Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Leica L

Sigma is currently having a run. Unlike CaNikon, who seem to have slowed down their activities lately, they are providing a continuous stream of highly interesting new lens designs and not only that - they are pushing their product quality to a level that is now truly threatening the original...

While zoom lenses typically win the popularity contests, fixed focal length models generally have some strong advantages and the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens is a "prime" example.

The Sigma 135mm ƒ/1.8 DG HSM "Art" is one of the sharpest lenses we've ever tested. It's not an inexpensive lens, but for what you get -- great build quality, outstanding sharpness, little to no chromatic aberration, and almost zero distortion -- the lens is worth every penny, and destined to become...

Sigma brings us their latest Art lens, intended to represent the pinnacle of the lens makers' art, a super bright 135mm f/1.8. This is one of the most popular traditional focal lengths for full frame cameras, ideal for a wide range of subjects and particularly portraiture.

In comparison, it’s a different lens from the Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art lens but probably not enough besides focal lengths.

Sigma’s range of Art lenses has catapulted the company into the upper echelons of lens production, and the 135mm f/1.8 demonstrates the appeal of the series beautifully.

Since the inception of its premium Art range of lenses towards the end of 2012, Sigma has gone from strength to strength. The 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens that kicked the whole series off has since been joined by four more focal lengths – 20mm, 24mm, 50mm and 85mm – to fill out an impressive set of...

• +

  - Superb sharpness and very few optical aberrations, - Dreamy bokeh, - Superbly built, - Superb sharpness and very few optical aberrations, - Dreamy bokeh, - Superbly built

• -

  Rather hefty, Rather hefty

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is a lens that portrait photographers will adore: It blurs backgrounds with aplomb and is one of the sharpest we've ever tested.

• +

  Razor sharp., Wide aperture., No distortion., Minimal falloff., Dust- and splash-proof design., Focus limiter switch., Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma systems.

• -

  Quite heavy., Expensive., Omits optical stabilization., May require focus adjustment.

It may not be lens that most enthusiast photographers are likely to buy, but it would certainly be worth hiring for a special occasion. For portrait photography in particular, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is very special indeed.

• +

  Superb sharpness and very few optical aberrations, Dreamy bokeh, Superbly built

• -

  Rather hefty

As a pro event and wedding photographer Ive shot over 480,000 images on my D3s alone. I recently purchased this lens after weeks of research for my new D850. So far Ive only used the D850 with my Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II lens and just couldnt understand why the image quality didnt blow me out of the...

This lens is everything reviewers say. The lack of VR/IS is a non issue with my Sony A7R3, while the extra 1/3 of a stop over my previous Nikkor 135 F2 DC is always handy. The Bokeh is the equal of the legendary Nikkor but much easier to use.

• +

  Sharp, sharp, sharp, beautiful bokeh, built like a tank

• -

  Heavy...

I'm a wedding photographer and purchased this to replace my Zeiss 135mm/2.8. I loved that lens, and I love the Sigma 135 even more. The extra f-stop is clutch for lower light ceremony situations, and the compression is great. Focus is sharp and fast.

More background blur than 85 GM, lighter than 105 f/1.4, better aperture than 70-200 f/2.8. No lens has everything. There are trade-offs. The Sigma 135 1.8 gives superb head shots with dreamy blur while not be overbearing in weight, but eye-AF is sometimes weak, and that is the only thing that...

I used nikon 85 1.4g, nikon 105 1.4, nikon 135dc, Sony 85 1.4gm for a period of time before, all are wonderful ....but believe me, this Sigma 135 Art is simply stand out from all of it, unbelievable sharp at wide open, smooth and wonderful bokeh (no cat eye, only sony 85 gm with 11blades can...

As a portrait photographer, I have an obsession for razor sharp eyes, and I have several good lenses that will do that, but none are a match for the Sigma 135 ART. I used to have to over-shoot quite a bit and then sit down to load/cull a session with a bit of dread, wondering how many images...