HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW § 03 Head to head
HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW vs Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Pentax 85mm f/1.4 has a newer design. Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is 530 g lighter.
The HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW 
Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM 01
Key differences
Why is the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW better than the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM?
- Newer design (2020 vs 2010)
Why is the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM better than the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW?
- 530 g lighter (725 g vs 1255 g)
- 36 mm shorter (87.6 mm vs 123.5 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (77 mm vs 82 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM has the edge: it is 530 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW | Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Short telephoto prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 1255 g (2.77 lbs) | 725 g (25.57 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 95 mm (diameter) x 123.5 mm (length) | 84.7 x 87.6 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.85 m (2.79 ft) | 0.85 m (33.46 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 (rounded) | 9 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements in 10 groups (including 3 Super ED elements and 1 aspherical element) | 11 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 82 mm | 77 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Pentax K | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K |
| Released | 2020 | 2010 |
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Size
- A · HD
- B · Sigma
- 123.5 × 95 mm
- 87.6 × 84.7 mm
The HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW is 36 mm longer and 530 g heavier than the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.
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Sample frames
HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW
Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW or the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM?
- The Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725 g, 530 g less than the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW (1255 g).
- Do the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW and the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm f/1.4 ED SDM AW or the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM has the edge: it is 530 g lighter to carry.
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