Phillip Reeve is the first reviewer testing the new Sigma 35mm f/1.2 FE lens:

I did not spend that much time with the Sigma 35mm 1.2 Art yet but I already got the opportunity to shoot a full wedding with it (and I was using it as one of my two main lenses) and while I am usually very hesitant with my first impressions I can already tell you: this is an outstanding lens.

I think we all expected this to be a sharp lens, but neither did I expect it to be such a big improvement over its predecessor (especially being faster) nor did I expect it to be an improvement in terms of bokeh over the other fast Sigma lenses.

What I also really enjoy is how close it is in terms of handling to the Sony GM primes. Before we saw the first pictures of this lens I always argued “it may be good optically in the end, but I would surely miss the focus hold button and the aperture ring and I don’t think Sigma will include either”. Oh how wrong I was. Luckily.

Compared to the latest Canon f/1.2 mirrorless lenses I also cannot complain about the price, it seems to be justified in my opinion.

So the only disadvantages that remain are size and weight. At almost 1.1 kg this is a heavy lens. And it is a really big lens. Surely not one I would take on a hiking trip. But it was never Sigma’s intention to design a compact lens for hiking here. They wanted to design the best 35mm lens ever. And they weren’t satisfied with making it f/1.4, they made it f/1.2. And from what I have seen so far: they succeeded.

Also the japanese Fujia-blog tested the lens and says it has an impressive level of high quality!

All Sigma preorder links:
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 FE at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, FocusCamera, Henrys. In EU at Calumet DE, ParkUK, WexUK.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 FE at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, FocusCamera, Henrys. In EU at Calumet DE, ParkUK, WexUK.
Sigma 45mm f/2.8 FE at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, FocusCamera, Henrys. In EU at Calumet DE, ParkUK, WexUK.

Opticallimits tested the Sony 85mm GM and this is their verdict:

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is an excellent example of what a lens should look like in this class – albeit it is still not perfect. It is very sharp at f/1.4 and outstanding when stopped down to medium aperture settings. Lateral CAs are very low even without image auto-correction. The quality of the bokeh is among the best that what we have seen in this lens class. The background bokeh is especially silky. It is a bit unfortunate that bokeh fringing is not controlled. To be fair though – very few lenses are capable of doing that (the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 for instance). The RAW vignetting is high at f/1.4 and the amount of pincushion distortion is also a bit more than expected. However, once again, image auto-correction comes to the rescue so you won’t really notice this in processed images. 

The build quality is superb thanks to high-quality materials, weather-sealing, and smooth control rings. A specialty is the dedicated aperture ring so you can choose whether to use this one or the dial on the camera. The aperture ring can also be de-clicked for a smooth adjustment when shooting video. The AF is fast and silent but it’s no speed demon in this respect. 

Overall, if you are in need for the extra speed and/or just want the best native AF lens in this class, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM – highly recommended! 

Sony 85mm GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy. Amazon Germany. Calumetphoto.de. WexUK. Jessops.