Introducing the ultimate 135mm telephoto featuring top-level performance
Delivering the ultra-high resolution that brings the best out of 50MP+ ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs
The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is a medium range telephoto prime lens designed for modern high megapixel DSLRs. A new large Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) delivers ample torque to the focusing group for outstanding speed, ensuring exceptionally stable performance even at lower speeds. This state-of-the-art prime lens touts a dust and splash proof mount for guaranteed performance in any condition and its large 1.8 aperture allows for more creative control over imagery. A stunning compression effect makes the Sigma 135mm F1.8 Art the ideal portrait lens while its large aperture help with event photography and much more. Like each and every Global Vision Lens, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is handcrafted at our single factory in Aizu, Japan and undergoes individual evaluation before leaving Sigma’s facility.
- Full Frame Lens with APS-C compatibility
- Stunning compression effect for portrait photography
- Ideal Use: Studio photography, portrait photography and event photography
The new standard in 135mm telephoto lenses
135mm telephoto lenses are often categorized as the foundational telephoto, the first one to add to a lens collection. This focal length delivers a strong perspective compression effect, while the large diameter with F1.8 brightness provides a dramatic bokeh effect. By minimizing axial chromatic aberration, the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art makes this bokeh effect not only impressive but also beautiful while delivering superb contrast and sharp image quality in every shot. It offers the outstanding resolution required for 50MP or higher ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs. By incorporating its latest innovations in design and optical glass and rethinking every aspect of the lens, SIGMA has ensured outstanding image quality all the way to the edges, establishing the new standard in 135mm telephoto lenses.
Art line delivers high-level artistic expression
SIGMA is organizing all its interchangeable lenses into three product lines: Contemporary, Art, and Sports, each with a distinctive concept. Designed with a focus on sophisticated optical performance and abundant expressive power, our Art line lenses deliver high-level artistic expression. Offering astonishing rendering performance that meets the highest standard, they are perfect for landscapes, portraits, still-lifes, close-ups, and casual snaps. They are made for the kind of photography that unleashes the inner artist. A powerful ally in every genre of photography, SIGMA's Art line lenses excel both in the studio for formal works and outdoors for impressive shots of architecture, starry skies, and many other scenes.
Designed to prioritize optical performance—with absolutely no compromises
Outstanding resolving power and minimized chromatic aberrations help make this the ultimate lens for portraits.
With resolution so crystal-clear that individual hairs can be discerned in a portrait, this large-diameter lens also delivers a beautiful bokeh effect, giving photographers everything they need. It performs better than typical large-diameter standard to medium telephoto lenses in producing close-ups and full-body shots in which the subject stands out against a pleasantly blurred background.
The Art line’s sixth large-diameter prime lens for cameras with full frame sensors
The Art line was launched in 2012 with the SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art as its first lens. Since then, the line has come to encompass a wide variety of lenses, and the new SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM｜Art is the line’s sixth large-diameter prime for cameras with full-frame sensors. It sets a new standard for prime lenses in the ultra-high-megapixel era.
Image quality optimal for ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs
To deliver the ultra-high resolution that brings the best out of 50MP or higher ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs, the focus mechanism features SIGMA’s floating system. No matter what the distance from the subject, this lens offers top performance from the center to the edges of the image. By minimizing distortion as well, the lens delivers impeccable image quality—no need for digital adjustment during image processing.
Ideal for portraits requiring a dramatic bokeh effect
The 135mm focal length delivers a stunning compression effect: even fairly close to the subject, the telephoto ring allows the photographer to establish a variety of dramatic perspectives. The compression effect truly shines in both close-ups and full-length portraits, making composition easy. Moreover, the large diameter with F1.8 brightness makes possible a body shot with an impressive bokeh background. In sum, this lens puts a full menu of compositional options at the photographer’s fingertips.
Optical design delivering ultra-high-resolution and minimized chromatic aberrations
In addition to an optimized power distribution, this lens features two SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements and two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements. These technologies help minimize chromatic aberrations, which tend to appear in the bokeh area outside of focus in portraits, as well as on slender objects such as fine branches. The end result is ultra-high resolution and clarity throughout the image, even at wide-open aperture.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
From the start of the design process, SIGMA measured flare and ghosting to establish an optical design that is resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight. At the prototyping stage, SIGMA used not only simulations but actual photographic experiments to assess flare and ghosting under multiple criteria, identify the causes of these issues under a wide range of situations, and take measures to mitigate them. In addition, SIGMA’s Super Multi-Layer Coating helps further reduce flare and ghosting and provide sharp, high-contrast images even in backlit conditions.
