Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon (77)

Sigma's proven 85mm f/1.4 prime built for Nikon F shooters

The 85mm focal length has long been the standard for portrait work, and Sigma's f/1.4 maximum aperture on this prime gives you serious light-gathering capability alongside a shallow depth of field that separates subjects cleanly from backgrounds. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm is the mechanical reason that out-of-focus rendering looks the way it does here, smooth and circular, not polygonal. Autofocus runs through a ring-type HSM (Hypersonic Motor) with internal focus, so the 77mm filter thread stays stationary throughout, useful if you're shooting with a polarizer or graduated ND.

The optical formula runs 11 elements in 8 groups, with one SLD glass element and one glass-molded aspherical element working to manage chromatic aberration and field curvature at wide apertures. Minimum focus distance sits at 0.85 m, and full-time manual override lets you fine-tune focus without switching modes. At 725 g, this lens has real weight, it's built with a metal mount and feels like a tool than a toy. The included APS-C Hood Adapter HA850-02 makes it straightforward to use on crop-sensor Nikon F bodies as well as full-frame.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting with full-frame Nikon F bodies will find the f/1.4 aperture does most of the creative heavy lifting in available-light situations. Event and wedding photographers benefit from the HSM autofocus and internal focus design, fast, quiet, and filter-friendly. Studio shooters working with speedlights or strobes get a reliable 85mm perspective with the aperture control to stop down to f/16 when they need it. APS-C Nikon users who want a portrait-length prime than an equivalent zoom will find the included adapter and crop-friendly coverage make this a practical fit.

Key Features

• 85mm f/1.4 prime with 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh
• Ring-type HSM autofocus with internal focus, non-rotating filter thread
• 11 elements in 8 groups with SLD and aspherical glass
• Full-time manual focus override for instant focus fine-tuning
• Metal mount construction, 725g weight for professional feel
• 77mm filter thread stays stationary during focus
• Includes APS-C Hood Adapter HA850-02 for crop and full-frame
• 0.85m minimum focus distance, suitable for portraits and general work

FAQ

What autofocus motor does this lens use?

Ring-type HSM (Hypersonic Motor) with internal focus. The motor is fast and quiet, and because focus happens internally, the 77mm filter thread doesn't rotate - important if you're using a polarizer or graduated ND.

Can I manually focus without switching modes?

Yes. Full-time manual override lets you turn the focus ring and adjust focus at any time, whether autofocus is active or not.

How close can you focus with this lens?

Minimum focus distance is 0.85 m (33.46 inches). Maximum magnification is 0.12×, so this isn't a macro lens - it's built for portrait work and general shooting, not close-up detail.

Why does the bokeh look circular instead of polygonal?

The 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces circular out-of-focus shapes. A traditional aperture with fewer blades creates visible polygon geometry; this design smooths that out at wide apertures.

What optical elements control aberrations at f/1.4?

One SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element and one glass-molded aspherical element manage chromatic aberration and field curvature. At f/1.4, these are doing real work to keep the image corners clean.

Does this lens work on crop-sensor Nikon bodies?

Yes. It's a Nikon F-mount lens, so it mounts on any F-mount body (DX or FX). Sigma includes an APS-C Hood Adapter HA850-02 to set the hood properly on crop-sensor cameras.

Is this lens sealed against dust and weather?

No. There's no weather sealing on this lens, so treat it as you would any non-sealed optic - keep it protected in wet conditions.