How the Sigma 105mm Art lens helps me capture the magic of childhood

There is a reason the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens has been given the title “bokeh master.” Out of all of my lenses it really does produce the most gorgeous bokeh! I was so intrigued by this lens and eager to finally get my hands on it, but will be completely honest — I had heard this lens was a heavy beast. I wasn’t sure if this would become an everyday lens for photographing my children. I have three little boys 6 and under, and I already get a daily workout chasing them around. I had my doubts about how easily I’d be able to document my children using the 105mm. To my surprise, it doesn’t feel any heavier than my Sigma Art 85mm. The 85mm has always been my go to lens when shooting outdoors because of the gorgeous bokeh it creates. Now, not only do I have a slightly longer focal length (which feels similar in weight to my 85mm), but it produces even more impressive bokeh.

I adore the gorgeous compression and bokeh of this lens.

I’ve always gravitated towards longer focal length lenses and I thought the Sigma 105mm Art lens would be a great fit for creating the images I love. Like many others, I’m drawn to the compression that this focal length creates. The compression can help me separate my subject from my background. Take that and then add in the beautiful bokeh this lens creates, and the images begin to exude such a magical atmosphere. This is yet another reason why I love longer focal lengths. Childhood is often full of magic and wonder, and lenses like the Sigma 105mm perfectly relay that mood.

The 105mm focal length is the perfect happy medium.

Another beautiful trait of this lens is the wonderful focal length. Sometimes the 85mm doesn’t give me the compression I desire, especially in environments with a busy background. The 135mm can be a challenge because of the amount of space I need to back away from my subject to get the framing I desire. The Sigma 105mm Art is that happy medium, where I’m able to capture gorgeous bokeh wide open at f/1.4, and not have to back up too far from my boys.

This lens lets me stand back and be a quiet observer.

Of course there are many different types of photographers out there. Some love to immerse themselves within a moment; they like to use wide angle lenses and get in close to their subjects, making the viewer feel as though they were right there. Then there are photographers who love to be more of a fly on the wall. This is where longer focal lengths like the 105mm can be handy, and where I definitely tend to gravitate. I love to watch a moment unfold before me while being a quiet observer. Often unexpected and beautiful things happen when I pull myself away from a situation and watch my children be present in their own little world.

This lens is sharp and fast enough to keep up with my children.

Other great features of the Sigma 105mm Art are the sharpness and speed. My 85mm has always been my sharpest and fastest lens, so I had my doubts about the 105mm being able to meet the same expectations. To my happy surprise, it’s just as sharp as my 85mm and grabs focus quickly on my fast-moving children. Obviously this is key for me, and any photographer that is photographing children.

Undeniably, the Sigma 105mm Art lens is an incredible portrait lens, but it also does an excellent job when used for lifestyle photography outdoors. It offers more for me than any other telephoto lens I own with gorgeous bokeh, compression, and sharpness. I am so happy to have a lens of this quality in my camera bag.

All Photos by Meg Loeks

This is a sponsored post but opinions are those of the author.