Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART) review

According provided by Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A lens (for Nikon cameras) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including Similar Sigma Lenses.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART). increase... Appearance photos taken from the site bhphotovideo... A photo of the copy from the review can be viewed on my Instagram here.

Browse Navigation:

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Main Specifications
  4. Assembly
  5. Focusing
  6. Image quality
  7. Sample Photos
  8. My experience
  9. All Sigma Art Series Lenses
  10. Prices
  11. Video about the lens
  12. Results
  13. User Comments
  14. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

In the review, I will call the Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A lens for short - Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art... This review shows the version of the lens for Nikon cameras with Nikon F mount. The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is also available for Canon EF / EFS mount DSLRs, Sigma SA mount cameras and for Sony E / FE and Leica L mirrorless cameras.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

In short

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is a remarkable short telephoto with a record high aperture... Optically and mechanically very good. Great for portraits. Of the obvious shortcomings, I can only single out a lot of weight, although there are several other little things that do not affect the overall picture in any way.

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art - very sharp, across the entire frame, already from F / 1.8. In general, it gives a pleasant picture and can deservedly be considered one of the best portrait painters of our time.

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is the longest-focusing fixture from the Sigma ART family (for autumn 2020).

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

History

March 17 2017 the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art lens for mirror mounts was announced Canon EF, Nikon F и Sigma sa.

April 20 2017 on the basis of the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art was released a lens for filming Sigma CINE 135mm T2 for Arri mounts PLCanon EFSony E.

February 27 2018 Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is released for mirrorless cameras Sony E.

February 26 2019 Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art with bayonet release Leica l for Sigma, Panasonic and Leica cameras from the Leica L. Alliance.

It's important: Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art versions for EF / F / SA mirrorless mounts and E / L mirrorless mounts differ significantly in size.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Alternatives

There are very few particularly fast 135 currents with automatic focusing. 135mm is one of the best focal lengths for full-frame portrait photography.

  1. Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm 1: 2D Defocus Image Control [1990, F]
  2. CANON LENS EF 135mm 1: 2 L ULTRASONIC [1996, EF]
  3. Canon Lens RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM [2022, RF]
  4. Carl zeiss sonnar 1.8/135 ZA T * [Sony SAL135F18Z] [2006, Sony / Minolta A]
  5. Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A [2017, EF, F, SA, E, L, PL]
  6. Sony FE 1.8/135 GGM [2019, E]
  7. Samyang AF 135/1.8 FE [2022, E]
  8. If you missed any, please tell me in the comments to this review (135 mm autofocus full-frame fixes with aperture F / 2.0 or more)

All of these lenses deserve their due attention and are a dream come true for many photographers. I especially want to highlight the very popular and widespread CANON LENS EF 135mm 1: 2 L ULTRASONIC, a hard worker, for whom a huge number of good shots were received.

For Nikon portrait lenses, check out the sections:

  1. Nikon portrait lenses for FX cameras with a fixed focal length and support for autofocus with a focal length range of 85-200mm (classic Nikon Nikkor portrait lenses)
  2. Budget portrait lenses for Nikon DSLRs
  3. Confrontation systems Nikon / Canon. Part 1. Discrete portraiture.
  4. 135mm - where are you?
Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Main technical characteristics of Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A:

Review Instance Name The lens barrel bears the following inscriptions 'Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A ø82 MADE IN JAPAN 017', the review shows the lens serial number 52184861
Basic properties
  • DG - Lens designed for DSLR cameras with full frame sensor
  • A (Art) - a line of modern Sigma lenses aimed at maximum optical quality
  • 017 (2017) - lens year marker
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • AF / MF - simple focus mode switch
  • Focus Distance Limiter
  • E (Electromagnetic Diaphragm) - electromagnetic diaphragm, no diaphragm ring, analogue 'Nikon E'
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Full-Time Mannual Focus - continuous manual focus control, analog Nikon 'M / A'
  • Super Multi-layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • FLD (Fluorite like Low Dispersion) - low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with properties close to fluorite
  • USB Dock Compatibility - compatible with Dock Station for flashing and / or reprogramming (adjust focus, etc.)
  • MCS (Mount Cversion Service) - the lens supports service replacement of the mount for another system
  • TSC (Thermally Sbackgammon Composite Material) - thermally stable body material
  • Sigma A1 MTF - special quality control system
  • Lack of aperture control ring, analog 'Nikon G'
  • Rubber basket (Rubber lens mount seal) - dustproof and waterproof mount seal
  • Bayonet hood included
  • Important: lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 82 mm
Focal length 135 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 202.5 mm
Zoom ratio 1 x (this is a fixed lens)
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon FX,

