The recently announced and much-hyped Sigma 105mm f/1.4 “Bokeh Master” lens has had it’s price set at $1,600 when it hits store shelves in late June 2018.
Now, while $1,600 may not seem very “cheap,” compared to its equivalent; the Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED lens costs $2,200, or $600 more. And Canon doesn’t even have an equivalent prime lens of this focal length and aperture.
Sigma Art lenses have also been praised for both their build quality and performance, often beating their Canon and Nikon counterparts in image quality.
The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 “incorporates 17 optical elements in 12 groups, including three FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements and one aspherical lens element,” Sigma says. “This optical setup minimizes axial chromatic aberration to deliver ultra high resolution along with ample peripheral light volume, which minimizes vignetting.
The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 with a lens hood mounted to a Sigma SD Quattro H.
“As a result, the area in focus is extremely sharp, while the out-of-focus area features a beautiful bokeh effect with highly natural colors, making this a desired lens for portrait photography.”
A portrait shot with the Sigma 105mm f/1.4. Canon EOS 5DS R, ISO 200, f/1.4. Photo by Satoru Korenaga/Sigma.
Other features and specs of the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 include minimal sagittal coma flare (great for astrophotography), a dust- and splash-proof design, a speedy and accurate autofocus system, a carbon fiber reinforced plastic hood, and compatibility with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function (for the Canon version).
You can now pre-order the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 for Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA. There’s also a Sony E-mount version on the way for the same price.