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04-16-2011, 08:12 PM   #1
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Sigma 85mm F1.4 In-depth review!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to share with you our in-depth review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4:
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Review

Although I haven't personally had a chance to test it, it really sounds like it's a modern equivalent of the FA* 85mm. Plus, at $969, it's several hundred cheaper than a used FA*. There's only one downside- and that is size. The Sigma has a 77mm filter thread, and is a beast when the hood is on.

Enjoy!


Adam
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04-16-2011, 11:08 PM   #2
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Thank you for the review.
04-16-2011, 11:49 PM   #3
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Quikshift?

I read with interest the review, and I have some quick, possibly naive query:

- Is the QuickShift a feature of the Sigma for K-mount model only?

- Is the Sigma Quickshift on par (ie the same technique) than the Pentax QuickShift system?

Thank you for the input....
04-17-2011, 12:36 AM   #4
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Nice work! Unfortunately I find the lack of people portraits a serious omission. Because this is meant to be a portrait lens, and faces are something we can relate to (it's the most important human feature we recognize). Other than that: well done!

04-17-2011, 04:25 PM   #5
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Glad to see the review. I would liked to have seen the 77mm LTD also compared, as it is a current production lens and a lot of people will be choosing between those two.

More faces and people images would have been nice. This is a portrait lens.
04-17-2011, 04:59 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
I read with interest the review, and I have some quick, possibly naive query:

- Is the QuickShift a feature of the Sigma for K-mount model only?

- Is the Sigma Quickshift on par (ie the same technique) than the Pentax QuickShift system?

Thank you for the input....
It's the exact same, and AFAIK it's standard on all Sigma lenses. It's geared a bit higher than the internal focusing ring, though, so it's much easier to fine-adjust the focus.

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04-19-2011, 03:13 PM   #7
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I agree- some portrait shots would have been nice. Unfortunately logistics got in the way

04-21-2011, 02:18 PM   #8
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You could have just shot each other or anyone in the room and compared it w/ the 77Ltd....wide open of course...
04-26-2011, 02:59 AM   #9
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Um what about, for example, the Pentax-M 50mm f1.4 as a manual focus portrait lens on a DSLR? It'd effectively be around 75 to 80mm, with f1.4. Sorry if this is a stupid question--new to using SLR lenses on DSLR.
11-15-2011, 02:39 AM   #10
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In your review Adam, you didnt note that the Sigma 85 has circular aperture blades.
Did you do any comparison bokeh shots with the lenses stopped down? Surely the Sigma's rounded blades will have the advantage against the FA* when stopped down....
11-15-2011, 03:25 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Adam Quote
It's the exact same, and AFAIK it's standard on all Sigma lenses. It's geared a bit higher than the internal focusing ring, though, so it's much easier to fine-adjust the focus.
MOST Sigma HSM lenses, but not all; e.g. the Sigma 17-50/2.8 has HSM, but doesn't have "quickshift".

And for those after samples, here's the thread from the Lens Sample Photo Archive: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-sample-photo-archive/153471-sigma-85...s-samples.html

I've got a few more samples in this post and this post and this post if anyone's interested.

Last edited by pop4; 11-15-2011 at 03:40 AM.
11-15-2011, 03:43 AM   #12
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To put things a bit into perspective, one should note that the FA85 is about 20 years old.
It would be very surprising, if a new, state-of-the-art lens couldn't perform at least slightly better.
11-15-2011, 09:22 PM   #13
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The Sigma is one sharp lens.

It will be interesting to see the Samyang review as well.
11-16-2011, 12:53 AM   #14
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Regarding the lens hood extension for APS-C and its difficult stocking, would it not be possible to let the hood and the extension together, and fit the lens (not reversed!) inside? That's the method I used with a huge 135/1.8 Porst lens and with the Tak 200/4, and it worked like a charm...
11-16-2011, 01:16 AM   #15
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Still having trouble picking one as my next LBA buy.
Leaning towards the Sigma for its circular aperture blades and faster/silent AF....
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