Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art vs Sigma F1.4 HSM vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Compare the Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens with Sigma's 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and Sony's FE 85mm f/1.4 GM for portrait photography.

Start with the mount and price

The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens for L Mount and Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens for Sony E are each $1,599 and available to preorder. The f/1.2 aperture is the reason to consider them, but the practical comparison changes with the camera mount. On L-Mount, this lens is lighter than the f/1.4 alternative here. On Sony E, it is heavier.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens is an L-Mount lens priced at $1,199 and available to order. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is a Sony E-mount lens priced at $1,498 and in stock. These are two mount-specific comparisons, not three interchangeable choices for one camera. All three are 85mm lenses; paying for f/1.2 does not buy a different focal length.

85mm specifications side by side

The Sigma F1.2 has the same weight and diameter in both mounts. Its length differs, so both versions are identified in that row.

Sony also lists an 80cm minimum focus distance in manual focus. The AF distance is used above to keep the comparison on the same basis.

What f/1.2 changes for portraits

At the same framing and focus distance, f/1.2 gives less depth of field than f/1.4. That matters for a tight portrait where keeping background detail from competing with the face is the goal. It also leaves less room for a focus error, particularly when the subject moves. The larger aperture is an option, not a requirement to shoot every portrait wide open.

By f-number, f/1.2 is a little under half a stop faster than f/1.4. That extra aperture can support a shorter shutter speed or lower ISO for the same exposure. It is useful in limited light, but it is not a full-stop change. A photographer who normally stops down for greater depth of field will use that advantage less often.

The Sigma F1.2 has 13 diaphragm blades, compared with the HSM lens's nine rounded blades and Sony's 11-blade circular aperture. Diaphragm shape influences the outline of out-of-focus highlights as the aperture closes. Blade count alone does not establish which lens has the most pleasing blur.

Carrying weight and filter size

For L-Mount users, the F1.2 weighs 225g less than the Sigma F1.4 DG HSM Art: 905g against 1,130g. It is also narrower, at 87.2mm versus 94.7mm, and shorter, at 119.7mm versus 126.2mm. In this comparison, the larger maximum aperture comes in a smaller barrel. Choosing f/1.4 does not automatically mean carrying less.

The Sony E comparison goes the other way. Sony's GM weighs 820g, making it 85g lighter than the Sigma F1.2. It is shorter, too: 107.5mm against 121.7mm. The Sony is slightly wider, at 89.5mm versus 87.2mm. For a photographer carrying an 85mm throughout a long session, weight and barrel length deserve attention alongside aperture.

Filters are another practical difference. The F1.2 takes 82mm filters, the HSM takes 86mm, and the Sony takes 77mm. Existing screw-in filters only fit directly when their thread size matches, so check the filters already in the bag before treating these lenses as a simple swap.

Autofocus controls and optical construction

The Sigma F1.4 DG HSM Art uses a Hyper Sonic AF motor and provides manual focus override through its focusing ring. Sony lists an SSM focus system with instant auto/manual focus selection. Its internal focusing maintains the lens dimensions during focusing, so changing focus does not change the barrel length.

The F1.2 uses 17 elements in 12 groups. Sigma specifies two SLD elements, glass with high anomalous dispersion, and aspherical elements to address aberrations. Its stated emphasis includes suppressing axial chromatic aberration, the color fringing that can appear in front of and behind the focus plane with large-aperture lenses.

The Sigma HSM has 14 elements in 12 groups, including two SLD elements and one aspherical element. Its Super Multi-Layer coating is intended to suppress flare and ghosting. Sony lists XA elements and Nano AR coating. Those construction details do not, by themselves, establish a sharpness winner. For outdoor work, Sony also specifies dust and moisture resistance, a concrete feature to consider alongside its lower weight.

Which 85mm to choose for each mount

Choose the Sigma F1.2 when wide-open portraits are a priority. Its case is particularly strong for an L-Mount photographer comparing it with the HSM: the wider aperture also comes with less weight and a smaller barrel. On Sony E, the decision is narrower. The f/1.2 option needs to matter enough to accept more weight and length than the GM, plus preorder availability rather than an in-stock lens.

Choose the Sigma F1.4 DG HSM Art for an L-Mount budget centered on f/1.4. At $1,199, it costs less than the $1,599 F1.2. A photographer who routinely stops down for portraits has less reason to pay for the extra aperture. The trade-off is carrying the heaviest lens here, not giving up the 85mm focal length or manual focus override.

Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM for a lighter Sony E option. Its 820g weight and shorter barrel make sense when carrying size matters more than the extra aperture. It is $1,498 and in stock. If availability is the immediate deciding factor, that distinction is more practical than debating a fraction of a stop.

Prices at Unique Photo

• Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens for Sony E: $1,599.00 (preorder)
• Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens for L Mount: $1,599.00 (preorder)
• Sigma 20-60mm F2.8-4 DG Contemporary Lens for Sony E: $849.00 (preorder)
• Sigma 20-60mm F2.8-4 DG Contemporary Lens for L Mount: $849.00 (preorder)
• Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens: $1,199.00
• Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens: $1,498.00

Prices as of October 29, 2026. Browse more: Sigma Mirrorless Lenses, Sigma at Unique Photo.

Related reading: Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens: Specs, Price and Preorder.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens cost?

The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art Lens costs $1,599 in either Sony E or L-Mount. Both versions are available to preorder.

Is the Sigma 85mm F1.2 lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art?

Yes. Sigma lists the F1.2 at 905g in both mounts and the L-Mount F1.4 DG HSM Art at 1,130g.

What filter size does the Sigma 85mm F1.2 use?

It uses 82mm filters. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art uses 86mm filters, while the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM uses 77mm filters.

Is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM in stock?

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is in stock at $1,498.