I am honestly so fed up with my Sony 50mm f1.8 lens. I bought it because literally everyone online said it was the must-have starter lens for E-mount, but the autofocus is driving me absolutely insane. It just hunts and hunts forever, especially in anything less than blazing direct sunlight, and by the time it finally decides to lock focus, my subjects have already moved. I tried using it for a kids birthday party last weekend and half my shots of the cake blowout were blurry because the lens couldn't keep up. I am just totally done with it.
I shoot on a Sony a6400 and mostly do outdoor portraits around the Portland area, which means I deal with a lot of overcast, gloomy weather. I need something that can handle that kind of lighting without constantly searching for focus. I actually have a family portrait session booked in exactly two weeks for a close friend, and the thought of relying on this 50mm is giving me major anxiety. I need an alternative.
My budget is pretty tight right now, looking to spend around $300, maybe $350 absolute max if it is a night-and-day difference. I really want that nice blurry background but autofocus speed and accuracy are my top priorities right now. I have heard people talk about the Sigma 56mm f1.4 but it is a bit over my budget new. Is it worth trying to find a used copy of that, or are there other options I should look at? Like maybe the Viltrox 85mm or something from Samyang? What is the best budget portrait lens for Sony E-mount that actually works?
- Unfortunately had awful AF issues with budget Viltrox lenses during critical shoots myself.
- Hunt for a used Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary on Keh to save money safely.
Check MPB for a used Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary. Its a solid option under 300 bucks there, and the autofocus is much faster and more reliable than the Sony.
> My budget is pretty tight right now, looking to spend around $300, maybe $350 absolute max Oh man, I totally feel your pain with that autofocus struggle! It is the worst when you miss those key moments. Before suggesting anything, are you open to buying used gear, or do you absolutely need to buy something brand new? Also, are you okay with a tighter focal length for outdoor shots, or do you need to stay closer to that 50mm range? I'd love to help you get this sorted before your big shoot!
