Honestly so fed up with my current 50mm prime, the focus hunting is just killing my portrait sessions and I cant keep missing shots for clients. Im shooting on an S5 right now but might move to an SL2 later so I need something native L-mount that is actually sharp. I was thinking about the Sigma 85mm Art but heard it might be a bit too heavy for my gimbal setups, or maybe the Lumix 85mm 1.8? I really need something reliable for outdoor shoots next month in Seattle where the lighting is always moody. Budget is around 1k. My logic was to keep it compact but the focus speed is my main concern. Does anyone actually love their 85mm or should I look at something else?
Honestly, the hunt for a sharp 85mm that actually tracks is real. I used to struggle with the exact same focus issues on my S5 until I switched over to the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8. Honestly, it just works. I have been using it for about a year now for outdoor portrait sessions, and the focus speed is genuinely impressive. It locks on fast and stays there. Here is why I think it is the best fit for your gear:
- It is super lightweight compared to the Sigma Art glass, so my gimbal balance is never an issue.
- The optical design is incredibly sharp across the frame even wide open at f/1.8.
- Focus breathing is minimal, which makes a huge difference if you move into video work on that SL2 later.
- It is weather-sealed perfectly for those rainy Seattle days. I shot a series of portraits in some pretty dim, moody light last month and the eye-autofocus on the S5 paired with this lens was just dead-on every time. No more missing the shot because the glass was hunting. You save a good chunk of change too compared to the bigger lenses, and the size difference makes it so much easier to carry around all day. If you want reliability and consistent sharpness without the bulk, grab this one.
Honestly, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is way too heavy for gimbals. Just grab the Sigma 85mm f/1.8 DG DN Contemporary instead; it is much lighter and the focus is snappy.
Quick reply while I have a sec. Are you strictly needing f/1.8 or could you handle a slower aperture? I would suggest checking out the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary instead. It is super compact for gimbals and saves you a few hundred bucks for a nice filter or two. Just be careful with the slightly tighter focal length, but it is plenty sharp. What kind of gimbal are you balancing?
