Hi Tom thanks for many great reviews! got subscribed to you now! I started with dslr 70-200 2.8 isii as it was the safest choice for $ and versatility, then added MILC: Sigma 135 f1.8 and Sigma 85mm f1.4 dg dn. 70-200 is the one I used if I don't know what to expect or completely unaware of the surroundings and situations. 85mm when I wanted to go really light with my family, or for adult single or family portrait. 135mm is absolutely my go-to lens for kids, because kids are much shorter than adults I can be closer to them and easily bring magic to the background even for full body shots. I let go of my old 105mm, I know it's the good compromise between 85 and 135mm but for me it never has the strong factor neither north or south. Again Thank you for all your wonderful works.

@TomCalton

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joey, welcome aboard sir 🤜🤛

It's a matter of working distance, because Image quality is excellent on the 3 lenses. I'll pick the versatility go the 135mm as an outdoor photographer. With this focal length you can do portraits, low light, landscape, astrophotography, closeups of wild life, and even some bird photography at close distances. I found very useful the approach to show in real life the working distance, we can have a clear idea of proportions because we all know the width of a street. Excellent video.

Great topic !

Thanks for this video. Having a Sigma 16mm, I will choose the 105mm because I have to take some macrophotos... and portrait. finally this 105mm (2.8) seems very flexible to me!

Tom as someone who owns the 85mm hsm and the 135mm hsm for sony I eagerly await the comparison video. I purposely skipped the 105 when purchasing the others simply because simply because the fov didn't add much to my kit.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Coming to you this Friday my friend - hope you enjoy!

My next lens is going to be either the 85mm (I could cheap out and get the Sony 1.8, but I think I’d prefer the new sigma) or re-purchase the Sony 135 GM - best lens I’ve ever had by far. I’d use the 135mm more but that would be for unpaid work/hobby stuff, but for paid work I’d have more of a need for an 85, so really not sure what to do! Ha! Decisions decisions!!

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

It's a tricky one as they're two very different focal lengths. I have both an 85 and a 135 and I rarely touch the 135, mainly because the 85mm is lighter, smaller and more versatile. But I'd never get rid of the 135 because when you need that extra reach, it's awesome

I have the 135gm and 85 DG DN. Both outstanding. I’ve been waiting for Sony’s now mythical 100 1.4 for several years now. Great video as always Tom. Your channel is outstanding and keep it up! 👍

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andy, thanks for watching and for the kind words - appreciate it!

I want to take a lens but I am confused between sony 70_200 2.8 and sigma 85m1.4 dh dn and sigma 135 and use it for shooting people abroad?

Awesome stuff

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I love the 85mm f/1.8 Sony because of its great IQ and AF combined with relatively small form factor and relatively low price.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 is a firm favourite for a lot of people, for good reason!

It's subjective depending on your desired look. I sometimes shoot portraits with a 14mm.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely right! Though understanding what these lenses are capable of creating is the first step. Without knowing that it makes it really tough for beginners to make an informed decision 😊

Frankly, I love the idea of a 105 1.4 focal length (I hope Sony does come out with their 100 1.4 GM). But, Sigma really needs to redesign this lens. I tried it for a month and could not stand the massive heavy huge front element and poor AF. I returned it and got the 135 GM - I have no regrets!

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

In its current state it's very much a lens for static portraits where you're not shooting for long periods of time. I'm fairly certain that Sigma will eventually offer a redesign as it's a very popular lens. And if Sony release the rumoured 100mm then that may just force their hand.

I have all 3. The 105 1.4 is the best lens period. The rendering of it is next level.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

It's a lovely lens, just a bit of a beast!

@shinzychan5117

3 жыл бұрын

Disagree, 85 is the best. Size and quality top notch

@patrickmorgan7173

2 жыл бұрын

I own and like all 3...Nikon 85, Sigma 105 and 135mm...umm they are all great!

The problem with anything above 85mm is the focal length compression. Seen easily at 3:06. At 135mm her face essentially becomes a game texture, flattened and stretched. Her jaw line is widened, her forehead is widened. Even her nose and neck are widened, and because of that, her eyes actually look closer together than farther apart due to these proportion changes. The feel for depth is lost. These are unflattering for what is supposed to be a slender woman, which means it's even more unflattering for a bulkier person. This is why 85mm is the king of portraits.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

It's an interesting arguement - thanks for sharing! I'd be interested to know what others think to this?