There are also options for:

  • Canon EF / EFS
  • Sigma sa
  • Sony E / FE
  • Leica l
  • option for filming Sigma Cine for Arri PL, Canon EF, Sony E
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags
  • window with a scale of focusing distance in meters and feet
  • bayonet mount mark
  • hood attachment / fixing mark
Diaphragm F / 1.8 to F / 16

The lens is deprived of the aperture control ring, control occurs through the camera menu (analog Nikon G - lens type)

MDF 0.875 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:4.3
The weight 1130 grams

According to my measurements:

  • 1122 grams lens itself (Nikon F version)
  • 1216 gram lens with two caps and a lens hood
Optical design 13 elements in 10 groups:

  • 2 FLD (Fluorite-like Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme with characteristics close to fluorite
  • 2 SLDs (Special Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements

Optical design Sigma 135 / 1.8 ArtImage of optical circuit clickable

Lens hood Plastic, bayonet type, LH880-03 135mm 1: 1.8 DG ø82 SIGMA
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period
  • On March 17 2017 for Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA
  • April 20 2017 CINE version for PL, EF, E
  • On February 27 2018 for Sony E
  • On February 26 2019 for Leica L
Price View on E-katalog

Sigma has a whole brood of high-aperture solutions with f / 1.4: 20, 24, 28, 35, 40, 50, 85, 105 mm. You can choose the right focal length for almost any task. In the Sigma ART family of fixes there is still the widest 14/1.8 and the longest 135 / 1.8. It's a pity, but the 14 and 135 mm fixes (from this review) got the maximum aperture only at f / 1.8. At the same time, F / 1.8 times for 14mm and 135mm focal lengths are record-breaking (if we take into account autofocus full-frame photo lenses).

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Assembly

The lens is supplied with a hood and a case. The wardrobe trunk has a belt clip, the main zippered flap with two sliders.

Assembled only in Japan. The lens is pleasant and weighty to the touch, its weight is about 1100 grams. The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art uses a huge 82mm filter.

Outwardly, this is a large enough lens, but not as large and heavy as Sigma 105 / 1.4 ART, Sigma 85 / 1.4 ART or Sigma 40 / 1.4 ART.

The serial number of the lens is indicated on its front side, to the right of the focusing distance scale (when viewed from the mount side). It is written in small print, I suspect that over time this inscription will be erased. Usually, serial numbers are placed on the front side only for the most expensive and TOP lenses, so that large firms and service centers can quickly identify this or that instance.

The focusing ring is rubberized, very wide, the base of the focusing ring is metal. In fact, most of the outside of the lens barrel is the focus ring. The lens barrel is made of a composite material - TSC - Thermally Stable Composite (Thermally Stable Composite), which is less sensitive to temperature changes than conventional polycarbonate. Such a composite avoids deformation of the case with a large change in ambient temperature. This material is used by Sigma to build its' A | ART ',' C | Contemporary 'and' S | Sport '. In addition, the lens has metal bayonet mount.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a sturdy plastic hood LH880-03, which is fixed in special slots located near the front lens of the lens. The hood is large enough to have arrows labeled 'IN / OUT' to rotate in the desired direction. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focusing ring is lost. The hood has a grooved ring that makes it easier to manipulate.

The diaphragm consists of 9 blades; at all aperture values, a fairly round aperture is obtained.

Overall build quality is at a very high level.

It's important: in general the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is not a protected lens, although it does have rubber lens mount seal.

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art supports working with usb dock, and also theoretically supports replacing one mount with another (done exclusively at Sigma service centers).

