Head to head

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.

Spec snapshot

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 SSigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
Price (USD)$799$899
Our rating4.7/54.6/5
Categorycamera-lensescamera-lenses
Pros33
Cons21

The case for each

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

4.7

Pros

  • +Exceptional sharpness for the price
  • +Beautiful subject separation
  • +Light and compact

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • f/1.8 not f/1.4
Full review →

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

4.6

Pros

  • +Excellent value
  • +Fast and accurate AF
  • +Solid weather sealing

Cons

  • Slightly larger than first-party 35mm options
Full review →

Winner by use case

Vlogging & videoTie
Low-light photographyTie
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie

Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.

Common questions

Is the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S better than the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art?

It depends on what you shoot. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art scores 4.6/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.

Which is cheaper, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art?

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S sells around $799, and Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art around $899. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is the cheaper of the two.

Which one is better for beginners?

Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.

Should I upgrade from the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art?

Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.

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