my old 85mm literally snapped and I have a huge wedding shoot in ten days so I'm panicking. I've got like $800 max and I'm looking at the Canon 85mm 1.8 vs a used Sigma Art. Is the Sigma's weight worth it on a 5D IV or should I just stick with the lighter Canon?
TL;DR: Used Sigma. Im really satisfied with my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF. Its a workout for your wrist but way better than the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.
> Is the Sigmas weight worth it on a 5D IV or should I just stick with the lighter Canon? I had a lens mount fail during a ceremony once and it was a total nightmare! Since then, I only trust gear with heavy-duty weather sealing and solid metal internals. My current setup is huge but the reliability is fantastic! I even looked at the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD since it has vibration compensation which is amazing. Honestly, that extra weight is totally worth the durability when youre under pressure!
ngl that wedding deadline is cutting it super close... i totally get the panic tho. I've been really satisfied with how reliable the 5D series is for big events but jumping into a used lens right before a big gig makes me a little nervous for you. Just curious, have you checked if you have a local shop that can calibrate a used Sigma for you if the focus is off? I'd hate for you to get a used copy that isnt sharp right out of the box. Also, are you planning to carry two bodies or just swap lenses during the day? Knowing how you work might help figure out if that extra weight is actually gonna be a dealbreaker or not since reliability is everything when people are paying you.
^ This. Also, I've been very satisfied with how these third-party lenses handle on the 5D Mark IV. They provide a high level of performance that works well for a professional wedding workflow. Basically, you get high-end glass without the massive price tag. Weight is definitely a factor tho. To help you decide before your shoot in ten days, I have a few questions. Are you mostly shooting handheld in low light, or do you use a flash for your portraits? Also, is that f/1.4 aperture a must-have for your look, or are you prioritizing staying well under that 800 budget? Knowing if you'll be in a dark church or outdoors would really help.