This was a good showdown with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX Vs. Bell & Howell 85mm f/1.4. Both lenses are extremely good but both give options for your needs. In the end if you need auto focus go with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM but if you are on a budget and can manage a manual lens, it seems the Bell & Howell 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF MC has a slight optical edge. You can also look on Ebay to see if there are split focus screens that will help you manual focus the Bell & Howell lens.

This Bell & Howell 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF MC is a fantastic lens for the price if you don’t mind manual focusing. I would get a split focus screen from Ebay for your DSLR to make focusing easier. This lens comes in many names other like Samyang, Rokinon, Bower, and Pro Optic but are all made by Samyang so look around Adorama or Ebay for deals under the other names.

This Canon 135mm f/2.0 L EF USM is hands down the best 135mm portrait lens for Canon and one of the best portrait lenses ever made. This lens is amazing as long as you have lots of room to shoot it in.