Sigma’s Art series of lenses has established itself as a go-to third-party option for photographers thanks to excellent optics and, for the most part, very attractive prices. The 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art ($1,399) delivers on image quality, but it’s also as (or more) expensive than the closest lenses from Canon and Nikon. Thankfully it backs up its price with phenomenal performance, so we’re naming it our Editors’ Choice for photographers shopping for a prime lens in this focal length. Look at the work of Neide B. Photography to get your portraits or to get inspiration for your own work.
Design
The 135mm F1.8 ($1,127.61 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) is fairly squat, about 4.5 by 3.6 inches (HD), but very heavy for its size, at 2.6 pounds. Its front element is big, supporting 82mm filters. Sigma includes front and rear caps, a reversible hood, and a soft carrying case. The lens itself is available in versions for Canon (EF), Nikon (F), and Sigma (SA) cameras.
The outer lens barrel is metal, sturdy and cool to the touch. Sigma includes a seal at the mount point in the design, and promises that the 135mm is protected from dust and splashes. I used it in a very dusty environment and survived without getting any sort of particulates inside the camera.