I have a portrait gig next Sunday in Central Park and I am freaking out because my current kit lens is just not cutting it for the tight shots I need. I have been looking at the Sony 85mm f1.8 and the Zeiss 55mm since I read those are the go-to ones but I am still so torn.
My logic was that the 85mm would give me that creamy background but then I read it might be way too tight for some of the closer street stuff I want to do. I only have about 750 bucks to spend right now. I keep thinking maybe the 55mm is better for versatility? But will it give me enough compression or look too much like a standard lens? I am stuck and need to order today so it gets here in time...
Just saw this, honestly you might want to consider some third-party glass before you panic-buy. If 85mm feels too tight for street stuff but you hate the 50mm look, look at the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary. It is technically one of the sharpest lenses for E-mount and that 65mm focal length is a lifesaver when you cant back up far enough in a crowded park. A few technical bits to watch out for:
- Flare: The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II is great for the price but can catch weird ghosts in direct sun.
- Breathing: Some older designs shift your framing a lot when focusing close.
- Build: The Sigma is all metal and very reliable. I would suggest the Sigma 65mm specifically. It hits your budget and the rendering is technically superior to most standard primes. Good luck with the gig!
Go with the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for those tight shots. It weighs just 371g and the dual linear motors are snappy. The Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is sharp, but it doesnt provide the compression you need for Central Park portraits.
- 85mm: better bokeh, 0.8m min focus
- 55mm: versatile but looks flatter The 85mm is usually under 600 bucks, well within your budget.
Man, I am literally dealing with this exact same headache right now for a shoot I have coming up. It is honestly so disappointing that there isnt a perfect middle ground that doesnt cost a fortune or feel like a total compromise. I have been staring at my shopping cart for days trying to figure out if I want the reach or the versatility, and still dont have a solid answer for myself... IIRC, someone mentioned that shooting in Central Park can be a nightmare with purple fringing on some of these primes if the sun hits wrong. Not sure how true that is tho, but it makes me really nervous. Unfortunately, every time I think I found the right lens, I read about some weird autofocus issue. It is like you just cant win with a 750 dollar budget. I am just as stuck as you, tbh.