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor) ring type... This is an analogue of Nikon SWM / Canon USM / Sony DDSSM motors. In this case, the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is similar in Nikon terms to an 'AF-S' type lens with a SWM ring motor.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

The motor performs its work quietly during autofocus.

The autofocus speed is fast (not lightning fast, but not closer to average, just fast). The focusing speed is sufficient for comfortable work in most photographic tasks.

On cameras D700, D3200, D40Fujifilm S5 Pro with autofocus, I had no problems at all. Focusing is always accurate and fast enough. However, it is still better to fine-tune the focus using dock stations and utilities SIGMA Optimization Pro (there is support for the Russian language). In large cities, you can rent this station.

The focus ring is rubberized and rotates approximately 150 degrees in manual focus mode. When the extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate freely. Manual aiming is convenient, but rubs a little. Focus ring rotation direction does not match with original Nikon 105 / 1.4E. In automatic focus mode, the focus ring does not rotate and you can hold the lens behind it.

It's important: the range of distances is strongly 'knocked down' at infinity.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. Optical design and focusing are designed to avoid loss of image quality at different focusing distances. Focus with floating elements is used. You can use different kinds of filters without any problems.

The lens has a window with a focusing distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful. There are values ​​only for 0.875, 1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 meters and an infinity mark. There is no depth of field scale.

The minimum focusing distance is 87.5 cm and the maximum zoom ratio is 1: 4.3, which is a very good indicator for such lenses.

There is a lens housing focus mode switch 'AF | MF Focus' (auto focus / manual focus). Lens supports continuous manual focus control (Full-Time Manual Focus). Auto Focus Mode 'AF'corresponds to the mode Nikon 'M / A' (Auto focus is disabled when the focus ring starts rotating).

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art has an additional switch 'Full | 1.5m-∞ | 0.875-1.5m ', which is the focusing distance limiter.

  • In the 'Full' position, automatic focusing is available over a range of distances from ∞ to MDF
  • At the '1.5m-∞' position, autofocus is available from 1.5 meters to ∞.
  • At the '0.875-1.5m' position, automatic focusing is available from 1.5 meters to MDF.

Note that during manual focus, the limiter does not work.

Focus Features:

  1. Important: the quality of the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art focus in Live View greatly depends on the camera used and the lens firmware, as well as on the system used for the lens.
  2. The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art has a slight 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the angle of view while focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the angle of view decreases.
  3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
  4. Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens to infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you can’t just bring the focus ring to its extreme position
  5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is Nikon D-lens equivalent... Focus distance transmission affects metering performance, especially when using flash.
  6. Important: Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras. Details on this issue are considered by me. here
  7. The lens works correctly with the Nikon FT1 adapter, which allows you to mount lenses with Nikon F mount on mirrorless cameras Nikon 1 (but maybe there are features or exceptions)
  8. Unknown compatibility with Nikon FTZ adapter for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras
  9. Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art supports docking station, with which you can update the lens firmware, as well as adjust / fix the focus
Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Iris control

Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art uses electromagnetic aperture control... Only some Nikon digital cameras can work correctly with this lens.

The exact list of digital cameras that support working with 'E'-type lenses:

Nikon D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, D5, D6, Df, D600, D610, D700, D750, D780, D800, D800E, D810, D810a, D850, D300, D300s, D500, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500

+ Nikon z5, Nikon z6, Nikon z6 ii, Nikon z7, Nikon z7 ii, Nikon z9, Nikon Z fc, Nikon z50 with Nikon FTZ / Nikon FTZ II adapter.

+ Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, S1, S2, V1, V2, V3, AW 1 with Nikon FT-1 adapter

The exact list of cameras that do not support working with 'E'-type lenses:

Nikon D1, D1h, D1x, D2x, D2h, D2xs, D2hs, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D200, D3000

+ Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 Pro, S3 Pro UVIR, S5 Pro, IS Pro

+ Kodak DCS PRO 14n и Kodak DCS Pro SLR / n

'E' type lenses on the cameras in this list will always shoot at full aperture. Other features of the work are possible.

