honestly i'm so fed up with using adapted M glass on my SL2 for paid gigs because the focus peaking is just way too slow when my subjects are actually moving. I missed a ton of shots at a shoot in Seattle last week and the client was pretty annoyed which has me totally stressed out. I have another big portrait session in ten days and I need a native lens that actually hits focus every time. My budget is around $3200 so the high end APO-Summicrons are mostly out of reach unless I find a miracle. Is the Sigma 85mm Art worth the weight or should I look at the Panasonic options instead? what is the best portrait prime lens for the SL2 system that won't fail me?
Just saw this. Before giving a recommendation, are you using AF-C or AF-S mode for your shoots? The SL2's DFD system is quite sensitive to third-party AF algorithms. I would suggest comparing these:
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: Exceptional resolution, but be careful with the balance on the SL2.
- Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4: Certified for better communication with the body's focus system. Make sure your firmware is current.
@Reply #1 - good point. I recently picked up the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for portraits because I needed something that wouldnt miss focus like my old M glass. It is basically a brick and your wrist will feel it, but the autofocus is surprisingly reliable on the SL2. I found mine for about $1600. It is a total lifesaver when you need that creamy bokeh but cant afford the Leica prices.
No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.
Like someone mentioned, you really need that native electronic communication for the reliability you need on a pro shoot! That 480fps refresh rate on the lens-to-body communication bus is just fantastic for accuracy and the hit rate is amazing compared to manual glass. I love it when the tech just works! Actually reminds me of when I was trying to fix my old espresso machine last weekend. Fixing the PID controller settings became a total obsession because the temp stability was off by like two degrees. I ended up taking the whole boiler assembly apart and spent three hours cleaning scale off the heating element with citric acid. The kitchen was a total mess and I didnt even get my morning caffeine fix until like 2 PM. Honestly thought I was gonna have to buy a whole new unit for a second there. Anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.
