I've been staring at lens reviews for three hours and my head is spinning. I finally upgraded to the D850 last month but now my old zooms just arent cutting it for the level of detail this sensor can actually pull. I have a wedding shoot coming up in three weeks at this really old, dimly lit library in Seattle and I need a prime that can handle the low light without making the images look mushy.
I was pretty set on getting the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G because it's legendary or whatever, but then I started reading some threads saying the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 is way sharper for the high megapixel count on the 850. My issue is that the Sigma looks like a literal brick and I'm gonna be on my feet for ten hours. Also read that the 85mm 1.8G is actually faster at focusing than the 1.4G but then why would I spend $1600 on the slower one? Its so confusing because:
- The 85mm 1.4 is expensive but maybe outdated?
- The Sigma 105mm is huge and might be too long for a cramped library.
- The 1.8 is cheap but feels weird putting a budget lens on a pro body.
I just want something that makes the eyes pop and has that creamy background but wont break my wrist. My budget is capped at $1500 so I might have to go used anyway. What do you guys actually use on this body for tight indoor portraits when you cant back up much?
I've been very satisfied with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G on my D850. Technical benchmarks show it actually has better wide-open sharpness and less color fringing than the 1.4G on these 45MP sensors. Since you're in a cramped library, the 105mm will be too tight. The 1.8G is much lighter and the autofocus is significantly more responsive. It works well for long events.
I was in your exact shoes a few months ago when I had to shoot a long retirement ceremony in this basement venue with terrible lighting. D850 in my hand and I was honestly terrified of getting blurry shots because that sensor shows every tiny bit of movement. I actually rented the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G for a weekend but found it felt a little dated for the high megapixel count... it has plenty of character but it just didnt feel surgical enough for what I needed. I ended up taking a chance on the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD and man, I have been so satisfied with it ever since. Its become my go-to for low light weddings and events. The big selling point for me was the Vibration Compensation. Since the D850 doesnt have stabilization in the body, having it in the lens is a total lifesaver when you're shooting at 1/50th of a second in a dark library.
- The sharpness is basically perfect even wide open.
- Its way lighter than the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art so your arm wont fall off after an hour.
- Weather sealing is a nice bonus for that Seattle moisture.
- It leaves tons of room in your $1500 budget. I usually see these going for around $500 used these days. It makes the eyes look incredibly crisp and the background blur is just creamy enough without being distracting. Its a serious tool that doesnt feel like a budget compromise at all. Youll be much happier carrying this around for ten hours than that massive Sigma brick.
Helpful thread 👍
Quick reply since I just went through this same headache last year. Like someone mentioned, you really dont need to drop two grand to get those sharp eyes. I struggled with the weight of some of those massive lenses during long weddings, so I eventually just stuck with the Sigma stuff. Honestly, any of their newer glass is gonna be sharp enough for that sensor without the crazy price tag.