Details on the electromagnetic diaphragm are described, for example, in the overview Sigma 60-600mm 1: 4.5-6.3 DG Sport OS.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Image quality

The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is a very sharp and contrasting lens with no distortion and very little vignetting.

The only minor drawbacks are freezing and occasional backlighting. It is advisable to use a lens hood. At F / 1.8 in the center of the frame, around the edges and even in the far corners of the frame, the picture is just great.

The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art has a lens profile in popular RAW converters, which makes it easy to automatically correct some distortions.

The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art was released in early 2017, when there were already 24 MP APS-C cameras and 50 MP Full Frame cameras on sale, and therefore, most likely, the lens was immediately designed to work on sensors with a high pixel density. 24 megapixels on a cropped camera (tried with Nikon D3200) for Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art even at F / 1.8 it is not a problem.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)


Sample photos on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (Nikon DX)

JPEG straight from the camera with legendary camera Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro (built on the basis Nikon D200, Nikon F mount, 6 + 6 MP Super CCD SR II sensor).

Download original photos in JPEG format ('.jpg') can be at this link (164 photos, 800 MB). These photos were prepared for notes on NikonRumors. Photos correspond to the concept ZEROJPEG.

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro cannot control the electromagnetic diaphragm of the lens Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art. The lens is recognized on the camera as a zoom with a focal length range of 135-135 mm and an aperture range of F / 1.8-F / 1.8. That is why all the pictures on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro filmed solely at F / 1.8. Work Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro with the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art only on the open aperture can be considered peculiar challenge... At the same time, the lens is so sharp that you often don't want to close the aperture, and often it is not required at all. Anti-moor filter (AA filter) on Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro rather thick (especially in comparison with the model Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro), because of which S5 Pro likes the sharpest lenses that compensate for the effects of the AA filter.

Fujifilm S5 Pro + Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art = Dream Team!

I didn't notice how I worked with Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro almost 10.000 frames in just 2 weeks. Let me remind you that the maximum shooting speed Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro with maximum image quality is only 1.5 frames per second. While working with this bundle, I discovered new possibilities Fujifilm FinePix S5 Prodescribed by me in this short note... In the comments, you can already make jokes about amusing testing of a modern full-frame lens on a camera fifteen years ago. By itself, S5 Pro can not reveal the full 'potential' of this lens, and here the point is not in the test, but in the exclusive and unusual combination of 'old' and 'new'. It is unlikely that anyone will repeat such an experiment, which makes Radozhiva a cute site where you can sometimes find exclusive content. And to shoot with such bundles is very fun and unusual.

Sample photos on Nikon D700 (Nikon FX)

Converting raw RAW files from Nikon D700 the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

Download RAW c source photos Nikon D700 can at this link (26 files, 300 MB).

With Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art on Nikon D700 you can easily get over-sharp in photos, partly due to large pixels Nikon D700 (even larger than pixels in D40, D100, D70, D70s) On the Nikon D700 (and other similar large pixel cameras such as D3, D3s, D4, D4s, Df) Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art turns into a 'razor lens', fortunately, any software, including native RAW converters, easily allows you to lower or raise the level of sharpness or detail to the desired one. Pictures on D700 significantly less due to the fact that all the time that I had a lens I devoted to working with Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro... But in the near future, photos from another camera should appear in this review.

Important: the final result of images with Nikon cameras is greatly influenced by the settings Picture Control, which is responsible for the options for managing snapshots. If you correctly configure it right in the camera, you can very quickly get a good result in JPEG. Likewise, you can easily and quickly develop / convert original RAW ('.NEF') images with even better results. For example, you can use the original free Capture NX-D utility (link to download from the official site) and in just two or three clicks significantly improve the final image result. You can easily get a pleasant picture with good sharpness, color and tonal transitions, remove some of the optical imperfections of the lens (for example, some aberrations, distortion, vignetting). It's simple and very important points, which can radically change the final result and the impression of a particular lens. With such simple manipulations, you can get a pleasant and fairly high-quality result. Unfortunately, the original Nikon software does not have a Russian language menu. You can also use third-party RAW converters, for example, Adobe Lightroom. Thoughts on how to easily batch convert files using a lens profile in Lightroom are explained here.

