Sigma has announced that it is developing a new full frame prime lens for L-Mount and Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. The Sigma 85mm DG | Art is a large-aperture medium-telephoto lens with a fast maximum aperture of F1.2.
Development announcement
Sigma’s reveal of the new lens came in a development announcement on the company’s website. As such, Sigma hasn’t released the full specification of the 85mm DG | Art lens yet. However, the company has teased some details. Sigma promises that “with the latest optical design”, the lens will deliver “exceptional resolution even at maximum aperture.” As a result, the company says that the 85mm DG | Art enables “striking portrait photography with the distinctive depth of field unique to F1.2.”
Dual HLA autofocus
Sigma has revealed some details about the autofocus system in the new 85mm DG | Art prime lens. It features a “fast, precise autofocus driven by dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system.” This seems to be the same autofocus motors as used in the new Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II | Art we covered last week.
In addition, Sigma says that the new 85mm F1.2 lens will have a “compact, lightweight design.” From the image on the development announcement, the 85mm F1.2 is very similar in design to the 35mm F1.4 but does look to have a longer body.
Sigma’s F1.2 lens series
Announcing the 85mm DG | Art, the company said, “with the addition of this lens, Sigma’s lineup of F1.2 prime lenses is now complete.” The other lenses in the series are the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art and Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art. It therefore seems that there aren’t going to be any wider or longer focal lengths with such a fast maximum aperture from Sigma, at least for the time being.
What we think
Sigma’s new lens announcement will be great news to anyone who loves shallow depth of field. Wide open and focused at 6 feet, your depth of field will be a little over an inch. The maximum F1.2 aperture will also deliver great results in low light. Additionally, the company’s claim of “exceptional resolution even at maximum aperture” means that you won’t have to compromise image quality at F1.2. As soon as Sigma releases more details of the specification of the 85mm F1.2 DG | Art prime lens, we will bring them to you.
Pricing and availability
Sigma says that the 85mm F1.2 DG | Art medium-telephoto prime lens will be launched in September 2026. It will also be exhibited at the Sigma booth at CP+ 2026, held from February 26 to March 1, 2026. Sigma hasn’t announced pricing details at the time of writing. However, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art and Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art both sell for around $1,550 as a guide.
