Features
Made for F1.2
The optical design has been built around making the most of the F1.2 aperture rather than treating it simply as an additional specification.
Two SLD elements, high anomalous dispersion glass and three aspherical elements work together to suppress axial chromatic aberration, spherical aberration and sagittal coma flare, maintaining excellent detail and clarity even when shooting wide open.
At the same time, the combination of 85mm and F1.2 creates exceptionally shallow depth of field. A 13-blade rounded diaphragm helps maintain smooth, near-circular bokeh as the aperture is stopped down, with careful control of colour bleeding and double-line bokeh helping subjects stand naturally away from the background.
An 85mm F1.2 Made to Move
Large-aperture 85mm lenses have traditionally come with considerable size and weight. Sigma has approached this one differently.
Through the use of aspherical elements within the focusing groups and a carefully engineered floating focus mechanism, the lens weighs just 905g while retaining the optical performance expected from the Art line. It makes handheld portrait sessions, weddings, location work and longer shoots considerably more practical than its F1.2 specification might suggest.
Dual HLA Autofocus
A dual HLA High-response Linear Actuator system provides fast, quiet and accurate autofocus. This becomes particularly important at F1.2, where even a small focusing error can be visible within the extremely shallow depth of field.
The system is equally suited to stills and video, while the optical design also suppresses focus breathing for more natural changes in framing when pulling focus.
Built for Professional Work
- Two AFL buttons provide convenient access in both horizontal and vertical shooting positions, while a dedicated aperture ring includes both click and lock switches.
- An AF/MF switch keeps essential focusing control directly on the lens.
- Dust- and splash-resistant construction adds confidence when working outdoors, while a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element makes the lens easier to maintain during demanding shoots.
- The 82mm front filter thread also keeps filter use straightforward despite the exceptionally large F1.2 aperture.