I spent a few moments googling diet slogans after reading about the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4. The gist of this new lens is it will provide the same quality as the original 85mm f/1.4 ART lens (which is excellent) but in a lighter & smaller package. Seriously it is about 1/2 the weight of the original! This makes me happy to see Sigma catching on that weight IS a factor for many photographers and when you are designing lenses for the Sony system it makes sense to build lenses that balance well on these smaller and lighter bodies.

Old Sigma 85mm f/1.4 FE Lens-

Filter Size 86 mm
Dimensions 3.73 x 4.97" // 94.7 x 126.2 mm
Weight 2.49 lb / 1130 g

NEW Sigma 85mm f/1.4 FE Lens-

Filter Size 77 mm
Dimensions 3.26 x 3.78" // 82.8 x 96.1 mm
Weight 1.38 lb / 625 g

You can see that all around the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 has lost over an inch of length and a significant portion of its weight, just over a 1.1lbs. The new lens is dust and moisture resistant and offers an aperture ring with click/declick switch along with a programmable button AF button and AF/MF Switch.

Released this month for $1199 - Preorder from B&H PHoto (your use of my affiliate links greatly support the I do on photorec.tv. Thank you!)

Additional features Lens construction: 15 elements in 11 groups, with 5 SLDs and 1 aspherical lens Compatible with high-speed autofocus Compatible with lens-based optical correction *Only on camera models that support this functionality. Iris ring Iris ring click switch Iris ring lock switch *When turned ON at the position A, the iris ring is locked at A. When turned ON at a position other than A, it is locked within the range between the maximum to minimum apertures and will not engage at the position A. AFLbutton Focus Mode Switch Dust-and splash-proof Hood with lock Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system "A1" 11-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount "Made in Japan" craftsmanship

Sony 85mm Lens Choices -

Sony owners have lots of 85mm options - Why so many? 85mm is a fantastic portrait length for full-frame and a relatively easy lens to make so you have lower budget 3rd party companies adding their offerings to the mix.

f/1.8 vs f/1.4 - The difference in depth of field is negligible as is the difference in the light gathering. I would personally choose a good quality f/1.8 lens over a budget f/1.4 lens. If I was a full-time portrait photographer the Sony f/1.4 or the new Sigma f/1.4 would be my choice - they are going to be a little sharper at f/1.8 than the f/1.8 lenses.

Sony 85mm f/1.8 - $598 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 67 mm
Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.23" / 78 x 82 mm
Weight: 13.09 oz / 371 g
My Take: I own this lens and love it - not quite as sharp as the Sony 85mm f/1.4 or the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 but close enough and so nice and lightweight.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens - $1798 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.52 x 4.23" // 89.5 x 107.5 mm
Weight 1.8 lb / 820 g
My Take: This is a dreamy lens - produces absolutely beautiful images.

NEW Sigma 85mm f/1.4 $1199 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions 3.26 x 3.78" // 82.8 x 96.1 mm
Weight 1.38 lb / 625 g
My Take: Sigma has done very well with updated versions of these popular lenses and I expect this new Sigma to perform really well and provide much of the same quality in a lighter package. It will likely be a little sharper than the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and control chromatic aberration better. And of course, it offers f/1.4 instead of f/1.8 but it costs twice as much and weighs twice as much. Depending on your needs the f/1.8 might be just fine.

The Original Sigma 85mm f/1.4 $1099 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size 86 mm
Dimensions 3.73 x 4.97" // 94.7 x 126.2 mm
Weight 2.49 lb / 1130 g
My Take: Fantastic quality but does not balance well with Sony a7 series cameras - it is quite front heavy.

Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE $437 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 72 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.15 x 3.67" // 80 x 93.2 mm
Weight: 1.42 lb / 645 g
My Take: I have not reviewed this lens but it has good reviews online and Tokina is well known for producing good value lenses. Looking for an affordable 85mm lens with AF - The Tokina will provide you. Pay a little more for the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and you get a noticeably lighter lens.

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Sony E $599 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.46 x 3.92" // 88 x 99.5 mm
Weight 1.25 lb / 568 g
My Take: Samy and Rokinon also produce good value lenses - they might be just a little less reliable with AF and suffer a bit more chromatic aberration but nothing terrible. If you are after an f/1.4 lens and on a budget, this is your best option.

Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 FE II $399 - Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 72 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.15 x 3.62" // 80 x 92 mm
Weight 1.06 lb / 484 g
My Take: I have this lens in for review - it provides decent image quality and is very budget-friendly. No Af/Mf switch