My experience

At first I saw enough examples of the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art on the net and I didn't like the lens a lot. But after actually working with the lens, I changed my mind radically.

The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is a very nice lens. I didn't find any focusing issues with it (tried it on 4 different cameras). You can always be sure of the result right at F / 1.8. A few frames in processing u change here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Before the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art, I had an equally high quality Sigma 50 / 1.4 Art, but for fun, I drove it on an even more legendary old woman Nikon D40 and in a month in the same way approached 10.000 frames. Many frames are absorbed by different events (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4, Example 5 etc.). As a result, I have a very positive impression of these lenses.

For Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art it was extremely difficult for me to write 10 shortcomings in the “summary” section.

For the size of Sigma lenses, I have prepared small video on your Youtube channel.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

All Sigma ART Lenses

The Sigma A (Sigma Art) lens range includes the following lenses:

DG

For full-frame cameras (series DG) with mount Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA:

  1. Sigma 14 mm 1: 1.8 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 16/11, December 2017 [AliExpress]
  2. Sigma 20 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 15/11, October 2015 [AliExpress]
  3. Sigma 24 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 15/11, February 2015 [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma 28 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 17/12, September 2018 [AliExpress]
  5. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +A, +Pentax, +Cine, 13/11, November 2012 [AliExpress]
  6. Sigma 40 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 16/12, September 2018 [AliExpress]
  7. Sigma 50 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +A, +Cine, 13/8, January 2014 [AliExpress]
  8. Sigma 70 mm 1: 2.8 DG MACRO | | | A (Art), +L, +E, 13/10, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  9. Sigma 85 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 14/12, September 2016 [AliExpress]
  10. Sigma 105 mm 1: 1.4 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 17/12, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  11. Sigma 135 mm 1: 1.8 DG | A (Art), +L, +E, +Cine, 13/10, March 2017 [AliExpress]
  12. Sigma 12-24 mm 1: 4 DG | A (Art), 16/11, November 2016
  13. Sigma 14-24 mm 1: 2.8 DG | A (Art), 17/11, February 2018 [AliExpress]
  14. Sigma 24-35 mm 1: 2 DG | A (Art), +Cine, 18/13, January 2015 [AliExpress]
  15. Sigma 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 DG OS | | | A (Art), 19/14, February 2017 [AliExpress]
  16. Sigma 24-105 mm 1: 4 DG OS | | | A (Art), +A, 19/14, October 2013 [AliExpress]

DG DN

For full-frame mirrorless cameras (series DG DN) with bayonet Leica l и Sony E:

  1. Sigma 14 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 19/15, June 2023
  2. Sigma 15 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art) Fisheye, 21/15, February 2024
  3. Sigma 20 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 17/15, August 2022 [AliExpress]
  4. Sigma 24 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 17/14, August 2022 [AliExpress]
  5. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.2 DG DN | A (Art), 17/12, July 2019 [AliExpress]
  6. Sigma 35 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 15/11, April 2021 [AliExpress]
  7. Sigma 50 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 14/11, February 2023 [AliExpress]
  8. Sigma 85 mm 1: 1.4 DG DN | A (Art), 15/11, August 2020 [AliExpress]
  9. Sigma 105 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN MACRO | A (ART), 12/7, October 2020 [AliExpress]
  10. Sigma 14-24 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN | A (Art), 18/13, July 2019 [AliExpress]
  11. Sigma 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 DG DN | A (Art), 19/15, November 2019 [AliExpress]

DC

For cropped SLR cameras (series DC) with mount Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA:

  1. Sigma 30 mm 1: 1.4 DC | A (Art) +Pentax, +A, 9/8 [1 ASP], January 2013
  2. Sigma 18-35 mm 1: 1.8 DC | A (Art) +Pentax, +A, +Cine, 17/12 [5 SLD, 4 ASP], April 2013 [AliExpress]
  3. Sigma 50-100 mm 1: 1.8 DC | A (Art) +Cine, 21/15 [4 SLD, 3 FLD, 1 HRI], February 2016 [AliExpress]

