^ This. Also, if you want another budget alternative that punches way above its weight for weddings, look at the Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 II FE. In my experience shooting outdoor ceremonies over the years, you can regularly find it under four hundred bucks brand new. The autofocus isn't quite as snappy as Sony's first-party glass, but the light gathering power at f1.4 saves you when the sun starts going down.

Just catching up on this thread. Looking strictly at the optical data and MTF charts, the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is surprisingly sharp, but the chromatic aberration control leaves a lot to be desired wide open. Unfortunately, high contrast edges in outdoor wedding settings show noticeable purple fringing that requires tedious post-processing. If you want a sharper budget alternative that stays under your 800 dollar limit, check out the Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 II FE. It delivers much better background separation than the Sony without breaking the bank, though build quality isnt quite as weather-sealed. Make sure to test whatever you buy immediately before the Chicago trip so youre not surprised by autofocus tracking speeds during the ceremony.

Honestly, since your absolute limit is 800 bucks, the choice is already made for you. The Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art usually runs closer to eleven or twelve hundred new, so unless youre buying a beat-up used copy right before a wedding, stick to your budget. Plus, I would suggest being careful with heavy glass during outdoor events anyway. Holding that extra weight for hours straight gets exhausting fast, and your arms will shake. The Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is significantly lighter, super sharp, and costs way less. Save your cash for backup gear or a decent flash. Ngl, missing focus because your arms are tired from a heavy lens is way worse than slightly less creamy bokeh.