@oliverdesouza5741

2 жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton I think if there really was a serious issue with 105mm and 135mm lenses, they wouldn't have been used as the standard professional portrait lenses for the last 70+ years. In fact, 200mm F2 is my favourite.

@vitabcdefghijklmno

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a misconception that longer focal lengths produce more flattering portraits. It’s actually worsened women’s face. Wider distort, longer flattened faces. That’s why the greatest portraits were made with only 50mm and 85mm. See Avedon works.

@peoplez129

2 жыл бұрын

@@oliverdesouza5741 No, they were used for portraits in the olden days because lenses were soo rudimentary that only the centers were sharp and the DOF was more curved, causing all sorts of aberrations. The first lenses were modified microscope and telescope designs. On top of that, exposure time played a key role too. They wanted shallow DOF and Bokeh, but didn't have the fastest lenses. So in order to get all that Bokeh at f/4, you'd need a longer focal length. Since the lenses and exposure times were limited by the technology of the time, it makes even more sense, because you wouldn't want to shoot a portrait at f/16 when it takes 10 minutes to get that exposure.

@oliverdesouza5741

2 жыл бұрын

@@peoplez129 From the years 1955 until today, dozens of manufacturers have produced well into the millions of 105 and 135mm full frame lenses with F2.8, F2, F1.8 and F1.4 apertures. They have been principally used to shoot portrait pictures, in studios.

you should add sony gm 100 STF and compare it with other lenses .

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe for a future test 👍

Tom, what focal length do you prefer for tight head shots?

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

For tight headshots, the 135mm is my favourite. However, I find myself reaching for the 85mm waaaaay more often. It's just a lot nicer to use and more versatile. Thanks for the great question!

Beautiful :) QUESTION : I see you are shooting outside.. 105mm - do u have a ND Filter to allow it to go down to 1.4? struggling with this outside thanks :)

@jonathanfederio7178

2 жыл бұрын

what is ur cam body?

@jonathanfederio7178

2 жыл бұрын

u can buy ND filter attach to sensor of ur cam

nice one👌

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ✌️

I've have the 135, 105, 85 DG DN and the 35 F/1.2, all brilliant, but one or even two may have to go because their weight is killing me. Hoping your next video will help me decide. Oh and Sigma if you are reading this, if you could knock up a zoom 35 to 135 F/1.2 under 1Kg, I'm your man!

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

I'll pass your suggestion on to Sigma. Thanks for the comment!

@dreammachine86

3 жыл бұрын

That is most certainly a dream lens line up for me! I love Sigmas, especially the models that are fantastic for portraits and all 4 of these are perfect for that with beautiful background blur & rendering. Unfortunately my budget doesn't really stretch to full frame at the moment so the best I can do is watch video reviews and comparisons such as these and just appreciate the output from the lenses. One day though, I'll get them! I've had the 50-100mm f/1.8 before which also gave lovely results. Was a shame but I had to sell it along with the other 3 lenses and a body that I had when finances were tight. I've just bought an Olympus EM.5 III and Panasonic Lecia 25mm f/1.4 to start getting back into photography, looking forward to getting the Sigma M43 lenses and some day getting an A7III and that lineup that you have. Do you have a portfolio or Flickr etc. with shots from then?

@flashback9966

3 жыл бұрын

@@dreammachine86 Yes, it's difficult to justify the cost, but I had to work my way up, by trading up. See this link for some images: www.juzaphoto.com/me.php?p=94279&pg=allphotos&srt=data&l=en I neglected my photography for too long because of working long hours. Now I have more time, so I'm a beginner again! Good luck Luke, if you can go for it, just go for it. . .

Which one for (!) Car/Motorcycle photography & filmmaking?🥵

I highly recommend the batis 135mm for being lightweight and super sharp

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

The Batis is f/2.8, right? How does that effect the bokeh?

Not interested in any of these but on the upcoming samyang 135mm :). I actually have the 75 and it is a very nice little lens.

I recently purchased the 105mm and it is amazing, I find I don't use my 85 or 135 for portraits anymore.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

It's a lovely lens - I can see why so many people rave about it

35 is my anchor focal length and I have built my whole kit around it. From time to time, I think about replacing my Batis 85 with Batis 135 (smallest and lightest 135mm for Sony), but it is a f/2.8 lens, and the gapping just feels weird with 35mm. Bigger and heavier 135 are not for me. Every time I buy a big lens, I just stop using it after the honeymoon period is over.

