I'd skip the 85mm and get the 50mm plus the Sigma 105mm F1.4 to really differentiate between the two focal lengths. But if you're just picking one then I suggest looking at samples of 85mm F1.4 lenses and samples of 50mm F1.2 and just judge which perspective is more pleasing to you. There's no right or wrong answer here, both lenses would be excellent for portraiture, both lenses can throw out a background.
I don’t have any experience with either for Sony, but I know that for portraits, I certainly much prefer larger FL’s. In the Nikon land, my most favorite portrait lens has been 200/2 followed by Zeiss 135/2 APO. Not only are they ultra sharp and provide the pleasing compression due to their focal lengths, but It is just something magical about how they render portraits! In the Sony land, I have read/heard similar great things about 135/1.8.
Bottom line — If tight portraits is your main intention (and not necessarily environmental portraits), I would certainly go with 85mm and longer. But if you want something for more general shooting, including environmental portraits, I think 50/1.2 would serve you better.
I don't have the 50 gm but have the sigma 85 dg dn, 105 1.4 and 135 gm. Absolutely love all 3 but i can see how a 50mm would work better in tighter more general type shooting. I always bust out my sigma 105 1.4 eye of sauron for those incredible half body and headshots. It's seriously so gorgeous and has a special look to the images. The sigma 85 dg dn has also surprised me with his bokeh and rendering f/1.4-2 and it insanely sharp as well. For outdoors i go to the 135 gm always. If you trying to decide between 50 and 85 just GAS it up and get both
I did use the 85 gm for a short time and really liked its bokeh and skin tones. I am waiting to see if sony will release a 85 1.2 gm. That would not be a bad reason to pause the GAS.
sismailian wrote:
I don't have the 50 gm but have the sigma 85 dg dn, 105 1.4 and 135 gm. Absolutely love all 3 but i can see how a 50mm would work better in tighter more general type shooting. I always bust out my sigma 105 1.4 eye of sauron for those incredible half body and headshots. It's seriously so gorgeous and has a special look to the images. The sigma 85 dg dn has also surprised me with his bokeh and rendering f/1.4-2 and it insanely sharp as well. For outdoors i go to the 135 gm always. If you trying to decide between 50 and 85 just GAS it up and get both
I did use the 85 gm for a short time and really liked its bokeh and skin tones. I am waiting to see if sony will release a 85 1.2 gm. That would not be a bad reason to pause the GAS....Show more →
I’ll alternate between the GM 50mm, 85mm DN, Sigma 105 and GM 135mm (sometimes the 35mm f1.2) for portrait shoots. The crowd pleasing shots always seem to come from the 105mm f1.4.
bobby350z wrote:
I am mostly 85mm or longer focal lengths but just got my Fuji GF 80mm f1.7 (63mm something equivalent) and now I can see why some like 65mm-70mm range. I wanted to try that 50mm f1.2 too but my discount on it is gone. 85mm f1.4 is another 85mm IMHO.
Have you tried the GF110? If there is one portrait lens to rule them all that one might be it.
85GM all the way for me. The 50 is more like a reportage type of lens for individuals/portraits in my view. Also in contention - 135 - or 200mm if I really want to melt the BG!
I am in the 50 1.2 camp. I don't have the 85 1.4 but I do have the 85 1.8 and it is one of my least used lenses. I guess I'm just not an 85 focal length guy? I really like the look of a 50 1.2 for close portraits and have always loved the 70-200 at 2.8 to maximize compression for longer portrait work.
Either way you go the 50 1.2 and 85 1.4 are both amazing lenses and will give you excellent result! What ever focal length you prefer is where you should invest your money.
ReadyAF wrote:
Agree with the consensus ... 85mm f1.4 better for tight portraits.
But be aware it’s focus speed is substantially slower than the 50 gm. If you’re taking action oriented pics or want more environment in your photos the 50 is your better choice.
On the A1, the 85 GM AF is very quick and accurate.
I have them both. They are both stellar, you can't make a bad choice here. If you can't keep both, I'd choose the 85 GM if portraits are your main concern, and the 50 GM if a more all-purpose lens is your preference.
Another option would be to keep the 85 GM, sell the 50 GM, and buy a used Sony Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZA. Almost as good as the GM and a steal at used prices on the Buy & Sell forum.
Do you have adequate shooting space to accommodate full length portraits (assuming you might want to take some) with an 85? The 50 and 135 GMs are my favorite lenses, and while I prefer the 135 for portraits, you need a lot of space for it. The 85 needs more than 50% more distance than the 50 to give the same framing.
In terms of cost, you could get the 50 ZA plus the 85/1.8 for the price of either GM. Both of these alternatives are strong performers, the 50 ZA being absolutely lovely in terms of rich colors and bokeh. It does not focus as swiftly as the GM, but it is an amazing lens. Even though I now have the GM, I miss the rendering of my 50ZA for some subjects/scenes.
As long as you have the space for them, you can’t go wrong with either lens.
Currently own the 50 1.2 GM, 85DN, and prior owned the 85GM. If only one, the 85GM for most portrait work would be the pick. Just love images coming off this lens. The 50 GM is addictive and a better lens than either 85 imho, but most of my clients prefer the look of the 85 over the 50. However, for groups, 3/4 or full body portraits, the 50 is my preference.
smpetty wrote:
On the A1, the 85 GM AF is very quick and accurate.
Scott, any chance you can compare the focus speed (and more importantly, accuracy) of the 85 GM on an a7riii vs the A1? For street work I've been getting by with the 85 GM + a7riii in most situations, but for action shots I definitely get my fair share of misses. I've got my eye on an A1 and while I'm not expecting it to magically turn the 85 GM into a speed demon, curious what improvement I can expect over the a7riii. Remains one of my favorite lenses Sony offers so would be great to breathe a bit more life with the A1. Wondering if we're talking about 20% faster & more accurate for moving subjects, or better? Thanks, Mark
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