Nikon AF-S 85mm F1.4G vs Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

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Has anyone used these lenses and done comparisons? I've read a few reviews but reviews are all much of a muchness anyway, especially compared to users experiences. Basically want to know if the vastly larger cost of the nikon lens is warranted or not.
 
Ive not use the sigma but have owned the nikon since just after its release.

The nikon is a great lens,its my most used lens due to the sharpness and boken that it can produce.
I checked the sigma lens out a lot after its release and it seemed to get very good reviews.Theres a few users on here that produce stunning shots with it,though on canon not nikon cameras.

I payed a very high price for my my 1.4G(£1350) and I know the price has fallen a lot now, but due to the still large price difference between the two I would probably go for the sigma.
Performance wise there seems to be little between them.
 
Thanks for your point of view mate. I know a canon user with the sigma 1.4 and hes gonna show me some samples of what it can do over the weekend. The price difference isn't far off 45%, which is a fair chunk of cash! The one thing that puts me off the sigma is the lack of sealing on the lens, which the more expensive nikon has. I don't particularly want to be limited by weather when taking photos!
 
Plenty of Sigma pics here on the Canon.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=886651

And a couple on my Sony.


Deacon Headshot B&W-6 by DeanSupreme, on Flickr

Connie Decking-2 by DeanSupreme, on Flickr

Connie Bridge 22 (1 of 1) by DeanSupreme, on Flickr

I know these don't really help you as I don't have Nikon camera with the lenses but the Sigma really is a great lens that is permanently glued to my camera.Only thing that was putting me off the Sigma was all the stories about getting a bad lens but mine was perfect straight out the box...Anyways hope this helps a bit?
 
Instead of the 1.4g, have you ever considered the 1.4d for significantly less?

Many have said that the difference doesn't worth the price? I've got the D and I like it a lot for portraiture!
 
Don't have the Nikon 1.4g but I have the Nikon 1.4D and the Sigma 1.4 - I would struggle to see the IQ difference between the two, possibly just with the Nikon but the Sigma has the better bokeh IMO.
 
I can usually always tell a sigma shot, whereas the Nikon doesn't seem to have that same "look".

I could have bought either, but I chose the sigma for that reason.

Save some money and get the sigma!
 
I tried the Sigma and had wonderful results so I decided to buy one since its cheaper than the Nikon. It had its internal focus motor broken and had to go back (that was the case with few Sigmas that I have ordered) and for that reason alone now I have the Nikon.

I guess I had bad luck with the Sigmas (apart from the 50mm 1.4) but if you manage to get a good quality one you won't regret the image quality.
 
I've not used the Sigma, but Photozone's review reckon it's pretty good. It's visibly not has sharp as the Nikkor and has some coma and CA issues wide open, but it does represent good value for money.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/605-sigma8514ff?start=1

I have owned the 85mm and sadly no longer do... but I'm aiming to rectify that as soon as I can. This is possibly the sharpest lens I've ever used in my life.
 
Well guys, I've ordered the sigma lens from DR and should expect the delivery to be made around mid next week! Been reading a few reviews and the sigma lens seems to have more modern tech from a glass point of view compared to the nikon lens, which is a relatively simple design with nano crystal coating and weather sealing.

The lack of weather sealing is a minor annoyance as I do own the nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8G which is sealed so I can still get out in the rain for some bokehlicious shots anyway!

Thanks for all your help and insights. I'll let you know how I get on with it.
 
Well the sigma lens arrived today and what a lens it is. The new finish on the lens compared to older sigma products its great, almost looking like a sony product. Its heavier than I thought it would be and far larger. The image quality from the lens on my D3 is staggering with some seriously excellent sharpness throughout the frame. The bokeh on it is also a massive difference to other lenses in my lineup, making it fit in nicely.

Sample shots:

No editing:


Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM test by jjohnson2012, on Flickr


Timba by jjohnson2012, on Flickr

I look forward to seeing what it can do with humans! :D
 
I love my 85mm f1.4g its my favorte lens,

however for me its acheelies heel is the AF, Its slow an vauge, nothing like the AF on the 24-70mm of 70-200mm.

here a couple of shots from it, just to proove it can take nice photos as well!

JingWed2-7.jpg


test-1.jpg
 
The f1.4G is well on the road of dimensioning returns, you pay a lot more for a little extra.

I’ve heard the Sigma has good AF. (I’ve never tried the 85mm, but my experience of sigma AF has not been positive).

Stuart
 
I'd also agree with the sigma AF comment above for older lenses, yet the 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lens is their new design and QC. It looks more like a sony lens than a sigma one imo lol.
 
stu_the_flat said:
If the 35mm f1.4 gets good write ups I might concider it. Depending on how much they want for it, but as they have not released a price I amsume its bad news!
Click to expand...

Ha yeah true. That'll also be my next lens if the price is right and performance is as good as the 85!
 
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