10/05/2026 9:30 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Sigma Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
7
Views
0
So I've been shooting with my 5D Mark IV and some older L series glass for like six years now mostly just the 24-105 and a 50mm 1.8 but I'm finally ready to jump into the Sigma Art world because I'm doing a big outdoor wedding in Seattle next month and really want that specific look. My logic was to just grab the 85mm 1.4 DG HSM because everyone says its the gold standard for portraits but then I started looking at the 105mm and 135mm and now I'm totally stuck.
The 135mm compression looks insane in all the sample shots I've seen but I'm worried about being too far away from people and having to yell directions across a field ya know. Plus I've heard the 105mm is basically a giant heavy brick and I'm gonna be on my feet for ten hours. My budget is capped at $1200 so I can only get one of these for now.
I'm also slightly paranoid about the autofocus issues people mention with Sigma on DSLR bodies like the 5D. Is the 85mm still the play or does the 50mm Art have more of that magic character? Just trying to figure out which one gives the best bokeh-to-weight ratio for a long day of shooting...
1 Answer
11
10/05/2026 9:55 pm
Like someone mentioned, weight is the real deal breaker for those long Seattle wedding days. Honestly, I’d agree that skipping the 105mm is smart... its just way too much glass to lug around for ten hours. If you’re really craving that compression you mentioned, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art for Canon EF is actually incredible for those outdoor ceremony shots where you have room to back up and work the field. Just be careful with the focus though. Since you’re on the 5D IV, you should definitely grab the Sigma USB Dock UD-01 for Canon EF too. It lets you tweak the autofocus settings yourself. DSLRs can be a bit finicky with third party glass, so having that dock is basically mandatory imo. If the 135mm feels too specialized, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF is way easier on the wrist and has much more character than the standard 1.8 you've been using. Just make sure you test your copy before the big day so you dont get any surprises.
3
10/05/2026 9:31 pm
Been shooting weddings for a while and honestly, you gotta think about your back. If you're on your feet for ten hours in Seattle, the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF is gonna feel like a literal boat anchor by noon. Its a gorgeous lens but way too heavy for run-and-gun stuff. Heres my take:
- The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF is your best bet. It hits that sweet spot of compression and bokeh without forcing you to shout at the bride from across a field.
- For the AF issues, definitely pick up a Sigma USB Dock UD-01 for Canon EF. It lets you fine-tune the focus at different distances which fixes most DSLR tracking complaints.
- The 135mm is cool but the 85mm is way more versatile for tight reception spaces where you dont have room to back up. Go with the 85mm, it fits your budget and wont kill your neck. Its basically the perfect middle ground for what you need.
