Local Sigma distributor CR Kennedy is about to launch the all-new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens for Sony E mount and L-mount, with a local RRP of $1699.

Sigma lenses, its premium Art range in particular, have consistently  garnered favourable ratings and reviews since their introduction around five years ago – but always with an aside about their heavy weight. There’s apparently a lot of glass involved in achieving the high image quality.

With the 85mm f1.4  for Sony FE and L-mounts, Sigma seems to have broken the previous mould: The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, which is still in the market with mounts for DSLRs, weighs 1.13Kg, while the 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is 625g. The new lens is also about 30mm shorter. Yet there’s no skimping on optical glass – it features a 15 elements in 11 group design.

If Sigma enhances its Art range with lighter full-frame mirrorless updates, it should win a few more fans among those people looking for quality at a good price, but not so keen on lugging around an extra half kilo of lens.

It’s worth noting the new Sigma 85mm is also lighter – and considerably less expensive – than the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM.

The optical layout incorporates a series of low dispersion, aspherical, and high refractive index elements. A ‘Super Multi-Layer Coating’ enhances image quality by suppressing lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and colour fidelity in strong lighting conditions.

The aperture ring can be de-clicked or locked, and there’s a dedicated focus mode switch and AFL button.  The autofocus stepping motor contributes to the lens’ light weight and near-silent AF. The lens features an 11-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh quality and the lens housing is also weather-sealed. The mount features a  brass bayonet for better durability, mounting accuracy and rigidity.

It can, of course, also be used with great results on APS-C cameras, where is delivers a 127.5mm (equivalent) focal length. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art will be available from the end of the month.

The local $1699 price is a bargain – the camera is US$1200 ($1670) in the US, with the Australian RRP including 10 percent GST – so no Australia tax here! By contract the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master Lens has an RRP of $2299 locally, though it’s street price is a little lower.