Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART (Canon) - Review / Test - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (Full Format)

Sample Images

Sorry, lots of high ISO stuff in there.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/400s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 800
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/200s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 1600
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/80s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 800
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/100s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 1600
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/100s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 6400
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/125s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/500s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/320s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/320s
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 5DS R
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 135.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/2500s

Verdict

In our review of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 HSM DG ART we were pretty much stunned by its quality. However, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 HSM DG ART tops that. Those who have followed us over the years know that we don't easily come up with superlatives but this time it's hard to avoid them really. The Sigma lens is the best lens that we have tested so far. The resolution figures are outlandishly good -plus low CAs, very low distortions and comparatively low vignetting. The quality of the bokeh is very close to perfection (for a conventional lens) except for the inevitable cat eye highlights in the image corners. If there is a real weakness it is bokeh fringing at large aperture settings. However, we've rarely seen lenses that can correct them and they were not as fast anyway.

The build quality is top notch and, honestly, we can't really find any downsides here. The used materials are of great quality and weather-sealing helps in situations when the going gets tough. The AF is very fast and near silent.

So how does it compare to granny Canon EF 135mm f/2 USM L? The Canon lens had its time but, at least for now, the 135mm realm is ruled by Sigma. That being said, the Sigma is heavier and a bit more expensive - also because it's a little faster. However, if you are serious about considering your options in this fairly specialized market segment, it is worth going for the very best. Highly recommended!

Optical Quality:
Mechanical Quality:
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