So what prime lens should I actually get for portraits on my Sony mirrorless setup if I want that really creamy background look? I am finally getting serious about my side hustle after doing free shoots for friends for like two years and I am just so excited to actually buy some real glass but honestly the options are kind of overwhelming when you start looking at the prices and all the different brands. I am currently using the basic kit lens that came with my A7IV and while it is okay for vacations it just does not give me that professional pop that I see in all the Pinterest boards I have been saving for my upcoming senior portrait sessions in October.

I have been doing a ton of research and everyone says the Sony 85mm f1.8 is like the best value for money but then I see other people swearing by the Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art series and I am just confused if the f1.4 is actually worth the extra weight and cost because I am going to be shooting outdoors a lot in parks around Portland and I do not want to be carrying a huge brick all day if the difference is tiny. Plus I read some weird stuff about the Sigma having some autofocus issues with eye-tracking in video compared to the native Sony glass and since I might do some behind the scenes reels for Instagram that kinda scares me.

My budget is around 1200 bucks give or take a little bit if it is truly a game changer but I also looked at the 135mm f1.8 G Master and while it looks incredible it seems like it might be way too tight for some of the smaller garden locations I have booked? I just want something that makes the skin tones look natural and gives me that buttery bokeh without being a nightmare to carry around. Should I just play it safe with the Sony 85 or is there a dark horse lens I am missing here? I am so ready to pull the trigger on this tonight but I just keep jumping between tabs...