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Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM vs Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM

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Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
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Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
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Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM vs Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM for the EF Mount and the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM for the EF Mount, two Telephoto Prime lenses from Sigma and Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 85mm but different max apertures: Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a max aperture of F1.4 while the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM has a max aperture of F1.2.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 725g.
  • Diameter: 86mm
  • Length: 88mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.85m
  • Max Magnification: 0.12x

Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.2 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 1025g.
  • Diameter: 92mm
  • Length: 84mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.95m
  • Max Magnification: 0.11x

What type of photography are the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodVery Good
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageAverage
LandscapeFairFair
MacroPoorPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM with a length of 84mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM has a larger diameter of 92mm compared to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's 86mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725g, which means it is 300g (29%) lighter than the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM which has a weight of 1025g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
521mm
157mm 4900g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Lens Canon 85mm f1.8 USM
72mm
75mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
448mm
168mm 3050g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM Lens Canon 200mm f2L IS USM
208mm
128mm 2520g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM
387mm
146mm 3870g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM Lens Canon 400mm f5.6L USM
257mm
90mm 1250g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM
343mm
163mm 3850g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100mm f2.0 USM Lens Canon 100mm f2.0 USM
74mm
75mm 460g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 85mm but while Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of F1.4, the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM's widest aperture value is F1.2.

Reasons to choose Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM over Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM

Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weight 725g vs 1025g 300g lighter
Diameter 86mm vs 92mm 6mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.85m vs 0.95m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.12x vs 0.11x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM over Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

Max Aperture - Wide 1.2 vs 1.4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.2 vs 1.4 Wider aperture at tele end
Length 84mm vs 88mm 4mm shorter
Filter Thread 72mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM vs Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 85mm 85mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour - Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.4 F1.2
Min Aperture F16.0 F16.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 8
Optics
Optical Elements 11 8
Optical Groups 8 7
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.85m 0.95m
Max Magnification 0.12X 0.11X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Unit
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 725g 1025g
Diameter 86mm 92mm
Length 88mm 84mm
Materials metal mount Metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 77mm 72mm
Filter Notes Does not rotate on focusing -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code - ES-79 II
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - Soft Case LP1219
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