Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogJuly 02, 2025Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sample Images, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sample Photos, Sigma 85mm review, Sigma 85 1.4 review, Sigma 85mm 1.4 sample images, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs. Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8, Sigma 85mm vs. Panasonic, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art L-Mount ReviewComment

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Review

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) on a Leica SL2-S — Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-Mount) and Leica SL2-S Sample Images

Last year, I bought the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 for my Leica SL2-S. I also considered the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art when I added this lens to my kit. I was browsing the used lens market, and while the Sigma came up occasionally for Sony E-mount, I never encountered an L-mount version locally.

When the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 popped up for around $400.00 used, I jumped at it. It was a fairly easy decision compared to paying $1,319.00 for a new Sigma f/1.4 Art.

I have been happy with the Panasonic lens, but have also wondered if I should have waited and perhaps gone with the Sigma lens instead.

When my friend Goran recently purchased the Sigma 85mm f/1.4, he kindly suggested I take it for a spin to see how it would compare to the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8.

Introduction

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was introduced in 2020, around the same time as the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8. At the 85 mm focal length, these are the only two native L-mount Alliance options at 85mm.

Two-thirds of a stop separates the two lenses, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 being a bit faster.

Several other traits may sway you towards one or the other, and I will explain the differences in the paragraphs below.

When this review was posted, the retail price of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art was $1,319.00.

A couple is walking at Granville Island, Vancouver. Sample image from a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — Granville Island, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.4

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art versus Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8

Specs, Handling, and Build Quality

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is exceptionally well built and has a quality feel. Everything about the lens feels top-notch, from the aperture ring to switches, focus ring, and lens hood. Compared to the Panasonic 85mm, it is a notch above.

However, the faster f-stop and better built quality come at a price, not only in monetary terms. At 12.5 oz (355 g), the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 weighs only 57% of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, which weighs 1.38 lb (625 g).

As for bulk, the Sigma is also larger, at 3.26 x 3.7" / 82.8 x 94.1 mm versus 2.9 x 3.2" / 73.6 x 82 mm for the Panasonic. The larger hood and 77mm filter size vs. 67mm for the Panasonic make the Sigma a more cumbersome option on a photo walk, and you feel this right away.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 has a wonderful aperture ring with just the right amount of friction. It is adjustable in thirds of a stop and de-clickable for video work. The Panasonic 85mm f/1.8 has no aperture ring.

An Aquabus in Vancouver by Granville Bridge, False Creek. Sample image from a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Leica SL2-S. — False Creek, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/2

Here are some of the key specs of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4:

Available for L-Mount or Sony E-Mount
15 elements in 11 groups, with 5 SLD elements, one aspherical element, and four HR elements
Rounded 11-blade diaphragm
Aperture ring, which can be de-clicked
Auto focus stepping motor
Weather-sealed
Super multi-layer coating
Focus mode switch
Filter size: 77mm

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and lens hood, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

In Action

The Sigma 85mm autofocus speed was snappy with my Leica SL2-S, and I predict it will be even better on newer Sony, Leica, or Panasonic cameras with phase-detect autofocus systems.

However, the IBIS in my SL2-S was constantly churning while out for a photo walk when the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 was attached. This is not the case with my Panasonic 85mm f/1.8; generally, the compatibility between Leica and Panasonic may be better than between Leica and Sigma.

While I managed to cycle and take a few photo walks with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4, its bulk and higher weight occasionally made me complain. I have two straps for my SL2-S, and I used the original wider Leica strap for outings with the Sigma. It has more padding, so it helped a bit.

The bulk of the Sigma 85mm lens is drastically reduced if you use it without the hood.

The focal length of the two 85mm lenses is not the same. The Sigma appears a tad longer. I am unsure which lens hits the 85mm more correctly, but the difference is noticeable.

Portrait of Diana Byskov, June 2025 — My dear, and very patient, wife Diana :) Leica SL2-S, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/2

Image Quality

I found sharpness and bokeh remarkably similar between the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8. However, the background is, of course, slightly more blurred at f/1.4. Bokeh at further distances was not as smooth as I had expected.

The Sigma excels in colour vibrancy and renders images a tad warmer, which I like. In contrast, the Panasonic looks flatter or slightly subdued, rendering a cooler (white balance) looking image.

In the comparisons below (first photo), the photo on the left is the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 and the Panasonic 85mm f/1.8 on the right. Both images are at f/2. Unfortunately for this comparison, I forgot to remove my NiSi Black Mist 1/8 filter from the Panasonic lens.

However, as you will see with other comparisons further down in my sample images, the mentioned trend holds true.

In the second photo, the Sigma is at f/1.4 and the Panasonic is at f/1.8

Please click on the sample images to view sizes up to 2500 pixels, depending on your monitor size, or pinch zoom if you use a mobile phone.

A comparison between the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8. A man plays his Gibson Les Paul. — Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/2 on the left - Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 @ f/2 on the right

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ f/1.4 on the left - Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 @ f/1.8 on the right

Conclusion

The Panasonic 85 mm f/1.8 suits me well for my intended purposes—travel, street photography, and the occasional portrait photography.

After trying the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, I think of it as a premier product in comparison— a lens you would bring out for a special occasion or pro gigs if you are a portrait or perhaps wedding photographer. It’s a lens that would be a good fit in the studio, but maybe not as suitable as a travel lens, where portability and lightweight are attributes you’d be striving for.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art mounted on a Leica SL2-S — The AF/MF switch, AFL custom button, and Click on/off switch of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, L-Mount, on a Leica SL2-S

If you want the extra dreamy bokeh at f/1.4 and need the extra 2/3 stops of light, the Sigma could be the way to go compared to the Panasonic at f/1.8.

Neither of these lenses lives up to my Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II, which I used for years. My judgment may be clouded as I haven’t used the Canon lens for about ten years.

As I type this, the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 is on sale for $497.99 (38% of the new price of the Sigma), making it the value winner in this comparison. The sale prices may vary on both, but it shouldn’t matter much in this assessment unless prices change dramatically.

Of course, the value proposition changes if you find the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 used at a good price.

Thanks to my friend Goran for lending me your lens for a few days to review.

You can read my Panasonic 85mm f/1.8 review here:

Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 - Review

Please see more sample images below

Pros

Fastest 85mm option for L-Mount
Vibrant colours and renders warm
Build quality

Cons

High price compared to Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at B&H Photo

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