Sigma 105mm f/1.4 for $1,599 at BHphoto, FocusCamera,and Adorama.
Marc Alhadeff tested the new Sigma 105mm F/1.4 FE lens. His conclusion:
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The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art (1500 euros) is an outstanding optics for portrait and well deserve its nickname of Bokeh Master
- Background blur is exceptional with superb 3D effects
- Sharpness is incredible
- AF is fast and very efficient including for eye AF
- Color rendition is very good
- Distorsion / Lens fall off / CA are close to zero
- Bokeh balls are very good but not perfect when close down to F2.8/F4 (nor perfectly circular)à
- Reasonable price considering performances
- A min of 1/250s shutter speed will be required
- Built in tripod collar is a very nice idea to support the weight of 1.85 kg
- One of the only flaw is the resistance to flare which is just ok as you can get some loss of contrast in direct sun
- Huge (difficult to put in a standard photo bag), heavy (1,85 kg!) , filter size is uncommon (105mm = expensive)
Before testing the lens, I was convinced , I would not be able stand the weight of it and that this 105mm was a pure technical demonstration of Sigma capability, but when I saw the results, I was astonished and really started to love the lens ! It is a real “Bokeh” machine to produce wonderful portraits ! Its signature is unique. After a second look at the photos made I finally decided to order the lens for myself