So I'm trying to figure out which prime lens I should actually buy for my new Sony setup to get those really nice blurry backgrounds for portraits? I finally upgraded to an a6400 and I am honestly so excited to start shooting my family and friends this summer!
I read online that the Sony 85mm f1.8 is amazing but then others say the Sigma 56mm is better for the crop sensor because the 85mm might be way too tight for shooting indoors or in smaller spaces. My budget is around $550 max and I really want to order something by next week before our beach trip. I just dont want to regret it if its too zoomed in...
In my experience, choosing the right focal length is way more important than raw specs when you are starting out. I have tried many lenses over the years, and for a crop sensor like your a6400, the 85mm is honestly a bit too restrictive for indoor family gatherings. Youll find yourself backing into walls just to get a decent head-and-shoulders shot. It is basically too much lens for most small rooms. For your budget and needs, I strongly suggest the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E. It gives you that classic 85mm equivalent look without being impossible to use in smaller spaces. It is widely considered the sharpest lens for the Sony APS-C system, so it is a very safe investment. While the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is excellent glass, it is really designed for full-frame bodies. Go with the Sigma for your beach trip. You wont regret the extra breathing room... it is just more reliable for daily use.
