Im finally stepping up my portrait game and just got a Sony A7IV and im so hyped to start shooting professionally!! I have a cousins graduation coming up next month in Seattle and I really need a solid prime lens before then. Right now im basically torn between the Sony 85mm f1.8 and the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN. The Sony is way cheaper and lighter but everyone says the Sigma has that magic bokeh even though its heavier and more expensive. My budget is capped at about $1100 so the GM is definitely out of the question for now... do you guys think the extra weight and cost of the Sigma is actually worth it for those outdoor shots or should I just stick with the reliable f1.8 and save some cash?
Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in before you pull the trigger. Since you’re just starting to shoot professionally, I would suggest being really careful with how you allocate that $1100. It is super tempting to blow the whole budget on the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art because that f1.4 look is incredible, but you might want to consider the practical side of a graduation gig first. If you grab the Sony FE 85mm f1.8, you are gonna have hundreds left over for stuff you actually need. You should definitely make sure to get a few essentials:
- Godox V1S Flash for Sony
- Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Battery
- PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND 2-5 Stop Edition 2 Trust me, nothing kills the vibe of a professional shoot faster than your gear dying halfway through the ceremony or being unable to handle harsh sunlight. Since it is Seattle, the lighting can change in five minutes, so be careful. It’s better to have a versatile kit than one heavy lens and no money left for lighting or power. Just trying to look out for ya since those long events can be brutal if you aren't prepared... anyway, let me know if you need more help with the setup!
To add to the point above: I totally agree about the Sony FE 85mm f1.8. I once spent a whole day shooting a long ceremony with a massive lens and my wrist was basically dead by dinner... be careful with that extra weight! If you really want that f1.4 look tho, you might want to consider the Samyang AF 85mm f1.4 II FE. Its weather sealed, lighter than the Sigma, and stays under your $1100 budget easily.
Like someone mentioned, weight and weather sealing are huge, especially if youre gonna be out in Seattle. It gets pretty drizzly there, so I would suggest being careful with lenses that arent fully sealed. You might want to consider the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 instead of the ones you listed. Its basically the pro version of the Sony 85mm... super lightweight but has actual gaskets for weather protection and that special Zeiss look. It should fit under your $1100 budget if you shop around a bit. Honestly, since its your first pro gig, make sure to pick up a B+W 67mm Master Clear Filter MRC Nano too. In my experience, having that extra layer of safety is worth every penny when you're dealing with unpredictable outdoor conditions. I’ve seen too many people stress out over a little moisture on the front element. Just my two cents, but staying reliable is way better than chasing f1.4 bokeh if the lens is too heavy or gets damaged... just something to think about!
> My budget is capped at about $1100 I was in the exact same boat when I first started and honestly I was so worried about picking the wrong gear... I ended up playing it safe with the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 and im super satisfied with it. It just works every time and I didn't have to stress about the autofocus missing. I know people love that f1.4 look but honestly the f1.8 is plenty for me and it keeps things simple. If you want something a bit different but still very high quality, you might look at the Sigma 90mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is part of their i-series and the build is just incredible... feels like a vintage lens but with modern speed. Kinda perfect if you want something small and reliable for a long day in Seattle. Quick tip: Grab a spare battery like the Sony NPFZ100 because those ceremonies always run long and the last thing you want is a dead camera when the diplomas come out.
Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷
I've been shooting with the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for a few years and I'm honestly very satisfied with how it performs. Since you're just starting professional work, reliability should be your top priority. Seattle weather can be tricky, and having a native lens usually means better weather sealing and more consistent autofocus.
- The autofocus is lightning fast on the Sony A7IV, which is crucial for candid shots at a graduation.
- Its way lighter than the Sigma, so you wont get tired carrying it around the ceremony all day.
- You save about $500, which you can put toward a solid speedlight like the Godox V1S Flash for Sony. The Sigma is nice, but for a first pro lens, the Sony 85mm is a safer bet that works well every time. No complaints from my end.
