I'm losing my mind trying to pick just one lens for my sisters wedding in Seattle this October... the lighting is gonna be trash since its indoors and probably raining. Ive been looking at the 35mm f1.4 GM because everyone says its the best all-rounder for E-mount but then I see people swearing the 50mm 1.2 is the only way to go for that 'wow' factor. My budget is capped at $1600 so I cant get both and I keep flip-flopping every time I watch a YouTube review. Is the 35mm wide enough for everything or am I gonna regret not getting the 50mm for the portraits? Just need to know what the actual top choice is for a single-lens setup.
Yo, if you are stuck with just one lens for a wedding, you 100% gotta grab the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM! Honestly, weddings are so chaotic, especially indoors when you cant back up because there is a cake or a table in your way. I have done the one lens challenge at weddings before and the 35mm is literally the gold standard for a reason. The 50mm is amazing for portraits, sure, but you are gonna feel so cramped during the ceremony or on the dance floor. With the 35mm, you can step in for a portrait or step back to get the whole room. Plus, that f/1.4 is a total lifesaver for those dark, moody Seattle vibes you are expecting. It handles low light like an absolute beast. You wont believe how sharp it is even wide open! Another thing to think about... the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is usually way over your $1600 budget anyway, so the 35mm fits your wallet perfectly. Its smaller, lighter, and way more versatile for a long day of shooting. You will love the way it renders skin tones too. Trust me, you wont regret the wider field of view when everyone is crowded together for the bouquet toss! Its such a fantastic piece of glass. TL;DR: Get the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM. Its the ultimate wedding lens because it works for group shots and portraits, stays under your budget, and crushes low-light situations.