06/05/2026 5:31 pm
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im seriously losing my mind trying to pick a new portrait lens and the more I read the more I go in circles. I have a wedding gig in downtown Chicago in about three weeks and my old 50mm just isnt cutting it for that high-end look I want. I'm looking at the Sigma Art series because Canon's L-series is way too expensive right now after I had to spend a ton on car repairs.
Im basically torn between the 85mm f1.4 Art and the 105mm f1.4 Art but that 105 looks like a literal cannon. I dont know if I can actually carry that thing for an 8 hour day without my arm falling off but then everyone online says the bokeh master is the only way to go for pros. The 85 is cheaper and lighter but is the image quality that much of a step down?
My budget is strictly $1200 and i'm probably going to have to find something used on eBay or MPB which adds another layer of stress. If you've shot with both on an EF mount body like a 5D, is the 105 worth the physical pain or is the 85 the smarter move for a long wedding day?
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06/05/2026 6:35 pm
Jumping in here real quick... I have been in your shoes and honestly, you gotta be careful with that 105 for a long day. I tried hauling heavy glass for a 10-hour shoot once and my wrist was basically toast by dinner. If you are doing a wedding, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Canon EF is likely the smarter play. A few technical things to keep in mind tho:
- The 85mm is about 1,130g which is no joke, but the 105 is a massive 1,645g. That extra weight adds up when you are chasing a bride around.
- Be careful buying used... make sure to test for front-focusing issues on your 5D immediately since the Art series can be finicky on DSLRs.
- I would suggest picking up a Sigma USB Dock for Canon EF to calibrate the AF if it is slightly off. The 85mm is super sharp and way easier to fit in a bag. Plus, you can find it used for around 800 bucks, which leaves some budget for extra batteries... trust me, your arm wont regret it.
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06/05/2026 5:45 pm
TL;DR: Ergonomics and space are the main trade-offs. Over the years, I've found that physical fatigue and working distance are the deciding factors for real-world usage.
- Are you shooting in tight indoor spaces or wide open outdoor areas?
- Do you use a dual-strap harness or just a standard neck strap? These details determine if that Sigma 105mm f1.4 Art EF is actually worth the physical toll.
