Sigma's 85mm f/1.2 Art Lens Nears Release
The photographic community is abuzz with anticipation as evidence mounts for the impending arrival of Sigma's 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens. Despite the manufacturer's tight-lipped approach regarding specifics, the recent inclusion of this unreleased optic in Adobe Camera Raw's (ACR) version 18.5 update provides a strong indication that photographers will soon be able to get their hands on this highly-anticipated prime lens. This move is particularly noteworthy as it inverts the typical product release cycle, where software support usually follows a lens's market debut.
This 85mm f/1.2 lens is set to become Sigma's longest offering in its f/1.2 series, complementing the existing 35mm f/1.2 and 50mm f/1.2 Art lenses. While precise details like optical construction, minimum focusing distance, and maximum reproduction ratio are yet to be disclosed, Sigma has promised a compact, lightweight design with exceptional resolution, even at its widest aperture. The lens is confirmed to feature High-response Linear Actuators for swift autofocus, and it is expected to cater to both E-mount and L-Mount systems, where it aims to carve out a significant niche.
Anticipated Launch and Market Positioning
The unexpected addition of the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens to the Adobe Camera Raw 18.5 update has sent clear signals to the photography world regarding its imminent release. This unusual sequencing, where software compatibility precedes the actual product launch, strongly suggests that Sigma is on schedule to meet its previously hinted September release window. While photographers often face a waiting period for editing software to catch up with new hardware, this scenario creates a unique sense of anticipation for the lens itself. The precise launch date and pricing details, however, are still being kept under wraps by Sigma, adding to the speculation.
This upcoming 85mm f/1.2 lens is poised to be a significant addition to the E-mount and L-Mount ecosystems, where competition in the f/1.2 segment, especially with autofocus capabilities, is minimal. For L-Mount users, it will represent the first f/1.2 prime lens of its kind. On E-mount, it will introduce autofocus to a focal length previously dominated by manual-focus options, such as the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2. With other manufacturers, like SongRaw, also preparing to release their own 85mm f/1.2 AF lenses, the market awaits to see if Sigma can secure a first-mover advantage with its highly anticipated offering. The pricing, which photographers are keenly awaiting, is expected to be competitive, likely aligning with Sigma's other f/1.2 Art lenses, which are typically priced around $1,500.
Unveiling Sigma's F/1.2 Art Series Expansion
Sigma's development announcement for the 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens at CP+ earlier this year hinted at a strategic expansion of their f/1.2 lens collection. This lens is set to become the longest focal length in this ultra-fast aperture series, joining the acclaimed Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG II Art and the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art, which were launched in previous years. Sigma has indicated that this 85mm portrait prime will effectively "complete" their current f/1.2 lineup, suggesting that broader or longer focal lengths with this specific aperture are not immediately planned for the near future. This emphasizes the company's commitment to delivering a comprehensive yet focused selection of high-performance f/1.2 lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers.
Despite the excitement surrounding its impending release, Sigma has maintained a tight lid on the comprehensive specifications of the 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens. While it has been described as "compact" and "lightweight," specific dimensions and weight figures remain undisclosed. The company has, however, reiterated its usual promise of "exceptional resolution," even when shooting at the maximum f/1.2 aperture, a hallmark of their Art series. Key details, such as the intricate optical formula responsible for this performance, have not yet been shared. What is confirmed is the integration of Sigma's High-response Linear Actuators (HLAs) for efficient and precise autofocus, a crucial feature for a lens designed for portraiture and low-light photography. Photographers are eagerly awaiting a full reveal of these technical specifications to understand the lens's capabilities and its competitive standing in the fast prime market.