really struggling to pick a lens for this wedding I have booked in downtown Chicago next month and the more I research the more annoyed I get. I was looking at the 85mm 1.4 GM cause everyone says it's the gold standard for portraits but then I see all these complaints about the autofocus being loud and slow. Then people say the cheap 1.8 is actually faster?
I have a $1500 budget but I dont want to waste it. If I'm charging people I want that creamy background but I cant have the lens hunting for focus while the bride is walking. Is the GM quality actually noticeable or should I just get the 1.8...
Unfortunately, my Sony FE 85mm f1.4 GM missed focus during a processional, which was a total nightmare. Not as good as expected. Honestly, the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN Art is way more reliable.
Building on the earlier suggestion, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Sony E-mount is a total beast and it beats the old Sony GM in almost every way for way less money. I've tried many 85s over the years and that Sigma is what stays in my bag because the AF is snappy and the rendering is gorgeous. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is just too old now and those focus motors are definitely clunky. But I gotta ask for some clarification tho, what camera body are you actually shooting with for this wedding? If you're on a newer body with better tracking, you can get away with more, but if you're on an older Sony Alpha 7 III Mirrorless Camera, AF speed becomes even more critical. In my experience, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is a little speed demon but you might miss that extra bit of creaminess for those professional shots. Honestly, with a $1500 budget, just grab the Sigma and keep the extra $500... you wont regret it.
Facts.
tbh i have been pretty satisfied with the way the newer af systems handle lately... everything works well once you understand the motor tech. to give you a better technical breakdown i gotta know what camera body you are actually pairing this with? the processor in the body makes a huge difference in how the lens drives those heavy elements during a processional. also are you strictly looking for that f/1.4 rendering or would you be happy with a slightly slower aperture if it meant a hundred percent hit rate? i dont have any complaints about the current lineup but the specs really change depending on the gear combo.
Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.
👆 this
Lol I was literally about to post the same thing. Glad someone else brought it up.
