hand on her shoulder.
Close-up of lens control switches on Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens.
The lens has just the right number of controls and switches.
Small vase with white flowers and loquats on a dark table with a plate.
A small vase with white flowers sits on a dark table next to a white plate holding several whole and halved loquats.

Conclusion

The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens strikes a remarkable balance of size, performance, and affordability. For photographers seeking to enhance their portrait work, this model stands out as a top contender in the market, promising to deliver in every frame captured.

Ham and cheese sandwich with reindeer ornament, pouch, and succulent.
A ham and cheese sandwich on a small plate sits next to a felt reindeer ornament, a small blue pouch, and a potted succulent.
Side view of Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art lens with attached lens hood.
Side view of the Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art with its lens hood attached.
Freckled person with braided hair, wearing black tank top and earrings.
A person with freckles and braided hair looks directly at the camera, wearing a black tank top and silver earrings.
Black-and-white portrait of woman with freckles, nose ring, and braid.
A close-up, black-and-white portrait of a woman with freckles, braided hair, a nose ring, and a cross earring.
Headshot of woman with dark curly hair and gold hoop earrings.
A headshot of a woman with dark, curly hair and brown eyes wearing a black halter top and small gold hoop earrings.
Person behind black veil, with dark hair and makeup, hands near face.
A person with dark hair and makeup poses behind a black veil, holding their hands up near their face.
Ballerina in blue and gold tutu, posing on pointe with spotlight behind.
A ballerina in a blue and gold tutu and tiara poses on pointe against a dark background with a bright spotlight behind her.
Ballerina in blue-gold costume, posing with raised arm near shimmering water.
A ballerina in a blue and gold costume poses with one arm raised against a backdrop of shimmering water.
Close-up of freckled person with light eyes, surrounded by green foliage.
A close-up portrait of a person with freckles and light eyes, framed by soft-focus green foliage.
Young woman with pulled-back hair, framed by sunlit outdoor greenery.
A young woman with her hair pulled back stands centered, framed by out-of-focus green leaves in a sunlit outdoor setting.
Person with pink hair, leopard-print scarf, posing behind golden bokeh.
A person with pink hair wears a leopard-print headscarf, black sunglasses, a green halter top, and red pants, posing behind out-of-focus golden bokeh lights.
Hands holding Sigma 85mm F1.2 Art attached to a Sony camera body.
A pair of hands holding the Sigma 85mm F1.2 Art attached to a Sony body.
Front view showing the large front lens element of Sigma 85mm F1.2.
04_PPhoto_85_1.2_dg_A026_Lmt_show-front-lens

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the weight of the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 lens?

The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens weighs in at 905 grams, making it the smallest and lightest in its class.

What mounts is the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 lens compatible with?

This lens is compatible with Sony E-mount and L-Mount systems, broadening its appeal in the market.

When is the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 lens available?

The lens is available from October 6 through authorized dealers.

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