Last Updated on 02/26/2026 by Chris Gampat
Sigma has multiple lenses under its portfolio for full frame cameras. However, while they have been working on various focal ranges, they have also been targeting maximum aperture for low-light photographers. For instance, the company recently introduced the 35mm f1.2 and 50mm f1.2, and it appears the trio is not yet complete. Per reports, Sigma is now officially developing the last of the lot: 85mm f1.2 DG Art. Here’s a look at what to expect.
According to the company’s press release, the 85mm f1.2 is slated to launch in September 2026 and will complete Sigma’s f1.2 line-up. But one must remember that the focal range is already available from multiple camera brands, so how can Sigma step into this market and make a change?
Currently, Sigma is competing with various brands:
- Sony FE 85mm f1.4 GM II (2024): Known for its incredibly lightweight (642g) and 3x faster AF than the previous lens.
- Nikon Z 85mm f1.2 S (2023): Optically flawless lens for pros.
- Panasonic 85mm f1.8 (2021): A lightweight lens with fast focusing. A need for L-mount alliance.
- Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art (2020): Tinier lens than the DSLR variant, and also within its own stable.
- Canon RF 85mm f1.2L USM (2019): Heavy but considered to have a look that is hard to replicate; but this will only matter if Canon opens up the RF mount to Sigma for full-frame development.
The greatest weapon for Sigma to compete is the price point. If the company manages to launch a lens under $2,000, one may consider switching away from first-party lenses. At the same time, I’d have a lot of questions about whether or not I should give up the LUMIX 85mm f1.8 or the Sony 85mm f1.8.
However, one must remember that Sigma had introduced an 85mm earlier, and in our review, we found that the Sigma variant lost to Sony’s 85mm for one reason: severe pin cushion distortion. Perhaps if they had not, they would have won our Editor’s Choice Award. On the other hand, Canon’s 85mm lens performed best in our reviews, and it also won the Editor’s Choice Award. As we explained:
The Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L USM produces truly beautiful bokeh, excellent sharpness, plenty of micro-contrast, and overall exceptional image quality. Its performance is quite snappy as well and it’s capable of focusing and tracking fast-moving subjects quickly and accurately.
Fortunately, the f1.2 series seems to be on the right track so far. We tested the comapny;s 35mm f1.2 II Art lens, and we adored its performance. The lens is sharp, and you also get better weather resistance. It has a nice click aperture, feels good in your hands, and we couldn’t find much difference optically between Sigma’s 35mm and Lumix’s version of the same. As we explained in our article:
The Sigma 35mm f1.2 II DG Art lens is wonderful mostly because of the working experience that I can have with it. It’s fast, reliable enough, weather resistant, light enough, and is truly a lot of fun to work with. For the most part, it gets out of the way of making great images.
When launched, the Sigma 85mm can do wonders, given that Canon and Nikon’s versions are a bit expensive (close to $3000). Sigma, if it can deliver the same performance as the other two at 3/4 the price, people will certainly go after it. Otherwise, Sigma will find it hard to fill in the gap. Serious photographers, who have been using older lenses, will find it most helpful.