im kind of freaking out because I just booked my first really big high-end portrait gig and my current gear just isnt gonna cut it for what they want. The client is expecting that super professional creamy bokeh look and im still mostly using a kit lens and a cheap 50mm which just feels amateur. I have about 1700 dollars max to spend and I need to order this like yesterday because the shoot is in two weeks and I need time to learn the lens before I go out to the location.
I am stuck between a few choices and I keep going back and forth and its driving me crazy. Its basically the Sony 85mm f1.4 GM or the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art. I heard the Sigma is technically sharper and way lighter but some people say the Sony has better colors for skin tones and since this is for a wedding and portrait combo I dont want to spend hours fixing weird colors in post. But then I saw some shots from the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM and they looked insane, but im scared it will be way too tight for the smaller studio space I rented in Chicago.
- Sony 85mm f1.4 GM (the first version)
- Sigma 85mm f1.4 Art
- Sony 135mm f1.8 GM
Is the original 85mm GM still worth it in 2024 for a pro setup or should I just get the Sigma and save some money for extra batteries? I really cant afford to mess this up...
Honestly, you should totally go with the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art Sony E-mount for this gig! I have used this lens for a ton of shoots and it is absolutely fantastic, especially when you want that high-end look without destroying your bank account. The Sony 85mm GM v1 is actually pretty old now and the autofocus is kinda loud and slow compared to the Sigma. Since you are doing a wedding and portrait combo, you really need that fast eye-autofocus to keep up with people moving around or kids at a wedding.
- Value: It is way cheaper than the Sony, leaving you money for extra gear like lights or cards.
- Weight: Much lighter for long shooting days so your arms wont get tired.
- Performance: It is razor sharp even wide open at f1.4 which looks amazing for those tight headshots.
- Versatility: 85mm is the absolute sweet spot for studio work in a city like Chicago. I love how the bokeh looks on the Sigma... it is just so creamy and professional looking. You wont have issues with colors either, honestly Sigma has come a long way and it looks beautiful on Sony sensors. Buying this lens and maybe an extra Sony NP-FZ100 Lithium-Ion Battery or a nice Tiffen 77mm Black Pro-Mist 1/4 Filter with the leftover cash is a much smarter move for your first big pro job. You are gonna kill it!
