Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM § 03 Head to head
Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is 415 g lighter. Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 focuses 5 cm closer.
The Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM 
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM better than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- 415 g lighter (725 g vs 1140 g)
- 50 mm shorter (87.6 mm vs 138 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (77 mm vs 86 mm)
Why is the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better than the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM?
- Focuses 5 cm closer (0.8 m vs 0.85 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2014 vs 2010)
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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 415 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 725 g (25.57 oz) ◆ | 1140 g (2.51 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 84.7 x 87.6 mm | 101 mm (diameter) x 138 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.85 m (33.46 inches) | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 11 elements / 8 groups | 11 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspherical element and 6 anomalous partial dispersion elements) |
| Filter size | 77 mm ◆ | 86 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2010 | 2014 |
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Size
- A · Sigma
- B · Zeiss
- 87.6 × 84.7 mm
- 138 × 101 mm
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 is 50 mm longer and 415 g heavier than the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.
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Sample frames
Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725 g, 415 g less than the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 (1140 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4?
- The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 focuses down to 0.8 m, against 0.85 m for the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.
- Do the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM and the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM or the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM has the edge: it is 415 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- HD Pentax D FA* 85mm F1.4 ED SDM AW vs Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
- Sigma 85 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM vs Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85 mm f/1.4
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 F vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 Mk2 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Sigma A 85 mm f/1.4 DG HSM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 EF vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Samyang Xeen CF 85 mm T1.5 vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4
- Canon EF 85 mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Zeiss Otus 85mm F1.4