Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art

The Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art is a full-frame medium-telephoto prime for Sony E and Leica L-Mount. Sigma calls it the world's first autofocus 135mm F1.4 lens as of September 2025. It is aimed at portrait, wedding and event photographers who want strong subject separation and a large out-of-focus blur from a 135mm view.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 13 groups, including 4 large FLD elements and 2 aspherical elements. According to Sigma, the design suppresses axial chromatic aberration so that bokeh stays free of color fringing, and it limits vignetting to keep bokeh near-circular toward the edges. A 13-blade diaphragm supports round highlights. Sigma notes that the effective aperture diameter is larger than that of the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and comparable to the Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS Sports. The closest focus distance is 110cm with a maximum magnification of 1:6.9, and the smallest aperture is F16.

Autofocus and handling

A floating focus system moves two focus groups independently, each driven by its own HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) in a dual HLA system. Controls include an aperture ring with a click switch and lock switch and two AFL buttons that can be assigned functions on selected cameras. The lens has no stabilizer, so stabilization comes from the camera.

Build and size

Sigma quotes 1,420g and 137.5mm for Sony E and 1,430g and 135.5mm for L-Mount, with a diameter of 111.7mm and a 105mm filter thread. Aluminum, magnesium alloy and TSC polycarbonate are combined in the body, which is dust and splash resistant with a water and oil repellent front coating. A removable Arca-Swiss compatible tripod socket and a carbon-fiber reinforced hood with a button lock are supplied.

Where it fits

In the database, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is Sigma's earlier 135mm Art lens, originally designed for DSLRs, and the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is a related fast portrait prime. For Sony E, the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and the Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 Lab are the closest direct alternatives, both with a smaller maximum aperture.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F1.4 at 135mm, the brightest autofocus lens at this focal length per Sigma
• Dual HLA autofocus with floating focus
• 13-blade diaphragm
• Dust and splash resistant, removable Arca-Swiss tripod socket

Cons

• At 1.42 to 1.43kg, heavy for a 135mm prime
• Large 105mm filter thread and 111.7mm diameter
• No built-in stabilization
• Closest focus distance of 110cm

Verdict

The Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art is a specialist portrait lens for photographers who put maximum background blur ahead of size and weight. It is the fastest option in its class, but the 135mm F1.8 alternatives are noticeably smaller.