Hi Denise here is my take on your situation.


The light shot is about even quality.


I think the Sigma wins the bottle shot.


The ball shot is about even.


And as posted the Sigma might have the switch shot.


But I think it goes further than that. First off your Canon 85 is a good lens and had been a favourite. But if I remember it is lens you don't use that often any more.


So why buy another 85mm? Well the 85 is primarily a portrait lens and you will have need for a good dedicated portrait lens. So what are the options and differences? The Canon 1.2 will be the best and it should be for the investment of that lens. Is it twice better than the Sigma?


Focus speed goes to the 1.8, with the 1.4 probably a tad quicker than the 1.2.


The Sigma has the 1.4 and is that worth twice as much as the Canon 1.8?


Let's say they are all sharp and work smooth enough for you, then you just have to match your needs or wants for the investment that you are prepared to make and what direction you might think your favoured photographic style might take you.


For me, I have about 5 different 77mm filters already so that suited the Sigma. I wanted 1.4 over 1.8 because for $900 I thought that was pretty good value. And that was the amount of money that I was prepared to invest on a dedicated portrait lens. I have other lens and body options that I am saving for, to buy in 2011. So while I could have gone without a few things andbought the 1.2 at the time, my idea was to redistribute thatextra $1000 and use it next year on something else.


So now you appear to have a good copy of the Sigma[H], is your 85mm needs fulfilled, for now? What other lenses are you thinking about?[*-)]


Cheers,


Steve