Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM vs Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM has more in its favour on paper. The 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art gathers more light for low light and background blur; the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is lighter and cheaper. The Canon lens is the mount maker's own, while the Sigma is a third-party alternative.
Choose the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for
- less weight (425g vs 1130g)
- a lower price (about £150 vs £610)
Choose the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light)
| EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Sigma |
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Weight | 425 g | 1130 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Filter size | 58mm | 86mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £349 | £1,099 |
| Used at MPB (Canon EF / EF-S) | £108–£199 | £509–£704 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon EF / EF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM better than the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art?
The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM offers less weight (425g vs 1130g), a lower price (about £150 vs £610); the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light).
Which is better value, the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM or the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art?
On Canon EF / EF-S, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM costs about £150 against about £610 for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.4 worth it over f/1.8?
f/1.4 gathers about 0.7 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon EF / EF-S (and other mounts: Nikon F).