Exclusive low-dispersion glass
The degree to which light is refracted by glass depends on the light's wavelength. This fact causes different colors of light to focus at slightly different points. The result is chromatic aberration, the color fringing that is particularly noticeable in telephoto lenses. Most chromatic aberration can be removed by combining a high-refractivity convex lens element with a low-refractivity concave element. Yet residual chromatic aberration known as “secondary spectrum” may still remain. To minimize this secondary spectrum, which can be a serious issue with conventional lenses, SIGMA lenses feature up to three types of exclusive low-dispersion glass offering superior performance: ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion), SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and FLD (“F” Low Dispersion).
In particular, FLD glass offers ultra-low dispersion in combination with high transmittance and the anomalous dispersion characteristics of fluorite. Meticulous deployment of these types of exclusive low-dispersion glass and optimization of power distribution gives SIGMA lenses superlative image rendition undiminished by residual chromatic aberration.
Leveraging SIGMA’s latest technologies
Large HSM, dust/splash-proof construction,
electromagnetic aperture control (for Nikon), and more
To achieve both outstanding optical performance and satisfying usability, this lens features the latest SIGMA technologies, including a large hypersonic motor (HSM), dust- and splash-proof construction, and other high-quality features.
The large HSM delivers highly responsive autofocus
The large hypersonic motor (HSM) delivers ample torque to the focusing group for utstanding speed, ensuring exceptionally stable performance even at lower speeds. Along with the optimized AF algorithm, this feature delivers fast autofocus photography. In addition, the focus limiter makes AF highly responsive to distance from the subject for even more nimble performance.
Nikon electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism included
The Nikon mount version of this lens includes an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that allows it to receive the appropriate signals from the camera body. This feature ensures precision diaphragm control and stable Auto Exposure (AE) performance during continuous shooting.
* Functionality may be limited on some camera bodies.
Fast AF with full-time manual focus
Full-time manual focus function allows the lens to be switched to manual focus simply by rotating the focus ring.
Note: The operation of full-time MF may vary based on mount type.
Mount with dust- and splash-proof construction
The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing※ to protect the mount from dust and water drops.
* Except for SIGMA mount
SIGMA USB DOCK makes customization and flexible adjustment possible
SIGMA USB DOCK for SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lenses (optional)
With the optional SIGMA USB DOCK, you can update your lens firmware and adjust the focus position and other settings. Simply connect the lens to the SIGMA USB DOCK and the dock to a computer to use the dedicated SIGMA Optimization Pro software and perform various types of customization and adjustment.
New SIGMA GLOBAL VISION product lines are setting new benchmarks for image quality
Evaluation with SIGMA's own MTF measuring system: A1
We used to measure lens performance with a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measuring system using conventional sensors. However, we have developed our own proprietary MTF measuring system (A1)* using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even previously undetectable high-frequency details are now within the scope of our quality control inspections. All SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lenses are checked using this A1 system before they are shipped.
* A1: Aizu 1
46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensor
The 46 effective megapixel (4,800 × 3,200 × 3 layers) and 44 recording megapixel (4,704 × 3,136 × 3 layers) 23.5 × 15.7mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces color more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color, generated by the 46-megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor is captured with a three-dimensional feel.
Ultra-high precision and quality—all made in Japan.
With only a few minor exceptions, all of SIGMA's manufacturing, including molds and parts, takes place under a single integrated production system in Japan. We are now one of the very few manufacturers whose products are truly made in Japan. We like to think our products are somehow imbued with the essence of our homeland, blessed as it is with clean air and water, and focused, hard-working people. We pride ourselves on the authentic quality of SIGMA products, born of a marriage between highly attuned expertise and intelligent, advanced technology. Our sophisticated products have satisfied professionals and lovers of photography all over the world because our manufacturing is based on genuine craftsmanship, underpinned by the passion and pride of our experts.
