Hi All, I thought I'd share some interesting discoveries regarding the Sigma Art 135mm 1.8 lens. I initially posted the question in the Nikon Z 70-200 2.8 thread as I wanted a telephoto lens that would give me more compression than Nikon's 85mm 1.8S but was hesitant whether the new zoom would give me the IQ I am after; I have also never been a fan of zooms either, I do use Nikon's 70-200 f4 and the Z 14-30 f4 for personal stuff and travel, mind you; not for work, though.
My biggest concern was whether AF would be fast and accurate enough on the Sigma & it is. It works perfectly well. Have not noticed any differences between the Z primes. IBIS sweetens the deal. No CAs to speak of. The AF is louder than Z primes and AF action differs for video though, not relevant to my use so can't comment on that too much.
The surprise came when during my initial testing I started looking at the 85mm shots against 135mm's. I am conscious of the FL differences & magnification factor but the Sigma was somehow crisper across the board. It also renders images slightly warmer than Nikon (nothing that can't be corrected with WB).
Initial images same spot (from a window) so different magnification, notice the colour rendering differences though:
Infinity (Nikon 85mm 1.8 S Left and Sigma 135mm Art 1.8 Right)
At about 25meters (again, Nikon 85mm 1.8 S Left and Sigma 135mm Art 1.8 Right))
Test repeated in a more controlled environment and closer distance (electronic shutter and tripod with VR off; three shots taken at each aperture and sharpest chosen, although they were all pretty identical; I also tried focusing manually but it was no different to the AFS Pinpoint); this time, however, the 85mm had to be moved closer to account for FL & magnification differences but keep framing identical.
Overview of the "scene"
at F1.8 - Nikon is LEFT & the Sigma is RIGHT
f2.8
f4
f5.6 pretty much identical now
and one more for diffraction differences at f11
The Z7, with IBIS and off-sensor focusing, is excellent for modern DSLR lenses it seems. I previously shot the 1.4G lenses (35mm 58mm 85mm), the AF was noticeably slower than on Z lenses, and the CAs got in the way ultimately, not so much the sharpness. So far the Sigma has met (and exceeded) my expectations. The Z 85mm 1.8 is an astounding lens but this 135mm appears to be on another level still & physics (sheer glass size) must be a factor, I am sure.
Hope someone finds it useful!
My biggest concern was whether AF would be fast and accurate enough on the Sigma & it is. It works perfectly well. Have not noticed any differences between the Z primes. IBIS sweetens the deal. No CAs to speak of. The AF is louder than Z primes and AF action differs for video though, not relevant to my use so can't comment on that too much.
The surprise came when during my initial testing I started looking at the 85mm shots against 135mm's. I am conscious of the FL differences & magnification factor but the Sigma was somehow crisper across the board. It also renders images slightly warmer than Nikon (nothing that can't be corrected with WB).
Initial images same spot (from a window) so different magnification, notice the colour rendering differences though:
Infinity (Nikon 85mm 1.8 S Left and Sigma 135mm Art 1.8 Right)
At about 25meters (again, Nikon 85mm 1.8 S Left and Sigma 135mm Art 1.8 Right))
Test repeated in a more controlled environment and closer distance (electronic shutter and tripod with VR off; three shots taken at each aperture and sharpest chosen, although they were all pretty identical; I also tried focusing manually but it was no different to the AFS Pinpoint); this time, however, the 85mm had to be moved closer to account for FL & magnification differences but keep framing identical.
Overview of the "scene"
at F1.8 - Nikon is LEFT & the Sigma is RIGHT
f2.8
f4
f5.6 pretty much identical now
and one more for diffraction differences at f11
The Z7, with IBIS and off-sensor focusing, is excellent for modern DSLR lenses it seems. I previously shot the 1.4G lenses (35mm 58mm 85mm), the AF was noticeably slower than on Z lenses, and the CAs got in the way ultimately, not so much the sharpness. So far the Sigma has met (and exceeded) my expectations. The Z 85mm 1.8 is an astounding lens but this 135mm appears to be on another level still & physics (sheer glass size) must be a factor, I am sure.
Hope someone finds it useful!
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...but its so heavy, and my wallet so empty, the 70-200/4, the creamy trio the 135DC, 105DC and not the least the "funny" 180/2.8D (though MF) will do the range for me for the time being..