Two years after the launch of the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A, the first model in its highly-respected Art line, Sigma has finally introduced an 85mm version.

In case you’re not familiar with Sigma’s Art series primes, they’re the company’s high-speed f/1.4 models that are designed to compete with the very best lenses from Canon and Nikon, and can even give legendary lens maker Zeiss a run for its money. But not only does the Art series compete with the high-speed, high-grade lenses, Sigma’s pricing model is usually competitive enough to tempt those considering the other brands’ lower-end models.

This new lens isn’t as inexpensive as the earlier models in the range. At around $1199, it’s a good 25% above the $899-$949 typically asked for those lenses. However, the 85mm F1.4 is considerably larger than any Art prime that preceded it from Sigma’s rural Aizu factory in Japan. With an 86mm accessory thread, and weighing 39.9 oz (1,132g) the new Sigma 85mm F1.4 HSM DG A is larger than most competitors’ lenses, except perhaps the Zeiss Otus equivalent.

With an optical construction using no fewer than 14 elements arranged in 12 groups, it’s not difficult to understand why this lens is so large. To help reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations, the new model lens features two low-dispersion SLD glass elements and one aspherical lens. The minimum focus distance of 33.3 inches (85 cm) is typical of the focal length.

In addition to oil-repellent coatings on the front and rear lenses, the mount features rubber sealing for protection against dust and moisture, though it’s not clear if the lens itself has further sealing.

Although we don’t test AF speed, we’re encouraged to hear that Sigma has adopted a newly-developed sonic-type HSM autofocus motor with 1.3x the torque of its predecessor to cope with such a big lens. It also features full-time manual focus override in both single and continuous AF modes, which will find additional favor with back-button AF users. And as with current high-end Nikkor lenses, the Sigma Nikon-mount version reviewed here adopts an electromagnetic diaphragm, offering more stable exposure during continuous bursts or time-lapse sequences.