Canon RF Cameras Officially Art, But Canon Owners Feel Left Behind

A New Contender for the 85mm Throne

Sigma has officially announced the Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art, but the release comes with a sting for existing Canon RF users. The new lens is available for Sony E and L-Mount systems, leaving Canon owners looking in from the outside once again. This omission feels particularly acute because the 85mm f/1.2 focal length is considered a core product for most major manufacturers. While Nikon and Canon mounts are excluded, the sheer value proposition of this new optic highlights the disparity in current market offerings.

The new Sigma launches at an aggressive price point of only $1,599 USD. This figure appears to be a bargain when compared to the incumbent Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, which costs $1,200 more despite being seven years old. Optical analysis suggests that the Sigma outperforms the older Canon model at the pixel level, raising questions about why Canon has not updated its flagship portrait lens sooner.

Technical Specifications and Build Comparison

The physical and optical construction of these two lenses reveals significant differences in design philosophy. The Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art utilizes a complex optical formula consisting of 17 elements in 12 groups. In contrast, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM employs a simpler layout of 13 elements in 9 groups. For context, Canon’s newer RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM uses a 14-element, 10-group design.

Weight distribution also favors the newer Sigma entry. The Sigma weighs a manageable 905g (2 lbs), whereas the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 is substantially heavier at 1,195g (2.6 lbs). The lighter Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM sits at just 636g, but it lacks the extreme aperture of the other two. Additionally, the Sigma features 13 aperture blades, which typically contribute to rounder bokeh shapes wide open, while the Canon uses only 9 blades.

| Feature | Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG Art | Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM | | :— | :— | :— | | Price | $1,599 | $2,799 | | Mounts | L-Mount, Sony E | Canon RF only | | Optical Formula | 17 elements / 12 groups | 13 elements / 9 groups | | Special Elements | 2 SLD + high-anomalous-dispersion glass + 3 aspherical | 1 UD + BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) + 1 aspherical | | Aperture Blades | 13 | 9 | | Weight | 905 g | 1,195 g | | AF Motor | Dual HLA linear actuators | Ring-type USM | | Availability | October 6, 2026 | Shipping since 2019 |

MTF Performance and Sharpness Analysis

When examining Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) data measured at maximum aperture (f/1.2), both lenses demonstrate excellence in low-frequency contrast. At 10 lp/mm, the performance is essentially a wash between the two optics, with curves staying above 0.9 across the image circle for the Sigma.

However, the divergence becomes clear at 30 lp/mm, which measures fine resolution and sharpness across the frame. Here, the Sigma performs better, maintaining higher resolution values from the center to the edges. The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM exhibits a noticeably steeper drop in resolution from the mid-frame to the corners. This indicates that the Sigma retains superior corner and edge sharpness when shooting wide open, a critical advantage for professional portrait work where background separation is key.

The Canon lens is now seven years old, and its performance metrics show their age against modern designs. Industry observers believe a new Canon variant may be on the horizon as lens technology continues to leap forward. Nevertheless, the current comparison leaves little doubt that the Sigma offers brilliant performance at a significantly lower cost.

Market Frustration and Availability

The announcement inevitably triggers frustration among Canon RF users who cannot access this full-frame Sigma lens. While many appreciate the capabilities of the RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM, the inability to choose the f/1.2 option remains a point of contention. The press release for the new lens emphasizes its role as Sigma’s brightest-ever prime for mirrorless systems, designed to meet professional challenges with features like an aperture ring and customizable AFL buttons.

“Sigma Corporation of America… is pleased to announce the Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG | Art, a large-aperture, medium-telephoto lens for full-frame cameras that combines unparalleled rendering power with a compact, lightweight design,” stated the company.

The lens will be available from authorized dealers starting October 6, 2026, for $1,599 USD. For Canon shooters, the choice remains between sticking with the established but heavier and more expensive RF option or waiting for potential future third-party developments.