We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the center of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths. The tests also measure distortion and color fringing (chromatic aberration). Sharpness– Definitely gives the Canon 85L a run for its money and blows the Sigma 85 EX DG HSM out of the water.

You need to remember that f/1.4 depth of field is narrow. If you prefer a manual focus, you can switch the lens to manual focus by rotating the focus ring. It works even during continuous autofocus. All we've had till now is the model shots from the Sony event that you attended. I'm sure I speak for many forum readers when I say we would appreciate a gallery of real world shots taken by you guys, like you've done here for the Sigma and other lenses. Since the Samyang lenses are manual focus, I personally prefer not to use them. I wear glasses and I don’t trust my eyes, and I’m also not very fast at focusing with manual lenses. Anyway, for this lens I’ve used Canon 5D Mark III’s 100% manual focus feature to focus on the subject. This was a most surprising result for me: the Samyang is really sharp after f/1.8. Great lens for the price, but just not one for me.

Overview

Not only great for portraiture, this is a hugely versatile prime lens that delivers superb image quality, even when shooting handheld under very low lighting conditions. For the money, it makes the Canon 85mm f/1.2L pretty much redundant. Outright image quality is no better than from the competing Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens, which is actually slightly sharper, but the addition of stabilization makes the Canon more versatile. However, there are significant savings to be made if you’re willing to sacrifice two-thirds of an f/stop, in which case the Tamron 85mm f/1.8 is a top-value buy. For those that don’t want to jump into the nitty gritty details, here is a TLDR version of our review: pros Auto-Focus– With a new AF motor, this lens is the star-performer of the Art lineup and is engineered to be unparalleled to its predecessor, and rivals top-of-the-line competitors.

I have tried out the Haoge 77mm square lens hood. It causes mechanic vignetting – it cuts top and bottom of highligt bokeh balls. Not acceptable. The 67mm version works with only a very slight amount of vignetting on 35/1.4 dg dn, there it is acceptable. We run a range of lab tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.Both lenses are pretty equal in terms of sharpness. I think the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art has nicer bokeh though. It also is much better corrected for LoCA and purple fringing than the Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE which suffers from serious purple fringing. Furthermore the bokeh of the Sony 1.8/85 shows a lot of bokeh fringing as well which is totally absent with the Sigma. The Canon 100L macro lens is a 1:1 macro, the MFD is 305mm. 850mm is not a big value for a non macro mid tele lens. Get the 100 macro if you need that kind of photos.

In general autofocus is fast and reliable. Eye AF works like a charm on my a7RIII. For portraiture I have absolutely no complaints. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is made from high quality plastics and features a brass lens mount. Around the lens mount a rubber gasket can be found, Sigma claims the lens to be dust and weather proof.

as a long time GM85 user, i can definitely know it's sharpness at F1.4 and i could never seen similar sharpness on Sigma F1.4 shots available on the net so far. GM85 at F1.4, in terms of sharpness, winner. It is an excellent lens and good value ( considering that AF-S is 700 Euro more , respective 400 Euro for the AF-D version.