DN

For cropped mirrorless cameras (series DN) for Micro 4/3 and Sony E:

  1. Sigma 19 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silver, 8/6 [3 ASP], January 2013
  2. Sigma 30 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silver, 7/5 [2 ASP], January 2013
  3. Sigma 60 mm 1:2.8DN | A (Art), black/silve, 8/6 [1 ASP, 1 SLD], January 2013

Abbreviations:

  • +L means that there is a version of the lens adapted to work on mirrorless cameras with a bayonet mount Leica l
  • +E means that there is a version of the lens adapted to work on mirrorless cameras with a bayonet mount Sony E/Sony FE
  • + Pentax means that there is a version of the lens with a Pentax K mount (rare)
  • +A means that there is a version of the lens with Sony A mount (rarity)
  • + Cine means that there is a version of the lens adapted for video shooting, usually CINE versions are released simultaneously for ARRI PL, Canon EF and Sony E
  • black / silver - case available in black (black) and silver (silver)
  • 19 / 15, 7 / 5 and similar designations indicate the number of optical elements and groups in the optical scheme of the lens

Additionally, you can look at all lenses SIGMA CONTEMPORARY (C) и all lenses SIGMA SPORT (S). Here here there is a short video about the rulers and markings of Sigma lenses.

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART) with hood

Price Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art

Prices in popular online stores can be viewed at E-KATALOG at this link.

Results

The Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art is a lens with excellent image, build and focus quality. There are very few such particularly fast autofocus solutions. As a result, the Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art turned out to be great and can be classified as one of the best lenses of our time.

10 main advantages:

  1. good resolution already with F / 1.8 over the entire field of the frame, low level of basic optical distortion (chromatic aberration, vignetting, distortion)
  2. the ability to work with a USB DOCK-station (firmware update, focus adjustment, etc.)
  3. There is a built-in HSM focusing motor (critical for owners of Nikon DX cameras from the younger line)
  4. internal focusing, fixed focus ring during auto focus
  5. continuous manual focus control, fast and quiet focusing, focus mode switch, focusing distance limiter and focusing distance scale
  6. MDF is only 87.5 centimeters and a magnification ratio of 1: 4.3
  7. good build quality: metal bayonet, sturdy TSC plastic body, durable hood included, rubber bayonet seal
  8. nine diaphragm blades, electromagnetic diaphragm
  9. the optical scheme uses 2 SLD and 2 FLD elements
  10. the lens belongs to the Sigma Art line with very high image quality and build criteria

10 main disadvantages:

  1. large weight (1100+ grams for Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art versus 750 grams for Canon 135/2L USM)
  2. large diameter of light filters (82 mm for Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art versus 72 mm for Canon 135/2L USM)
  3. no built-in image stabilizer (e.g. Zeiss apo sonnarWhich Batis 135 / 2.8 T *, he is)
  4. the direction of rotation of the focus ring does not match the original Nikon 105 / 1.4E
  5. Poor weather protection than Sigma Sport lenses (for example, no protective coating on the front and rear lenses)
  6. slight rubbing sound of the focus ring during manual focus
  7. there are no additional functions inherent in other similar lenses, for example: depth of field scale, aperture control ring, Focus Lock buttons, Fn buttons, etc.
  8. rare flares when working in backlight
  9. high price tag at $ 1400 (fall 2020)
  10. there may be problems with focusing accuracy with some models of cameras

According provided by Sigma 135 / 1.8 Art lens (for Nikon cameras) many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including Similar Sigma Lenses.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 26, on the topic: Review of Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART)

  • Alexander

    I have had such glass for half a year already working with the Z6 - it works great through FTZ

  • B. R. P.

    Gorgeous lens, gorgeous pictures, gorgeous scientist cat in a fork in a tree, albeit without a golden chain)

  • Jankowsky

    Arkady, thanks for the review - glass is just a dream!

    Here's what interests me most - how is it in comparison with the astrograph samyang 135 F2, which is generally recognized as the best in the world for correcting aberrations on an open hole, which costs just a penny on the BU market - maybe there are experts or owners - can you unsubscribe?

