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

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

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

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

First... wow, what a beast! This is a seriously massive and heavy lens. The size, heft and operation of this lens just oozes quality. Photographers struggling with weight issues are strongly encourage to find an 1130 gram weight (39.87 ounces) to get an idea about how massive this lens is.

I bought this lens through Amazon. It was delivered directly from Japan, and delivery was quick. I shoot on a D610. My original pictures were a bit lackluster but didn't have any focussing problems.

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 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...

A+!

Eye autofocus works even in the worst light with this lens. It is tack sharp wide open at f1.8 and requires no stopping down to guarantee focus even in terrible conditions. The resolution is easily good enough for the 42 megapixel sensor.

Durable; Great Picture Quality; Simple Controls

Bulky