85 mm lenses for A73..So many options! I want to buy an 85 mm (either F1.4 or 1.8) for my E mount Sony A7iii. Primary use is portraiture. I have an LA-EA4 adapter, so I can go all the...

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I want to buy an 85 mm (either F1.4 or 1.8) for my E mount Sony A7iii. Primary use is portraiture. I have an LA-EA4 adapter, so I can go all the way back and buy an older Minolta lens, or even a newer Sigma lens for A mount and use the adapter. Or I can spend a little more and buy some various brands of E mount lenses. The question is quality. I like good color and sharp photos. I like nice bokeh, and the 3D affect of a great lens. I do not want another $1100.00 lens! Does any one have experience with this situation that they can add some knowledge to my scope?

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Check out the Zeiss Batis line. The 85mm f1.4 has been on sale lately. I really like mine and it comes in an e-mount.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=minolta+85mm&_sacat=78997&Focal%2520Length=85mm&Mount=A%252Dmount%7CMinolta%2520A%252Dtype&Maximum%2520Aperture=f%252F1%252E8%7Cf%252F1%252E2%7Cf%252F1%252E4%7Cf%252F1%252E5&_dcat=3323&_sop=15

You may also consider some older manual lenses with the $10 adapters. Since you are shooting portraits, a manual lens might just be easier to critically focus than a AF lens.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

UTMike wrote:

Check out the Zeiss Batis line. The 85mm f1.4 has been on sale lately. I really like mine and it comes in an e-mount.

That was my choice until I started reading up on the new Sigma, but I still covet Zeiss lenses.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

ORpilot wrote:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=minolta+85mm&_sacat=78997&Focal%2520Length=85mm&Mount=A%252Dmount%7CMinolta%2520A%252Dtype&Maximum%2520Aperture=f%252F1%252E8%7Cf%252F1%252E2%7Cf%252F1%252E4%7Cf%252F1%252E5&_dcat=3323&_sop=15

You may also consider some older manual lenses with the $10 adapters. Since you are shooting portraits, a manual lens might just be easier to critically focus than a AF lens.

Exactly what I have been researching. But is a six year old Sigma better than the thirty year old Minoltas? Then we have Samyang, etc!

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

azted wrote:

Exactly what I have been researching. But is a six year old Sigma better than the thirty year old Minoltas? Then we have Samyang, etc!

With my stable of lenses dateing back 1960's Exackta Zeiss lenses, I have found that there are some good and others are not so good. I had a few Spiratone lenses that had crapy resolution but made a great portrate lens because they act like a soft focus dreamy lens. It hides blemishes and facial flaws. Then I have also discovered that my 40 and 50 yr old Zeiss lenses are almost as good as modern lenses. I also have a Minolta AF A-mount 24-85mm that is nice for people shots. You might be surprised at some old lenses. All those old manual Russian lenses in 39mm and 42mm are copies of zeiss lenses. One of the virtues of the Sony E system is that there are adapters for almost any lens.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Take a strong look at the Sony 1.8 it has some major sharpness 1.4 is awesome but how often is an 85 used wide open

BushDog Loc: San Antonio, TX

My suggestion.
Based on cost concerns.
First choice - Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE mount
Next step up - Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8
And next step up - Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM (ultimate)
Honorable mention - Sigma

markwilliam1

azted wrote:

I want to buy an 85 mm (either F1.4 or 1.8) for my... (show quote)

I’m a fan of the older Minolta AF lenses from around 1985! The colors and bokeh are Amazing! All metal construction. They even made their own glass! Look for the Early model. I use these older Minolta lenses on my Sony a77ii. You won’t be disappointed!

lehighjack Loc: somewhere in FL

Valtrex 85mm 1.8 Series1 or 2. Built like a tank, excellent bokeh, auto focus works great. Series 1 sometimes can be firmwared to 1.6, at your peril. Check out youtube.

User ID

ORpilot wrote:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_..............:
You may also consider some older manual lenses with the $10 adapters. Since you are shooting portraits, a manual lens might just be easier to critically focus than a AF lens.

My own a7III enjoys adapted “85”s from Canon, Minolta, Nikon, and Sigma. Just pick one ... by size, by price, by prestige, whatever ... you really can’t go wrong.

Don’t forget 90mm. It’s the same thing, and by including it in your search you broaden your options. The little 90 from the Minolta CL is in demand for adapting onto Sonys.
.

usually about $275, not rare
usually about $275, not rare...

(Download)

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

azted wrote:

That was my choice until I started reading up on the new Sigma, but I still covet Zeiss lenses.

Another vote for the outstanding Zeiss Batis f/1.8. It is currently on sale in the US for $1,020. For an excellent budget option you should look at the Sony 85mm f/1.8, currently on sale for $549. I do not know the Sony lens but a lot of users on the A7 III Facebook group really like this lens.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

azted wrote:

I want to buy an 85 mm (either F1.4 or 1.8) for my... (show quote)

Minolta 100mm f2.8 SOFT - go to Dyxum and read the reviews ! $400 or cheaper on ebay ....
.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

imagemeister wrote:

Minolta 100mm f2.8 SOFT - go to Dyxum and read the reviews ! $400 or cheaper on ebay ....
.

I just bought the Minolta 100mm F2.8 Macro, and I have yet to totally test it. I'll check out Dyxum. All the responses are in agreement with my thoughts....scattered. There is no one way to go. But I want to offer all of you my thanks.

markwilliam1

azted wrote:

I just bought the Minolta 100mm F2.8 Macro, and I have yet to totally test it. I'll check out Dyxum. All the responses are in agreement with my thoughts....scattered. There is no one way to go. But I want to offer all of you my thanks.

Well you just bought the Best Macro lens ever made if it’s the 1985 Minolta copy! Dyxum rated it a 10!