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Nikon D850
Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Examples: Portraits

This page assesses the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for portraits, both optically as well as practically.

Portraits are shown at a variety of apertures so that optical quality and bokeh can be seen, with image sizes up to full camera resolution.

More important for the final result is just how easy or hard it is to get an optimal result using a DSLR. It is one thing to have a superlative lens; it is quite another to have a high hit rate so that the fleeting expression captured perfectly is also perfectly in focus—the bane of DSLRs, particularly at wider apertures where stopping does not mask the error. I speak specifically about the near perfect hit rate of Sony mirrorless Eye AF (see how to configure) versus the autofocus of a DSLR which even in the best of cases has many potential errors. Worse, a DSLR does not and cannot understand anything about the iris of the eye or how to focus on it reliably (unless the DSLR implemented a similar Eye AF feature, which would require Live View shooting with the mirror continuously up). This DSLR limitation has been a frustration forever, for me. I find it unacceptable here in 2018, and a major reason to shoot Sony, if one does any portraits.

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Diglloyd DAP is DSLR-oriented, but also contains workflow and other topics. Much of the focus is on Canon and Nikon but also Pentax and Pentax medium format.

Special emphasis is placed on lens evaluation, focusing on Canon and Nikon and Sigma lenses, but with a few others like Rokinon/Samyang.

  • Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
  • Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly some of the new Sigma Art lenses vs Nikon and Canon.
  • Workflow discusses image organization, raw conversion and post processing. Many examples show processing parameters for direct insight into how the image was converted.
  • Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
  • Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
  • Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
  • Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.

Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Nikon or on Canon or on Pentax.

f1.4 @ 1/500 sec, ISO 200; 2018-07-04 17:56:39
NIKON D850 + Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

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