So I finally bit the bullet and switched over to a Panasonic S5II a few months ago after using aps-c stuff for forever. Honestly, the jump in quality is pretty huge but now I feel like my old glass is really holding me back, especially for portraits. My main gig is doing graduation photos and the occasional wedding here in Seattle, and the weather is usually grey so I really need something that can cut through that flat light and give me that super sharp pop on the eyes.
Ive been scouring the forums and watching those endless youtube reviews for weeks. Everyone keeps raving about the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art, saying it is basically the gold standard, but then I see a bunch of people on some other boards saying the Leica 50mm Summilux is technically sharper if you dont mind the price tag. Then there is the Lumix 85mm 1.8 which is way cheaper and lighter for walking around, but is it actually sharp enough for professional work or am I just being cheap?
Im trying to keep the budget under 2k if possible, but if the Leica is genuinely in a different league of resolution then I might just save up for a bit longer. Im definitely looking for that clinical, hair-splitting sharpness where you can see every single eyelash, you know? Its for a big shoot coming up in late July so I have a little bit of time to hunt for a deal or wait for shipping. I keep going back and forth because some people say modern lenses are all sharp enough anyway, but Ive used some older lenses that just left me underwhelmed when I zoomed in to 300 percent. Does anyone have real experience comparing these? Is the premium price for the Leica actually worth the extra sharpness or should I just grab the Sigma and call it a day...
^ This. Also, honestly had such a frustrating time with the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. For that price, I really expected perfection, but I had issues with focus hunting during lower-light weddings, which was a nightmare. It is sharp, sure, but is it worth double the price of the alternatives? Not in my opinion. Are you shooting your portraits mostly wide open at f/1.4 or do you typically stop down to f/2.8 for a bit more depth? That makes a massive difference in how these lenses render eyes. If you want that clinical look without the Leica tax, have you looked at the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN MACRO Art? It is arguably sharper than the 85mm primes and the micro-contrast is insane for those overcast Seattle days. It might be exactly what you need for that pop.
Honestly, skip the Leica and just grab the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art. In my experience, it provides that clinical, hair-splitting sharpness you need for professional portrait work every single time.
Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.
