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Sigma

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Nikon Z Mount

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art — 85mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.

$1,199

Launch price

Released Apr 2021

vs

Sony

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Sony E Mount

The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Apr 2022

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 1 year newer.

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Wins

4categories

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art

PortraitSports & Action

Wins

3categories

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art wins 2 categories·FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II wins 3 categories
  • BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • A85mm F1.4 DG DN Art has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
  • A85mm F1.4 DG DN Art has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
  • BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)
  • BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 138 mm)

Key specs at a glance

85mm F1.4 DG DN ArtFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Focal Length85 mm24-70 mm
Max Aperturef/1.4f/2.8
MountNikon ZSony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight625 g695 g
Min Focus30 cm21 cm
Filter Size77 mm82 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use case85mm F1.4 DG DN ArtFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Portrait
9.5Excellent
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
4.5Fair
5.0Fair
Landscape
4.0Fair
7.0Good
Travel
3.5Limited
5.5Fair
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
3.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical, ED

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Weight

    625 g vs 695 g — lower is better

  • Diameter

    81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

  • Special elements

    Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Min focus distance

    21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.32 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

  • Length

    120 mm vs 138 mm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Control ring

Both support control ring

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art

Pros

  • Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
  • Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
  • Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
  • Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
  • Excellent close-up magnification
  • De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons

Cons

  • No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
  • High launch price
  • Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.

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Full specifications

= category winner

85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Focal length (Min)
85 mm
24 mm
Focal length (Max)
85 mm
70 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4+2 stops wider
f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4+2 stops wider
f/2.8
Elements
14
20
Groups
11
15
Special elements
Aspherical, ED
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED, 2 Super ED
85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Min focus distance
30 cm
21 cm−9 cm less
Max magnification
0.15 ×
0.32 ×2.1× more
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
4 XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Weight
625 g−70 g less
695 g
Length
138 mm
120 mm−18 mm less
Diameter
81 mm−7 mm less
88 mm
Filter thread size
77 mm
82 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
11
85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Lens mount
Nikon Z
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.