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Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM A (Art) Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for Canon EF-Mount, Black {86}
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$885.00
Sigma's proven 85mm f/1.4 Art built for serious portrait work
The 85mm focal length has been a portrait staple for decades, and Sigma's Art-line take on it treats sharpness as a non-negotiable. The 14-element, 12-group optical design delivers usable corner-to-corner sharpness at f/1.4 on full-frame bodies, stopping down is a creative decision, not a corrective one. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus transitions, and subject isolation at f/1.4 is strong enough that backgrounds dissolve without looking artificial.
The HSM ring-type ultrasonic motor focuses quietly and quickly, racking across the focus range in roughly one second. Internal focus keeps the 86mm filter thread stationary during AF, which matters when you're using a polarizer or graduated ND. Full-time manual override lets you fine-tune focus without switching modes. At 126mm in length and a 95mm diameter, this is a substantial piece of glass, built to a standard that the Art line has maintained across its lineup since the series launched.
For Canon EF shooters who want a 85mm without paying first-party prices, this lens has been the go-to answer for years. It pairs equally well with APS-C bodies, where the effective field of view shifts to 136mm, keeping it within portrait-friendly territory.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers on Canon full-frame bodies get the most direct benefit, f/1.4 wide open with no penalty to sharpness means you're not compromising background separation to get a clean subject. Event and wedding photographers will appreciate the near-silent HSM autofocus and fast lock-on in mixed or low light. Studio photographers who do controlled headshot work will find the 85mm focal length and 0.85m minimum focus distance well-suited to single-subject framing at comfortable working distances. Canon APS-C shooters doing school portraits or senior sessions can also put this to work, with the 136mm equivalent focal length keeping flattering compression at a fast f/1.4 aperture.
Key Features
- f/1.4 maximum aperture for subject isolation at fast shutter speeds
- 14-element, 12-group optical design with usable corner sharpness wide open
- HSM ring-type ultrasonic motor with full-time manual focus override
- 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus rendering
- Internal focus keeps 86mm filter thread stationary during AF
- 126mm length, 95mm diameter, substantial build construction
FAQ
- How sharp is this lens at f/1.4?
- Corner-to-corner sharpness is usable wide open on full-frame bodies - you're not forced to stop down for acceptable corner definition. Longitudinal chromatic aberration shows up in harsh backlit light at f/1.4, but it clears by f/2.5.
- What's the autofocus performance like?
- The HSM motor racks focus from minimum distance to infinity in roughly one second, locks quickly on target, and hunts minimally in normal light. It's nearly silent and won't rotate attached 86mm filters during focusing.
- How does the bokeh look?
- The 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus transitions. At f/1.4 you get strong subject isolation with clean, rounded bokeh - no onion-ring artifacts. The bokeh stays pleasant through f/2.8.
- Will this work on my Canon APS-C body?
- Yes. You'll get an effective focal length of 136mm, which sits comfortably in portrait territory. The f/1.4 aperture still gives you workable subject separation and low-light performance on crop-sensor bodies.
- Can I use filters with this lens?
- It accepts 86mm filters. The internal focus design means filters won't rotate during autofocus - critical if you're using a polarizer or graduated ND.
- How does it compare to Canon's 85mm f/1.2L II?
- The Sigma delivers noticeably sharper results wide open. Canon's lens requires stopping down to f/2.8 to match the sharpness you get from the Sigma at f/1.4, and it costs significantly more.
- Is this lens weather sealed?
- No weather sealing. The lens is built solidly but not rated for dust or splash protection - keep it away from rough conditions.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Mount | Canon EF |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.85 m (33.46") |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.12x |
| Motor Type | Ring-type ultrasonic (HSM) |
| Full Time Manual Focus | Yes |
| Focus Method | Internal |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| Dof Scale | No |
| Diameter | 95 mm (3.74") |
| Length | 126 mm (4.96") |
| Weather Sealing | No |
| Color | Black |
| Filter Thread | 86 mm |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sigma |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 86mm coarse (1. pitch) |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Type | Short Tele / Portrait |
| Max Focal Length | 85mm |
| Min Focal Length | 85mm |
