Sigma has officially launched the 85mm f/1.2 DG Art, marking the first time the Japanese lens maker has produced an 85mm prime with an f/1.2 maximum aperture. Designed for portrait photographers seeking strong low-light performance, shallow depth of field and high optical quality, the new lens also makes a notable claim for portability within its class.
After previewing the lens during CP+ 2026 in February, Sigma has now confirmed full specifications, pricing and availability for Sony E-mount and L-Mount camera systems.
Sigma Moves Beyond f/1.4 With New 85mm Portrait Lens
Until now, Sigma’s fastest 85mm lenses had offered a maximum aperture of f/1.4. The new 85mm f/1.2 DG Art takes the company’s portrait-focused range a step further, putting it into direct competition with premium f/1.2 lenses from Canon and Nikon.
The combination of an 85mm focal length and wide f/1.2 aperture is particularly suited to portrait photography. It enables photographers to create a pronounced separation between a subject and the background, while the large aperture can also prove useful when shooting indoors or in challenging light.
One of the most striking aspects of Sigma’s design is its relatively compact construction.
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L weighs 1,195g and measures more than 117mm in length, while Nikon’s Z 85mm f/1.2 S weighs 1,160g and extends beyond 141mm.
By comparison, Sigma’s new lens weighs 950g and measures 120mm long. The company describes it as the world’s smallest and lightest autofocus-equipped 85mm f/1.2 lens.
For UK photographers who regularly work on location, the reduction in weight could be particularly valuable during longer portrait, wedding and event shoots.
Optical Design Targets Sharpness and Chromatic Aberration
Sigma has placed significant emphasis on optical correction despite the unusually large aperture.
The 85mm f/1.2 DG Art uses 17 elements arranged across 12 groups, including two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements. Sigma also uses high anomalous-dispersion glass to address axial chromatic aberration, an optical issue that can become particularly noticeable with fast-aperture lenses.
According to Sigma, the optical configuration is designed to suppress axial chromatic aberration “to the utmost limit.”
Independent laboratory testing also found strong performance. The assessment concluded that, “Control over both axial and lateral chromatic aberrations is pretty epic at all aperture settings”.
It added that, “Center sharpness is spectacular in the f/2 to f/11 sector of the aperture range and holds up really well even at the widest aperture”.
13-Blade Aperture Designed for Portrait Bokeh
The lens incorporates a 13-blade diaphragm, an important feature for photographers seeking smooth out-of-focus areas and rounded background highlights.
Its autofocus system is driven by dual High-response Linear Actuator motors, which are intended to provide fast and precise focusing. Reliable autofocus is particularly important at f/1.2 because the depth of field can become extremely narrow when photographing subjects at close distances.
Reviewing the lens, Matthew said: “I feel that the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art comes as close to portrait perfection as any lens in its class.”
He added: “That makes it a really top-class lens, combining its essential 85mm focal length with a highly desirable and super-fast f/1.2 aperture. It’s an aspirational, heady mix but one that’s more attainable than with Canon and Nikon equivalent lenses, in terms of purchase price.”
UK Price Set at £1,299
The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art is scheduled to become available on 30 September for Sony E-mount and L-Mount cameras.
UK pricing has been set at £1,299, while the lens will cost $1,599 in the United States and AU$2,225 in Australia.
That pricing gives Sigma a potentially significant advantage over comparable premium f/1.2 portrait lenses from Canon and Nikon, while also expanding the choice available to Sony E-mount and L-Mount photographers.
A New Flagship Portrait Option for Sigma
The arrival of the 85mm f/1.2 DG Art represents a significant addition to Sigma’s Art series, combining the company’s fastest-ever 85mm aperture with a comparatively lightweight body, sophisticated optical construction and dual-motor autofocus.
With its £1,299 UK price and focus on both portability and optical performance, the lens offers photographers another high-end option in one of the most established focal lengths for portrait photography.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.