I'm finally making the jump to doing full-time portrait work after side-hustling for a bit and I'm really stuck on which glass to invest in first. My heart is kind of set on the Sony 85mm f1.4 GM because that focal length is just iconic for headshots but I keep seeing people rave about the 135mm f1.8 GM. The compression on that 135 looks unreal but I do a lot of work in a smaller studio space in Seattle and I'm worried I'll literally run out of room and be backing into the wall constantly.
Then there is the 70-200mm GM II which everyone says is basically a bag of primes now. My logic was that for weddings it would be a lifesaver but is the f2.8 bokeh actually professional enough compared to the f1.4? I have about $2200 to spend right now so I can only grab one big lens before my first big contract in June.
I'm leaning towards the 85mm just to be safe but then I think it might be due for a refresh soon and I dont want to buy it and have a Mark II come out next month. Does the 135mm feel too detached for close up portraits? Or is the 70-200mm just the smarter business move even if it's heavier to lug around all day...
Re: "I've been using the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8..." — I actually disagree with the idea that the zoom is the way to go for high-end studio work. The Sony FE 85mm f1.4 GM is also unfortunately quite dated now; the chromatic aberration levels are frankly disappointing and it lacks the bite of newer glass. If you're in a small Seattle studio, the Sony FE 50mm f1.2 GM is a much stronger technical choice. It features specialized XA elements that eliminate spherical aberration, offering micro-contrast that neither the 85mm nor the 70-200mm can touch at wide apertures. Working at f1.2 gives you that creamy separation you're looking for without needing the 135mm's compression. In your studio, 50mm is just more practical for full-body shots where you'd otherwise be hitting the back wall. For $2200, it’s the most future-proof glass you can get right now.
Honestly if youre working in a small Seattle studio the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM is gonna be a nightmare. You need way too much working distance for full body shots and youll be hitting the back wall constantly. With a $2200 budget you should really look at the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art instead of the Sony GM. Technically the Sigma is sharper across the frame and has much better flare resistance based on the charts Ive studied... plus its way lighter. Saving that money lets you pick up a used Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 which is basically a requirement for environmental portraits in tight spaces. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is an amazing piece of tech but the f2.8 just doesnt melt the background like a prime does. Id grab the Sigma 85mm and keep the extra cash for your business expenses. Its the smarter move for a new pro.
I've been using the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II for a while now and I'm really satisfied with how it handles professional workflows. The technical leap from the version one is huge. Since you're in a tight studio space, the 70mm end is going to be your best friend for those 3/4 shots without needing to drill a hole in the wall to step back. Here are a couple quick technical tips to help you decide:
- Focus on the motor tech. The Sony FE 85mm f1.4 GM uses an older SSM motor that's noticeably slower and noisier than the newer XD Linear Motors found in the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II. For professional work where you need eye-autofocus to be perfect every time, the newer tech in the zoom is much more reliable and works well with the latest bodies.
- Consider the Sony FE 50mm f1.2 GM for your studio work. Technically, it has better corner-to-corner sharpness than the 85mm and gives you that f1.2 look while being much easier to use in a small Seattle studio where you cant always back up enough. I've found that the f2.8 on the Mark II zoom is incredibly clean thanks to the XA elements. It doesn't look like a typical zoom lens blur... it’s very creamy and definitely pro enough for any contract. If you're worried about a refresh, the 70-200 is still very new and wont be replaced anytime soon. It’s basically a safe investment for the next five years at least. No complaints here with that choice.
Been using this for years, no complaints
I've been using Sony gear for years and honestly, the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II is the most satisfied I've been with a lens. Since you're in a smaller studio, having 70mm available is huge for those 3/4 shots. I used to rely on the Sony FE 85mm f1.4 GM, and while the glass is iconic, the autofocus speed feels dated now. Youll definitely notice the difference when you're trying to nail focus on moving subjects or at a wedding. The Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM is incredible for outdoors, but you'll be backing into walls constantly in a tight Seattle space. The zoom is a much smarter business move right now. It's surprisingly light for its size and the internal zoom mechanism keeps the weight balanced, which is great for long days. I wouldn't worry about the f2.8 vs f1.4 thing too much; the background separation at the longer focal lengths is massive anyway. It works well as a total replacement for a few primes and has definitely paid for itself in my workflow.
Can vouch for this
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!
