Sigma 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art Lens First Impressions:
If you’re looking for a portrait lens for your L mount camera, there are actually a lot of choices currently out there. One lens is the Sigma 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art lens. Thanks to Sigma, I was able to get a loaner a while back. I had enough material for a review but in the end, I wanted a bit more because this is one of those lenses that I felt was extra special. It’s one lens I always wanted to try even before it was available in L mount. So, I was able to get another loaner, and here are my first impressions of it.
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Let’s start off taking a quick look at the overall build. Being that the 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art is an Art series lens, the build is downright excellent. This is an extremely solid lens made of Thermally Stable Composite material, so it can handle all types of environments. It’s dust and weather resistant, and even has a water and oil-repellent coating to aid in cleaning. There’s also a brass bayonet mount for durability and accuracy. Overall, this 105mm f1.4 is designed to handle real professional use.
↑ Here’s the Sigma 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art, and what’s included.
↑ Here’s the 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art attached to the Sigma fp L.
In terms of optics, this is a seriously amazing lens. I am downright impressed at what the 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art delivers. Color and contrast are great. This lens is also incredibly sharp even at f1.4, which I imagine many will be specifically using this lens for. Bokeh, of course, is just out of this world amazing. It has a look at f1.4, that in my opinion, is just so unique because of the long focal length, and the huge maximum aperture. The bokeh is just so buttery smooth, and I just love how the subject pops out of the image. Overall, this is one of the best lenses, optically, that I’ve tested so far, regardless of manufacturer.
↑ This was taken with the Sigma fp L. I used f1.4 and 100 ISO.
↑ This was also taken with the fp L. I used 100 ISO and f11.
I’m also happy to report that the autofocus is quick and very accurate. I actually took this lens to a shoot recently, and was amazed at just how quickly I could operate. For this particular shoot, I used a Panasonic Lumix S5. Keep in mind that I was shooting at f1.4 with a 105mm lens. The depth of field is extremely shallow, and this lens was just nailing the shots so effortlessly.
↑ Here’s another shot with the fp L. I used f1.4 and 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the fp L. The settings were 1000 ISO and f4.
Of course, you do pay for this goodness in one way. As you can see, the 105mm f1.4 definitely has some bulk to it. It is unapologetically big and heavy. It weighs 3.62 lbs/1.64 kg, and even has a rotating tripod collar that features an Arca-type compatible foot to mount on a tripod. The filter size is also 105mm to help reduce vignetting.
↑ This was taken with the Panasonic Lumix S5. The settings were f1.4 and 100 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the Leica SL2. I used 2500 ISO and f11.
But this is expected considering we’re talking about a lens that is built for professional use that can also produce simply breathtaking images all while having autofocus. Keep in mind we’re talking about a focal length of 105mm with a wide open aperture of f1.4 as well. To top it off, the 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art is priced at $1,599, which while not cheap, is definitely not asking a lot for a lens that is this awesome. In my opinion, there really isn’t a substitute for the 105mm f1.4, especially if we’re talking about L mount. It’s a work of art. I’m such a fan of it in every way.
So, this was just a short write up because I’m just so excited to talk about this lens. Expect my full review soon. I promise to include a lot of content in it. Thanks for stopping by!
You can find this the 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art at B&H Photo
Hi Patrick, finally… but I still love and appreciate you. As you know, I finally could not hold off purchasing one.
I agree with your initial article in spades. I did careful testing when I received my copy. It has the best bokeh, including busy backgrounds, I have ever experienced. It is razer sharp edge to edge from wide open – I love my Leica SL 50/1.4 but it is never sharp into the corners but other than that it is my best 50mm for overall rendering. Hence, the Sigma 105/1.4 is second to none in my extensive experience with glass. I also have the Sigma 135/1.8 and it is in the same optical league. I use the 135/1.8 as a 200mm via cropping the image. People complain about the size but it is actually more comfortable to use than the often used 70-200/2.8 so what are they whining about. The 105/1.4 lens offers the potential for truly unique images so my choice is clear. I do not know why people compare it to 105/2.8 glass as they are really apple and oranges. If you want a compact lens, then buy compact with its shooting envelope shortcomings. There are always tradeoffs but please people, do not compare a compact car to a Jaguar.
For extended periods, I use mine with a momopod and compact ball head. This also works as a great defensive weapon in our modern high crime environment.
I am looking forward to your competent review and hopefully comparing it to the SL 90 in rendering. A wee bit apples and oranges but Leica claims it is like 90/1.4 in rendering which I do not believe. I purchased both the SL 50/2 and was disappointed with bokeh. I then purchased the SL 50/1.4 and the depth of field difference was obvious even in the viewfinder! The SL APO 50/2 was sharp edge to edge but the SL 50/1.4 was similar otherwise but then blew the 50/2 out of the water in bokeh. Leica has magnificent glass but sell facts please.
Anyway, I am happy that you are back to mainstream reviews 😅.
Hi Brian, yes, finally haha. Size seems to be the biggest complaint, at least judging by my Instagram post but hey, what do you expect from a world class 105mm with a wide open aperture of f1.4? It’s not meant to be a lens for casual use. Yes, it can be used for casual but it’s designed to get the job done when you need something like this. I agree about the 105 f2.8; apples and oranges :).
I love Leica but I did do a comparison with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 and the SL 90mm f2.0: the bokeh is definitely not the same lol. I absolutely LOVE my 90mm, don’t get me wrong but f1.4 is f1.4 ;).
As for getting back into reviews, I’m glad you are still here :). I always look forward to hearing from you! I’ll have some stuff coming for L mount. I will be taking a trip to the Cayman Islands this month…hoping to bring a couple of lenses that maybe I can review there :).
I hope life has been treating you well, talk to you soon!
Best,
Patrick