sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm totally lost. My logic was that a prime lens makes things look more professional since it doesnt zoom? I have a $400 budget to take pictures of my baby daughter but I'm stuck on which number is better for portraits... like 50 or 85?
Honestly, i've seen so many people rush into buying an 85mm and then they're just disappointed because they cant even use it in a normal sized living room. Its a great focal length for pro headshots but for a squirmy baby? Youre gonna want some room to breathe. Unfortunately, i had some real issues with the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE where it just wouldnt lock focus on eyes fast enough... really not as good as i expected for the price. If youre stuck inside, the 85mm is basically a telescope. Youll be backing up into the furniture constantly. Id strongly suggest looking at the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 instead. Its the safer bet for a parent. I tried some of those super cheap alternatives like the Samyang AF 45mm f/1.8 FE but the build quality was a pretty big let down, felt way too plasticky and fragile. I worry about gear longevity when there are kids around, yknow? The 50mm is way more versatile for those cute full-body shots and you wont feel cramped. Just be aware the autofocus on the cheaper Sony 50 can be a bit noisy, which is annoying, but it's reliable enough for your budget. TL;DR: Stick with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8. The 85mm is usually way too tight for indoor baby photos and you dont want gear thats gonna fail you when she starts crawling.
