The Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG | Art is a lens that pushes the boundaries of portrait photography, becoming the world's first 135mm autofocus lens to achieve a maximum aperture of F1.4. Designed for photographers who demand the very highest levels of expressive capability, it delivers extraordinary depth, stunning clarity and a unique perspective that elevates portrait work far beyond the ordinary.
At the heart of this lens is its breathtaking bokeh. The exceptionally large aperture diameter creates background separation on a scale previously unseen in a 135mm lens, producing a creamy, dimensional blur that allows the subject to stand out with remarkable presence. The effect is more dramatic than that of the celebrated Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, known as the "Bokeh Master," and rivals even the Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports. Combined with the natural perspective of the 135mm focal length, this expansive bokeh transforms portraits into something truly three-dimensional, with a sense of depth and atmosphere that conventional F1.8 lenses simply cannot match.
Behind this optical brilliance lies Sigma's decades of expertise in crafting F1.4 primes. Careful optical design ensures that chromatic aberration, a common challenge with large-aperture telephoto lenses, is thoroughly corrected. This means portraits are rendered with clean, natural bokeh free from distracting colour fringing, even when working wide open. Vignetting has also been carefully minimised, allowing for beautifully rounded and consistent bokeh across the entire frame.
Sigma's commitment to bokeh quality extends to the smallest details of the lens's construction. A 13-blade diaphragm maintains a circular bokeh shape, while advanced aspherical lens processing ensures smooth tonal transitions and silky blur. This precision is made possible by the advanced manufacturing technology developed at Sigma's Aizu factory, where each lens is built with exceptional care and attention.
While the bokeh impresses, the lens also excels in sharpness. Four large FLD glass elements and additional high-dispersion glass components are positioned to suppress axial chromatic aberration, ensuring subjects remain crisp and detailed even at F1.4. A floating focus system moves two lens groups independently, delivering consistently high resolution across all distances, from close-up to infinity. The result is a lens that balances delicate background rendering with razor-sharp subject detail, making full use of the incredibly shallow depth of field at its disposal.
Performance remains exceptional even in challenging lighting conditions. Sigma's Super Multi-Layer Coating, combined with advanced simulation technology, minimises flare and ghosting to maintain clarity and contrast. High resistance to backlighting ensures portraits remain sharp, clean and luminous regardless of the environment.
Every aspect of the lens has been designed with the working photographer in mind. Dual AFL buttons can be customised via the camera menu, while the dedicated aperture ring comes with both a lock switch and a click on/off option for tailored control. Durability is also assured, thanks to a dust- and splash-resistant structure and a front element treated with a water- and oil-repellent coating, allowing photographers to shoot confidently even in harsh outdoor conditions.
The Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG | Art is more than just a portrait lens - it is a tool that redefines what is possible with a telephoto prime. With its combination of immense bokeh, extraordinary resolution and professional-grade handling, it sets a new standard for creative expression, offering photographers a way to capture portraits that are not only sharp and detailed, but also rich in atmosphere and emotion.
