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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art wins by 2
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — Prime/Zoom
Sigma

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $849
Specdex verdict

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lands at 90 and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at 92. That puts Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on sharpness (92 vs 90).

Build

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on af (90 vs 86).

Value for money

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art more score per dollar ($849 vs $1,599).

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM 90
vs
92 Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Score breakdown

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
92
sharpness 92
af 90
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM versus Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Which is better, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM worth the price? +

At $1,599, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art worth the price? +

At $849, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on sharpness (92 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.