Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art review

What is the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art and who is it for?

If your priority is maximum subject separation, sensational bokeh and a professional build for your full-frame mirrorless camera, you’ve probably not been lusting after a 135mm telephoto prime. But the new, standout Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art will change your mind. It’s not casual carry, but then it’s not casual performance either. If your shooting style supports a short telephoto prime with high impact, this could be your dream lens. The £1649 price, weight and size are the trade-offs, but the optical payoff is substantial. It sets a new benchmark for large-aperture medium telephoto primes.

To be fair, there isn’t much competition – especially from high-end brands. The 135mm used to be a staple buy for most keen photographers until fast f/2.8 zooms took over, and no other manufacturer has released a 135mm that’s as fast as this. 

Built exclusively for full-frame Sony E- and L-Mount, Sigma’s optic enters the kit of serious portrait, wedding and event photographers, but also of any creative shooter who wants low-light performance or background blur.

What are the key features of the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art?

Smooth bokeh

Sigma claims the effective aperture diameter of this lens surpasses its own 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ‘Bokeh Master’ and rivals its 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports, which we also test in this issue. And we have to agree, as when shot at a wide aperture, the background blur is stunning with smooth transitions and excellent sharpness even at f/1.4. At this setting there is a hint of minimal onion-ring highlight bokeh in the corners but close down a tad and it’s gone. In fact, close down even half a stop and the sharpness is staggering across the whole frame.

Four FLDs and two aspherical elements in the optical design, which is 17 elements in 13 groups, help to control chromatic aberrations. Add in 13 rounded aperture blades and it becomes clear this is a lens designed for optical sharpness and bokeh.

Even if you don’t look at spec charts, suffice to say that this is a highly complex and modern optical arrangement – and it delivers.

Autofocus

A short telephoto built for bokeh and low light is not usually the sort of lens where AF speed is a priority. But nobody told Sigma, which equips its lens with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system. Each focus group has its own HLA motor for rapid, precise performance. The floating focus mechanism maintains sharpness across the focusing range while AF acquisition is fast. We only had the chance to try the lens on a Panasonic Lumix S1H, which is not known for its AD (anomalous dispersion), but it still was very rapid and sticky.

Handling

Handling is professional-grade with assignable AFL (autofocus lock) buttons, an aperture ring with lock and click options, weather sealing and a magnesium-alloy Arca-Swiss tripod collar that can be removed. The lens weighs approximately 1430g, which is heavy for a prime but acceptable for this optical ambition. Attach the included lens hood and it is a big unit. It’s not for stealthy street candids.

Performance

The large lens hood reduces flare and ghosting, even with strong backlight. The biggest caveat to the lens is its size and weight. While the build is solid, it’s not a grab-and-go lens like a small prime. Portability-wise, other models might edge it, but optically it has very few compromises. It lacks image stabilisation, but it’s not really needed. For video shooters, while it produces cinematic images at wide apertures, if you rack focus between ends the viewpoint changes significantly. This focus breathing is our only gripe about the performance of this great lens.

Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art price and availability

The Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art is available to buy, with a starting price of £1649.

For more information, visit the Sigma website.