I am so sick of reading conflicting reviews online and just need some straight answers. I have a family portrait shoot for my sister graduation in three weeks here in Chicago and my budget is strictly capped at $350 max. I am shooting on a Sony a6400 and really need a solid portrait lens but I am completely torn between two options.
First is the Sony 50mm f1.8. It is super cheap and fits my budget easily but literally everyone online says the autofocus is slow and noisy and honestly that worries me because I will be shooting kids who do not sit still. The other option is the Sigma 56mm f1.4 which everyone raves about but it is stretching my budget to the absolute limit even buying used on MPB. I also looked briefly at the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 but I am worried that might be too tight for the park we are using.
Is the Sigma really worth the extra cash stretch or can I get away with the Sony 50mm without losing my mind over missed focus?
Saw your post and had to jump in because I have been in this exact spot. In my experience, the bad rep the Sony 50mm gets is usually for the full-frame version. If you grab the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS, which is built for your a6400, it is actually pretty snappy and has stabilization to help with handheld shots. If you really want the f/1.4 look but the Sigma is too pricey, try these:
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 E is a total hidden gem. It is much cheaper than the Sigma and the autofocus keeps up with my toddlers just fine.
- Hunt for a used Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary on eBay or local boards. I've seen them go for $320ish lately if you avoid the big retailers. The Sigma is definitely the sharpest, but dont feel like you have to starve just for a lens. That Viltrox 56mm gets you 95% of the way there for way less cash.
I was in your exact shoes last year shooting my hyperactive nephew's birthday party in a local park. I tried saving cash with the Sony FE 50mm f1.8 first, but honestly, it was a total nightmare with the slow autofocus missing half the shots when he ran around! I ended up swapping it for the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary and my mind was blown. Here is how they stack up in the real world:
- Sony 50mm: Super cheap and lightweight, but the autofocus is definitely too slow for moving kids.
- Sigma 56mm: Incredible sharpness even wide open, and the autofocus keeps up perfectly with hyper kids.
- Viltrox 85mm: Way too tight for a park setting, you will be backing up into trees constantly. Seriously, stretch your budget for the Sigma. You wont regret it and the photos will look absolutely fantastic!
Bump - same question here
