Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,210
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,400
  • Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, L-Mount, Sigma SA
  • Maximum focal length: 135 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 18.2 °

Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Very good
7.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.3

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.1

Build & Handling

20.0%

6.5

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(139)
amazon
4.5
(129)
amazon
4.4
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(143)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.9

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.2

    Lens length

    25.0%

    6.6

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art is a premium full-frame telephoto prime lens featuring an advanced optical construction of 13 elements in 10 groups, including two FLD and two SLD glass elements to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations. Key specifications include a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, a 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and a powerful Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for rapid, quiet autofocus with a minimum focusing distance of 87.5cm. Its main pros are class-leading edge-to-edge sharpness even at f/1.8, robust weather-sealed build quality, and a dramatic compression effect ideal for portraiture. Primary cons include its substantial weight of 1,130g, lack of built-in optical image stabilisation, and a large 82mm front filter thread.

Technical Specifications of Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.3

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.1

Build & Handling

20.0%

6.5

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.7
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a technical score of 7.68 points, which is higher than 73.4% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

8.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(139)
amazon
4.5
(129)
amazon
4.4
(4)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(143)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

8.7
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a user score of 8.71 points, which is higher than 61.5% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
8.0
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a popularity of 8 points, which is higher than 58.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

4.1

Price

6.8
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is lower than 71.1% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, L-Mount, Sigma SA
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

82 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

135 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

135 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

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Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

18.2 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

18.2 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

ultrasonic motor
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.875 m
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art focuses as close as 0.875 m, which is farther than 83.4% of camera lenses and equal to 0.2% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.2x
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.2x, which is higher than 50.8% of camera lenses and equal to 7% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

114.9 mm
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is 114.9 mm long, which is longer than 70.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

91.4 mm
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a diameter of 91.4 mm, which is wider than 86.9% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

?
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

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DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art vs the average camera lens

  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.8 vs 2.8
  • Has focus distance scale
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    Distance scale window.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
    What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
    When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.

    Importance: LOW

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 2 more low-dispersion elements
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.4 vs 2
  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 more low-dispersion elements
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 0.58 m longer minimum focus distance
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 14.4 mm wider lens barrel
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is wider than the average camera lens (91.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 22.9 mm longer lens
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is longer than the average camera lens (114.9 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 14.4 mm wider lens barrel
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is wider than the average camera lens (91.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is wider than the average camera lens (91.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.91.4 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.58 m longer minimum focus distance
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.875 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
  • 22.9 mm longer lens
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is longer than the average camera lens (114.9 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is longer than the average camera lens (114.9 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.114.9 mm vs 92 mm
  • 2.28x more expensive
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,210 vs £530).
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,210 vs £530).£1,210 vs £530
  • 8.7% worse value for money
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.76 vs 7.346).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
    Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.76 vs 7.346).6.76 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art?

  • Exceptional sharpness even when shot wide open at f/1.8
  • Beautiful, smooth bokeh and pleasing background compression for portraiture
  • Extremely fast and accurate autofocus performance using the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
  • Robust, professional-grade build quality with dust and splash-proof sealing
  • Minimal chromatic aberration and well-controlled lens flare
  • Fast f/1.8 aperture is excellent for low-light conditions
  • Short minimum focusing distance for creative close-up shots

What customers dislike about Sigma 135mm F 1 8 DG HSM Art?

  • Notably heavy and bulky, which can cause fatigue during long shoots
  • Lack of built-in optical image stabilization
  • High price point compared to some other third-party alternatives
  • Large 82mm filter size can make filters more expensive
  • Occasional autofocus hunting or slower performance when used with certain lens adapters on mirrorless systems

Expert reviews

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13/07/2017
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pcmag.com
09/10/2017
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digitalkamera.de
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Video reviews

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