Just saw this thread and you seriously gotta look at the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE! It is such a hidden gem and fits your budget perfectly. I absolutely love it because it is tiny and the colors are amazing for skin tones. If you want something more traditional for a Chicago wedding, definitely check out the used listings on Fred Miranda or KEH. You can usually snag a Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE for under $400 and that extra stop of light is a total game changer for blurry backgrounds! Also, check out the tool on the website The Digital Picture to compare lens sharpness side-by-side. It helped me stop stressing over specs and just pull the trigger. Youll have a blast shooting your sisters big day!

Jumping in here as I have tested most of these over the years and found some results quite disappointing. Unfortunately, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 II STM Sony E was not as good as expected regarding focus accuracy in dim light. It is incredibly frustrating to miss focus during a ceremony because the lens is hunting. While the bokeh is smooth, the reliability just isnt there for a wedding. I actually think the Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE is a better budget pick for your A7III. Its surprisingly sharp and you can usually find it for around $300 new. I had some issues with the plastic build feeling a bit fragile, but the optical performance is solid. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is okay, but the purple fringing is honestly terrible in high contrast shots. If you want to stay under $400, the Samyang is the smart technical choice even if it feels a bit light in the hand.

Not sure about the other brand, but I think native glass is safer for weddings. Sticking with the original manufacturer works well for me.

• reliable focus
• zero issues Feels safer tbh.