Question 1

Is the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art good for portrait photography?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the 135mm focal length compresses facial features flatteringly, and the f/1.8 aperture produces strong background separation even when your subject isn't super close. The nine-blade aperture gives bokeh a smooth, rounded character rather than a polygon shape, which reads well in post-processing and print.

Question 2

Does the Sigma 135mm 1.8 Art work on Nikon Z cameras?

Accepted Answer

It's a Nikon F mount lens, so you need the FTZ or FTZ II adapter to use it on a Nikon Z body. Autofocus through the adapter generally works but is slower and less reliable than native Z lenses. If you shoot Z-mount full-time, a native option like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will give you better AF performance — though the Sigma still delivers excellent optical quality with adapted use.

Question 3

How fast is the autofocus on the Sigma 135mm f/1.8?

Accepted Answer

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is a ring-type ultrasonic AF system that moves the elements quickly and quietly — handy for weddings where a noisy lens is disruptive. Real-world reports consistently describe the AF as fast and reliable from close focus to infinity. It's not a sports-tracking AF system, but for controlled environments it keeps up well.

Question 4

What's the difference between the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art and a 135mm f/2 lens?

Accepted Answer

One full third of a stop more light. That doesn't sound like much, but at f/1.8 versus f/2 you get a meaningfully shallower depth of field and a faster shutter speed — useful when shooting indoor events without flash. The Nikon 135mm f/2.0 DC is the classic comparison: the DC (Defocus Control) ring offers unique rendering control, while the Sigma Art lens prioritises outright sharpness and modern coatings.

Question 5

Is buying a used Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Sigma Art lenses are built to a high mechanical standard — metal mounts, tight tolerances — so they hold up well with normal use. Buying second-hand makes sense here because the optical formula hasn't changed since launch and there are no electronic elements (like IS or complex stabilisation systems) that degrade over time. Every used lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl comes with a minimum 12 months warranty, so you're covered if anything's off.

Question 6

What filter size does the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art take?

Accepted Answer

82 mm. That's a larger thread than many portrait lenses, so check your filter collection before buying. On the upside, 82 mm is a common size across Sigma Art primes and so if you already own 82 mm filters (ND, polariser) they'll transfer straight over.

Question 7

How close can the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 focus?

Accepted Answer

The minimum focus distance is 0.87 m — measured from the sensor plane, not the front element. At 135mm and f/1.8, this gives you a useful working magnification for tight head shots or product detail work without needing extension tubes. You still need to give your subject nearly a metre of breathing room, which is normal for this focal length.

Question 8

Is the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art heavy?

Accepted Answer

At 1,130 g it's a serious piece of glass — roughly double the weight of a typical 85mm portrait prime. On a full-day wedding or event shoot, that adds up. A lens collar or a camera strap with proper weight distribution helps. but it's worth handling one before committing if you have wrist or shoulder concerns.

Mount	Nikon F
Focal range	Short Telephoto
Prime / Zoom	Prime
Focal length (min)	135 mm
Focal length (max)	135 mm
Max. aperture	f/1.8
Stabilisation
Weight (Grams)	1130
Year of release	2017
Auto Focus

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Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art - Nikon F

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About the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art - Nikon F

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