The new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is priced @ $899 in the US and is currently available for pre-order.
Here is a brief specs comparison with the current Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF (I will repeat this comparison once the new Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4 lens gets released – hopefully by then we will also have sample photos to compare):
| Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM | Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF | |
| Lens Construction | 11 elements in 8 groups | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Min. Aperture | 16 | 16 |
| Min. Focusing Distance | 0.85m | 0.85m |
| Filter Size (mm) | 77mm | 77mm |
| Dimensions | 84.7×87.6mm 3.3×3.4in | 80×72.5mm 3.1×5.7in |
| Price | $899 | $1,229.95 |
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens design:
Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF lens design:
Update: here are the MTF charts for the current (AF) Nikon 85mm f/1.4 (left) and the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 (right):
