Sigma 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A vs Sony FE 135mm F/1.8 GM SEL135F18GM — Which Is Better?
Side by side37 specifications |
Sigma · f/1.4 · Nikon F mount
Sigma 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM | A
73
SCORE
|
Sony · f/1.8 · Sony E mount
Sony FE 135mm F/1.8 GM SEL135F18GM
77
WINNER
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|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Sigma 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art and the Sony FE 135mm F/1.8 GM are both full-frame telephoto primes from their makers' premium lines. The Sigma record here is the 2018 Nikon F mount version, while the Sony is a 2019 native E-mount lens. Both cover full-frame sensors at a single fixed focal length, so the real choice comes down to aperture, focal length and close focusing. | ||
| Release Year | 2018 | 2019 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |
 In Production | In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. |
Art | GM |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F | Sony E |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. |
Nikon F | Sony E |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |
 Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Physical | 92/100 | 100/100 |
Read the Physical ComparisonPhysicalThe Sony is the lighter lens to carry by a clear margin: 950 g against 1645 g for the Sigma. Its 89.5 mm barrel is also slimmer than the Sigma's 115.9 mm, while lengths sit close together at 127 mm and 131.5 mm. Both accept front filters, in 82 mm for the Sony and 105 mm for the Sigma, so each takes its own direct-fit size. | ||
| Lens Weight | 1645 g | 950 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point |
115.9 mm | 89.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. |
131.5 mm | 127 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |
 Yes | Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. |
105 mm | 82 mm |
| Optics | 86/100 | 88/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe Sigma is the brighter lens wide open, with f/1.4 against f/1.8. That extra light helps keep shutter speeds usable in dim venues such as theatres and evening events. The Sony answers with 135 mm of reach, which suits tighter head-and-shoulders portraits and gives stronger background compression than the Sigma's 105 mm. The Sony is also the better close-up lens. It focuses to 70 cm against 100 cm for the Sigma, and its 0.25x maximum magnification is just over twice the Sigma's 0.12x. Flowers and small product details fill more of the frame without accessories. | ||
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) |
105 mm | 135 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) |
1.4 | 1.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 23.285435408459023° | 18.21° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. |
44 mm | 18 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |
 Automatic | Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture |
9020 | 11020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |
✗ | ✗ |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. |
100 cm01500 | 70 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced |
0.12x | 0.25x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes | Yes |
| Features | 32/100 | 52/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesBoth lenses give you the same practical protection: weather sealing and a fluorine front coating that makes the glass easier to wipe clean after outdoor sessions. Neither offers built-in image stabilization, so fast shutter speeds or steady support remain the photographer's job in either case. Autofocus and full manual focus control are available on both. | ||
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
 Yes | Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | ✗ | ✗ |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round | Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |
✗ | ✗ |
| Image Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Construction | 54/100 | 32/100 |
Read the Construction ComparisonConstructionThe Sony has a floating element system, a design that helps maintain image quality across the focusing range. Its 13 elements in 10 groups include one bi-aspherical and one super-low-dispersion element, while the Sigma's 17 elements in 12 groups combine one aspherical with three CA-reduction elements. Neither lens uses internal focusing. | ||
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. |
17 | 13 |
| Groups | 12 | 10 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. |
1 | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces |
0 | 1 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration |
1 | 1 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration |
0 | 1 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration |
3 | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |
✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
On a Sony E body, the FE 135mm F/1.8 GM is the stronger choice for most portrait and close-detail work. It frames tighter at 135 mm and focuses close enough for 0.25x magnification. Choose the Sigma 105mm F/1.4 Art when maximum light gathering dominates, such as stage photography or dim receptions where f/1.4 keeps shutter speeds usable. This record is the Nikon F version, so it suits a Nikon body.