"...I did consult a well known photographer..." Who ronsmith? Far too many uncorroborated inferences on UHH, this statement is merely hearsay... And Well Know? Please share their name.
To answer your query I will give you an actual well known Sony Global Imaging Ambassador by the name of Mark Galer. I have great respect for Mark in as he not only is a virtuoso of his craft he is blessed with a very precious gift of clear and concise knowledge base transfer and documents his inferences with breathtaking artistry...
Please take the time to review all 50 minutes of his Sony Infomercial in which he showcases much of Sony's wonderful glass... I grew professionally from reviewing this tutorial at least a half dozen times!
Here is a link to Mark's splendid tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVdwKiTcJNsWhat FL to I use for portraiture? 75mm to 400mm they all work well depending on the varying scenarios in which they are deployed.
If I had to choose only two lenses for studio & location portraiture it would be a 85mm f1.4 which can easily double as the same angle of view of a 135mm on a "Crop" body and for long glass a 300mm f/2.8.
However if you are shooting location "Events" for recompense then the fastest Zoom optic you can afford in the 70-210mm range is by far most appropriate and germane...
Below please find examples to corroborate my above inferences.
Hope this helps ronsmith...
Wishing all the best with your epic Sony A7111... so jealous... lol
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"...I did consult a well known photographer..... (