Cheetah34 wrote:
I recently posted a question about scanners. Got lots of great and helpful answers and suggestions. Thanks. I ended up purchasing an Epson FF 680W. Main reason. I have about 1-2,000 old photos to scan plus I really don't need the additional quality of a flat bed.
I have a Sony a7rIV with a 50 mm f1.4 lens and a 34-70 f2.8 (both Sony G master) Thinking about an 85 mm 1.4. I photograph mostly family and, of course, grandkids. Like doing informal portrait work. Sony's 85 1.4 is $1798, the Sigma is $1199. Any suggestions?
I recently posted a question about scanners. Got l... (
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Based on the gear you have, I will give you my opinion. I’ve been blessed with the ability to have many camera bodies and lenses over the past 15 years ~ around 20 bodies and 70 lenses. Mostly Canon and Sony but also some Nikon, Fuji & Olympus.
For portraits, I have have used:
~ Canon 85mm f/1.2L Mark ii - was great, gave it to a friend since I mostly use Sony now
~ Canon135mm f/2L - fell in love with the magic of this lens, still have it
~ Zeiss 135mm f/2 Classic - love this lens on both Canon and Sony (w/ adapter on Sony) but don’t use it a lot because of manual focus only. Note: the focus magnification feature on Sony bodies does make it easier to nail focus.
~ Zeiss 135mm f/2 Milvus - successor to the Classic - same comments
~ Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM - just amazing images. But I tend to favor 135mm for portraits - just my preference. I like to back off a little bit from subject. And I can get better candid photos by being at a further distance from the subject.
~ Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG Art HSM - beautiful images but super heavy and expensive huge filters. I rarely use.
~ Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 - when I ventured into using Sony bodies, I ached for a 135mm f/2 with an FE Mount based on my experience with the Canon 135mm f/2. When this lens was announced, I scoffed at first because it was f/2.8 instead of f/2. I finally lost patience waiting for an f/2 FE Mount 135mm so I bought it. I’m so glad I did. The images this lens gets can be amazing. I haven’t missed f/2 on this lens and it is soooo light!
~ Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM - this lens is absolutely amazing too and I love it. It is heavy in comparison to the Batis.
So, of all these, I mostly use the Zeiss Batis 135 and the Sony 135 GM. When there is reduced available light and I’m not using added light, I will opt for the Sony.
With your Sony a7R Mark IV and its huge sensor (mp), you can capture distant images and crop significantly when necessary and still have quality images. (I have Sony a7Riv, two a7Riii and a9 bodies.)
I didn’t mention the Batis 85mm. That is also a wonderful lens. I considered buying this but opted for the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM. There is a significant weight difference between these.
I’ll mention again the Zeiss Batis line since they are so light and produce beautiful images. I have the 18mm, 25mm, the 40mm, and the 135mm.
You have lots of great options for 85mm to 135mm. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with whatever you choose.