Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art
Announced September 8, 2026
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Masterpiece
The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art is a high-performance portrait prime that delivers exceptional sharpness and creamy bokeh at a more accessible price than many first-party alternatives. While the lens is notably heavy and requires careful focus management at its widest aperture, it remains a standout option for photographers seeking a professional-grade short telephoto.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Beautifully rendered bokeh and flare control
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Outstanding sharpness and image quality
- Competitive pricing and robust build quality
- Compact and lightweight design relative to its class
Cons
- Significant weight and size for extended use
- Lack of internal stabilization and burst rate limitations on certain bodies
- Optical trade-offs like vignetting and distortion at f/1.2
- Limited close-focusing distance
- Demanding focus precision due to shallow depth of field
- Launch price $1,599 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 85mm f/1.2
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 84 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Dual HLA
- Weight & size 905g · 87.2 x 121.7 mm (3.43 x 4.79 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9.5/10
If you want a portrait lens that can deliver smooth bokeh and dreamy flare, this is a spectacular choice. It's also the only choice right now if you want something with autofocus.
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The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG DN becomes one of the best short telephoto prime lenses for Sony or L-mount owners, matching or even outperforming rivals that cost much more. Optically, it's as good as any 85 1.2 that I've tested, including those costing double the price.
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The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG | Art delivers stunning image quality at a sensible size and price. It’s quite heavy, and demands impeccable technique at f/1.2, but portrait photographers will love it.
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The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens combines an extremely wide aperture with an extremely useful focal length in a compact, lightweight, affordable package that delivers outstanding wide-open image quality.
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The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG | ART provides the best combination of size, weight, features, autofocus, sharpness, and rendering. It isn’t necessarily the best in all of those categories, but it provides the best balance of those qualities, in my opinion.
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Think carefully about whether or not you really need F1.2, an 85mm F1.4 lens will do a very similar job here for a lower price, but if 85mm is what you want and you want that extra kick in your backgrounds, then this thing does of course come highly recommended.
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In keeping with the defined objectives of the Sigma Art range, an excellent example of the truly classic lens makers' art, with a truly classic focal length.
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If you've been waiting for an 851.2 on the Lmount or E-mount, this is the only autofocus choice that you have at this time. I don't think you can go wrong for it.
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I feel that the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art comes as close to portrait perfection as any lens in its class.
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Sigma has proven time and again that it keeps its promises.
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Due to the character, sharpness and light gathering ability this is an absolutely brilliant option for portraits, whether lit in the studio or naturally lit on location.
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The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG | Art is the sort of lens that makes me want to photograph people. [...] It gives you another creative option without forcing you to compromise when you use it.
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Bokeh is just circular. It's [...] like a reference lens for an 85, man.
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I said at the beginning that this might be the best portrait prime lens I have ever used, and I think it is.
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85 1.2 [is an] absolutely crazy lens for portraits. [I]f you like shooting with 85, I cannot imagine a better portrait lens than this.
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So if you are out there and you are looking for a 1.2 portrait lens and you are on a budget, my goodness, you have seen in this video how great the image quality is coming out of this lens.
