I've been shooting L-mount for three years now mostly doing architecture and landscapes on my S1R but I just signed a contract for a series of corporate headshots in Chicago starting in two weeks and I'm realizing my 24-70 just isn't giving me that separation I need. I'm torn between the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN and the 105mm f1.4 bokeh master. I've got about $1100 to spend and I'm worried the 105mm is gonna be way too heavy for a five hour shoot even if the images are killer. Is the autofocus on the Sigma 85mm reliable enough for professional work or is there another prime I'm totally overlooking here?
I was digging through some old MTF data and raw files from a gig I did near Millennium Park last summer... basically had the same struggle with my S1R. Since you're worried about the weight of the 105mm f1.4 but want that high-end look, have you considered the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm f2.8 Macro? It's surprisingly good for portraits and weighs like 300g, which is nuts for a prime. I found that during a long corporate session, my wrists were way happier than when I lugged around heavy glass. The AF on that Sigma 85mm you mentioned is totally reliable for pro work, dont worry about that, but if you're doing headshots, f1.4 can actually be a bit of a trap. I used to shoot everything wide open until I realized I was tossing shots because the depth of field was too thin for a standard corporate profile. The Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN Macro Art is another one to look at if you want to save some cash. It's around $800 and the AF uses a high-speed linear motor that works perfectly with the S1R. Its technically sharper than many 85mms I've tested. Just something to think about before you drop the full $1100 on something that might give you back pain by noon.
I've been in the L-mount system since launch and honestly, I'm so satisfied with the Panasonic LUMIX S 85mm f1.8. I bought it to save money for a new strobe and it's been my go-to for headshots ever since. It weighs almost nothing and the 67mm filter thread makes life easy. TL;DR: Save the cash, get the Panasonic 85mm f1.8 for better ergonomics and reliability.
Honestly, go for the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art. I remember doing a full day of headshots in a tight studio space last year and my back was killing me by hour three just from the camera weight. If I had been lugging the Sigma 105mm f1.4 DG HSM Art all day, I probably wouldnt have been able to drive home. That 105 is a legendary piece of glass but its basically a boat anchor for handheld work. In my experience with the L-mount system, the 85mm DN Art is perfectly snappy on the S1R. It doesnt hunt as much as those older DSLR designs.
- Autofocus is quick enough for corporate stuff where people arent running around.
- The size-to-performance ratio is basically unbeatable right now.
- It fits right in your budget and leaves room for extra batteries. I've tried many 85s over the years and this one just hits different for the price. The 105 is cool for a 20 minute session but for a five hour grind... Save your wrists, man.
Just catching up on this thread and there are some amazing suggestions here! Like someone mentioned, weight is a massive factor for a five hour marathon. Since you are shooting on an S1R, AF reliability is absolutely crucial for those high-res files. Before I weigh in with my choice tho, I have a couple of quick questions to narrow things down. Are these Chicago headshots gonna be in a controlled studio environment with strobes, or are you planning to use natural light on-location? Also, are you planning to shoot tethered to a laptop during the session? Knowing the specific workflow is key because lens performance and AF tracking can vary quite a bit when you are working fast under pressure!
Can vouch for this
100% agree
