I'm trying to figure out my next lens for a big engagement shoot I'm doing for my sister in Seattle this October. It's probably gonna be super cloudy and gray so I need something that handles that flat light well. I've been looking at the Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art since the reviews are glowing but then I keep seeing people talk about the Leica 75mm or 90mm APO lenses having this 3d pop that the Sigma lacks.
I have about $1500 to spend and the Sigma fits that perfectly but I dont want to buy it and then immediately wish I saved up for the Leica glass. Is the difference in image quality actually noticeable for a hobbyist or is it just marginal gains for way more money?
Honestly, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art L-mount is kind of a letdown if you actually care about technical data. I had issues with the massive pincushion distortion that requires way too much digital correction, which kinda defeats the purpose of high-end glass. It is not as good as expected for a pro shoot, especially in flat Seattle light where you need high micro-contrast to prevent the images from looking muddy.
- Leica 90mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH: Technically flawless with zero chromatic aberration, but unfortunately its way outside your $1500 budget.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art L-mount: Decent bokeh but the corner sharpness is disappointing until you hit f/4. If you want real rendering without the Leica tax, I would skip the 85mm Art. The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art L-mount actually has much better optical performance and handles flat light better than the 85mm does.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: Incredible resolution and amazing bokeh!
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 50mm f/1.4: Fantastic micro-contrast and amazing 3D pop! I love it!
Quick reply while I have a sec... Re: "The consensus is mixed on the 85mm. Regarding what #2 said about Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: Incredible resolution..."
- I totally get why people are split. I used that lens for a while but it felt a bit too clinical for those gloomy, overcast days we get up here. If you want that 3D pop without spending Leica money, you might want to consider the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art. I used it for a whole engagement season and the way it handles micro-contrast in flat light is honestly better than the 85. Just be careful tho... its a literal brick and your wrist will definitely feel it by the end of the day. I would suggest making sure you have a really solid strap if you go this route. Also, make sure to check if you have enough room to move during the shoot. You'll be standing pretty far from your sister to get the framing right. I found it way more reliable for hitting focus in low contrast than some of the lighter primes I have tried. Its built like a tank, which is great for peace of mind, but yeah, just dont underestimate the size!
Just found this thread. Like someone mentioned, that flat Seattle light is a real test for your glass. In my experience over the years, the focal length is almost secondary to how a lens handles micro-contrast when the sky is a giant gray sheet. If you want that 3d pop without the Leica price tag, take a look at the Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN Contemporary. I know it sounds like a weird focal length, but the optics are incredible and it has way more bite than the 85mm Art. For a wider environmental look, the Sigma 35mm f1.2 DG DN Art is a total performance beast that creates amazing separation. Quick tip: Use a silver reflector to punch some life back into the eyes. It helps the lens pop much more in flat light than any gear upgrade will. TL;DR: Prioritize micro-contrast for overcast days. The 65mm f2 or 35mm 1.2 Art are better performers for rendering pop than the standard 85mm.
The consensus is mixed on the 85mm. Regarding what #2 said about "Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: Incredible resolution...", unfortunately, its not as good as expected. TL;DR: Buy Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f1.8.
Seconded!
Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷
Would love to know this too
