As with many of the other 11 Sigma Art lenses before it, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens arrived to a solid anticipation. Sigma has primed that anticipation by continually delivering great-performance in the Art lens lineup and who doesn't love the optical specs of this lens

Sigma is currently having a run. Unlike CaNikon, who seem to have slowed down their activities lately, they are providing a continuous stream of highly interesting new lens designs and not only that - they are pushing their product quality to a level that is now truly threatening the original...

In comparison, it's a different lens from the Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art lens but probably not enough besides focal lengths.

Long ignored by Canon and Nikon, Sigma proves it has what it takes to revitalize the 135mm portrait lens.

Very sharp; even at f/1.8; Beautiful bokeh; Fast; accurate autofocus; Weather-sealed mount; Three-position focus limiter

Big; heavy; No image stabilization

In this quick review of the Sigma 135mm f1.8 Art Lens, I will go over some of its features and...

Since the inception of its premium Art range of lenses towards the end of 2012, Sigma has gone from strength to strength. The 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens that kicked the whole series off has since been joined by four more focal lengths – 20mm, 24mm, 50mm and 85mm – to fill out an impressive set of...

Superb sharpness and very few optical aberrations; Dreamy bokeh; Superbly built

Rather hefty

Sigma brings us their latest Art lens, intended to represent the pinnacle of the lens makers' art, a super bright 135mm f/1.8. This is one of the most popular traditional focal lengths for full frame cameras, ideal for a wide range of subjects and particularly portraiture.

This lens is everything reviewers say. The lack of VR/IS is a non issue with my Sony A7R3, while the extra 1/3 of a stop over my previous Nikkor 135 F2 DC is always handy. The Bokeh is the equal of the legendary Nikkor but much easier to use.

Sharp; sharp; sharp; beautiful bokeh; built like a tank

Heavy..

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is very sharp, focuses quickly, is built tough, and gathers a heck of a lot of light at f/1.8-which, combined with the long focal length, nets shots with extremely blurred backgrounds.

Razor sharp; Wide aperture; No distortion; Minimal falloff; Dust- and splash-proof design; Focus limiter switch; Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma systems

Quite heavy; Expensive; Omits optical stabilization; May require focus adjustment

Sigma's Art series of lenses has established itself as a go-to third-party option for photographers thanks to excellent optics and, for the most part, very attractive prices. The 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art ($1,399) delivers on image quality, but it's also as (or more) expensive than the closest lenses from Canon and Nikon. Thankfully it backs up its price with phenomenal performance, so we're naming it our Editors' Choice for photographers shopping for a prime lens in this focal length. Design The 135mm F1.8 ($1,297.70 at Amazon) is fairly squat, about 4.5 by 3.6 inches (HD), but very heavy for its size, at 2.6 pounds. Its front element is big, supporting 82mm filters. Sigma includes front and rear caps, a reversible hood, and a soft carrying case. The lens itself is available in versions for Canon (EF), Nikon (F), and Sigma (SA) cameras. The outer lens barrel is metal, sturdy and cool to the touch. Sigma includes a seal at the mount point in the design, and promises that the 135mm is...

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is a lens that portrait photographers will adore: It blurs backgrounds with aplomb and is one of the sharpest we've ever tested.

Razor sharp; Wide aperture; No distortion; Minimal falloff; Dust- and splash-proof design; Focus limiter switch; Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma systems

Quite heavy; Expensive; Omits optical stabilization; May require focus adjustment