    When will the review be 50-100 \ 1.8 and 18-35 \ 1.8? These glasses are no longer difficult to find for a test.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I didn't shoot it, the rest will be according to plan

  • Ivan

    Arkady, in the pictures of your son?

  • Alexander

    Judging by the photo, the quality is so-so and special sharpness is not visible!

    • Neo

      Where were you looking then? Or what do you mean sharply then?

      • Victor

        Oh, it's just some kind of troll, don't pay attention.

        The quality is excellent and the pictures themselves are good.

  • Eugen

    Lost Zeiss Milvus and old Sonnar c / y.

    • Eugen

      Sorry, did not notice that we are talking about AF.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There are quite a lot of light manual 135/2 / 1.8 / 1.4 manuals, but only a few with autofocus

  • Onotole

    It will be interesting for Rodion to note that in the optical scheme of this lens there is a gluing of 4 elements.

    • Rodion

      Not interesting because she's not here.

      • Onotole

        Well, maybe I'm blind or just don't understand anything, but I can't see the difference between the middle element, which is immediately in front of the aperture, from the similar one on FUJI 50mm F / 1.0.

        • Andy From Far Away

          Gluing of two elements (one group), then a gap and then a lens (a separate group. Since there are only 13 lenses, you mistakenly took the empty gap for a lens.

  • Dmitriy

    Here the main thing for Canonists is to understand which one to buy - 135 f2 or the one presented in the review

  • koba

    This lens is a market star in all respects, both in terms of artistry, and in terms of optics, mechanics, etc. You can count them on your fingers ... Undoubted success for Sigma. It surpassed both the Kenon 135/2 and even the Zeiss 135mm Zonar, although both of these lenses do not lose their relevance, just a new and better one has appeared. The minus is only in size and weight, but otherwise such quality cannot be obtained.

  • Victor

    Arkady good time. Here's what you would choose from Sigma 105mm 1: 1.4 DG (Art), Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG (Art), Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm 1: 2D, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f / 4D IF-ED, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f / 4E PF ED VR, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f / 1.4E ED with money for one. Shoot portraits and animals not far away. Which one is better in terms of the picture and sharpness. I looked at your photos to be honest, they are not impressive, that is, they are directly excellent in sharpness and picture (this is not a criticism) but the sigma is too contrasting (subjective opinion) compared to nikkors. I shoot with 85 1.4 G, 105 2.8 micro vr, 150-600 tamron. Buy a second 105-ku neither there, nor syudy but macro is also needed, I don't like sigma, I wanted to buy a Nikkor 300mm f / 4D IF-ED, they write a transitional model often break, the photos looked not impressive tamron with sufficient lighting will give the same thing. Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm 1: 2D is said to be released until now, but you won't find a new one in the daytime with fire, and in terms of sharpness and detail they say 85 will tear to shreds, so what's the point then. Well at least winter is on the nose.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good afternoon. There is no correct answer. Especially if there are many fears and concerns.
      For a portrait, I would take something from Canon 135/2 L, Canon 85 / 1.2 L, Nikon 105 / 1.4. In the west, labor professionals use Canon / Nikon 200/2, 300 / 2.8, especially for a glider, immediately gives an exclusive picture
      For animals, these are more serious telephoto. At the same time, both animals and a portrait are a complicated matter. But again, there is no right answer.

      • Victor

        Thanks. So it is understandable, but the price also matters, $ 7000 for the lens is expensive. And they say you can't put Canon on Nikon.

  • Victor

    And what do you think of the Tokina Opera 50mm F1.4. Thanks.

  • Arkady Shapoval

    Added another short video on the topic https://youtu.be/MGHzAAGBg0w

  • Alex

    Tell me where you can buy a lens for Nikon F bayonet, all the offers that are not available in the E-Catalog on the page above, for other systems.

    • Andrei

      https://bit.ly/2YeUCB6
      It's as simple as being unbanned on Google.

    • B. R. P.

      You drive into Google: Sigma 135mm 1: 1.8 DG A (ART) Nikon F buy - and voila!

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