Hey everyone! I recently made the switch to a Sony A7IV, and while I’ve been using a standard zoom lens for a few months, I’m really starting to feel the itch to pick up my first prime. There’s just something about that fast aperture and the sharpness you get from a dedicated prime that I feel like I'm missing out on, especially for low-light situations and getting that creamy background blur.
I’m currently torn between the classic focal lengths. I’ve been looking closely at the 35mm and the 50mm options. I do a lot of street photography and candid shots of my family, so versatility is key, but I also love the idea of an 85mm for those stunning portraits. I’ve been researching the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN, but I can't decide which one is truly the "essential" first pick that stays on the camera most of the time. My budget is around $600-$900, so I want to make sure I’m investing in a lens that I won't outgrow quickly.
For those of you who have been in the Sony ecosystem for a while, if you could only pick one prime lens to be the cornerstone of your setup, which focal length (or specific lens) would it be and why?
Yo, just saw this thread! Switching to the A7IV is a massive move, honestly that sensor is so good it really begs for some fast glass. If ur looking for hard data before u buy, check out the "Sony Alpha Blog" lens database—Marc does incredible sharpness charts that'll show u exactly how these perform on ur 33MP sensor. There's also a great resource at RTINGS for side-by-side technical comparisons. Looking at ur options from a technical perspective, it basically comes down to rendering vs. versatility: 1. Sony FE 35mm f/1.8: This is the most practical pick. It's super light, has a linear motor for fast AF (great for kids/pets), and is wide enough for street work. It's way more forgiving indoors than a 50mm. Plus, the close-focus capability is lowkey amazing for detail shots.
2. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: This is a beast for "the look." The optics are superior to the Sony 35mm in terms of micro-contrast and bokeh quality, but it's significantly heavier. It's a gorgeous lens but might be too tight for candid family stuff in a living room. I would suggest checking ur current zoom metadata in Lightroom—see where u naturally land. Personally, I think the 35mm is the "essential" one to start with. If u still want that portrait look later, u could probably find a used Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 for a great price and stay within ur long-term budget. Best of both worlds?? gl!
Regarding what #4 said about "Came here to say the same thing lol....", I definitely agree that 35mm is the correct path for most people starting out. Unfortunately, finding the right one is harder than it looks. I have tested a few and many are not as good as expected, honestly. Here is my breakdown of the usual suspects:
- Sony FE 35mm f1.8: I had high hopes for this, but the chromatic aberration is disappointing. Its light, sure, but for the price, the purple fringing in high-contrast shots is annoying to fix in post.
- Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art: Optically superior to almost everything in its price bracket. However, it is quite heavy. For street photography, you might find yourself leaving it at home because of the bulk. It feels like a chore to carry.
- Tamron 35mm f2.8 Di III OSD M1:2: Cheap and sharp, but the autofocus is slow and noisy. I had issues with it hunting in low light, which is exactly what you want to avoid for candid family shots. If you can find a deal, the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary is actually a better middle ground. It feels premium, though you lose that f1.4 light gathering. Just my two cents after years of swapping glass.
Wait, just a heads up: don't jump straight into a 50mm or 85mm if you're doing lots of indoor family stuff! They can feel way too tight in small rooms and you'll keep hitting walls lol. Honestly, I'd go with a 35mm because:
- It’s wider for street scenes
- Works way better for candid family moments
- It’s basically the perfect all-rounder I've been super satisfied with my 35mm setup; it's lowkey my favorite focal length. gl!
Came here to say the same thing lol. Great minds think alike I guess.
Came here to say the same thing lol. Great minds think alike I guess.