@TomCalton

2 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you mean. I have the Sigma 135mm and although it serves a practical purpose at weddings when I need that extra reach, I usually avoid it at all costs because after prolonged periods of use my back feels like it's caving in. Hopefully when Sigma get around to releasing a DG DN version this weight issue will be resolved. I'd happily live with f/2 rather than f/1.8 if that would help!

Great video Tom, it's useful to see how these different focal lengths look when shooting the same model in the same conditions and the comparison with the 35mm to show the facial distortion was quite telling. Your videos have a great production quality and they're very enjoyable to watch. Inspires me to get on and do my own photography videos on KZread (something I've been planning on doing for a while, along with music videos i.e. covers of songs, but doing the first video is a bit worrying especially seeing the high standard of other KZreadrs' videos but the best mindset would be to just get on and do it and be inspired by the success of others). Was that Bristol you were doing the model shoot for this video in? Kind of looks like it with the vibe and graffiti. I can see the Voi e-scooters too. I don't actually live in Bristol, but elsewhere in Devon, it's my favourite city though (so many lovely places and things to photograph too) and I've read up on the e-scooters and am excited to try them when I next visit there.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Luke. Thanks for your feedback - glad you found the video useful! You're totally right. The best thing to do if you want to start a KZread channel is to just start - and also make sure you're consistent with it. For the first year, expect little in terms of growth and just use it as a learning curve to get better at film making and presenting. Take the time to analyse the data, figure out what works and what doesn't just keep refining until it gets better. Small improvements all add up in the long run and YT is a long game. Also, my advice would be to pick either photography or music, not both, otherwise you'll find it hard to gain an audience. Some people who like your photography videos may not be interested in your music (and visa versa) and therefore won't watch all of your content, which will stifle growth. Anyway, I hope that helps and good luck! No, it was actually shot in Birmingham's Custard Factory, which is just a massive photographer's playground. I highly recommend going there for a visit if you ever get a chance!

I'm not even interested in buying this lense. I just enjoy your video haha

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Haha! Thanks Dexter, appreciate the support! Hope you enjoyed the video

Here are the Nikkor lenses I use for half-length portraits to tight face portraits on my full-frame cameras. Rarely do I use these lenses for full-length portraits. 85mm f/1.4 105mm f/2.5 135mm f/2 180mm f/2.8 80-200mm f/2.8

Having sold my sigma 85, and Sony 135, I kept only the 105. Yes it's big and bulbous but the quality is worth it

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Having shot with the 105, I totally get why it has such a cult following. Amazing portrait lens.

@olgagolz

Жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton what about Sigma 105 macro lens? I need a lens for beauty close ups in a studio and still cannot decide between Sigma 105 and Sony 90🥲

I think an important distinction not being discussed is how the 135mm will keep you from getting run over compared to the other two.

Really hoping that Sigma updates its 135mm next

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@troyphillips1077

3 жыл бұрын

Looks like a patient is filed for a 135mm f/1.8 Sigma dg dn

The GM 135 is the best lens really

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the GM is slightly better than the Sigma. Not that much in it when I tested them head to head. Still a heavy lens though, especially when compared to an 85mm.

samyang 85 1.4 didn't get a mention...

@TomCalton

2 жыл бұрын

Why would it? I don't own that lens...

Who is bast....???

just buy tamron 70-180 f2.8 hehe

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, true! All three lenses in one! Though, it doesn't quite give the bokeh that primes do, which for me a bit of a deal breaker unfortunately.

200mm F2.

🤩👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

🙌🤘

I am 20, 35, 50, 100 kind of guy. Optional is 20 and 100. Bcs im hobbyist who mostly shoot street, culinary and artistic objects

@cryptobyt2403

7 ай бұрын

Zoom is too expensive and too large for me tho.

Why do all the models look like they could be H&M models?

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

Question is, why do all of H&M's models look like the models I use? Definitely trying to copy my style... 🙄

@4968ace

2 жыл бұрын

@@TomCalton you pay em?

And if you don't know, choose 70-200mm ^^.

@TomCalton

3 жыл бұрын

😂 Fair point

I was thinking there will BE an IQ comparison wrong...

3:03 85mm Feels

Your model is a much more obvious variable to improve than the focal lengths. Tats!? smh

Nobody picks 85mm to do tight headshots, or 135 to do full body shots, so the point of needing to shout to communicate is moot.

@TomCalton

6 ай бұрын

Yes, they do actually. I know plenty of pro portrait photographers, most of whom use 135mm or longer for full body shots to get that catalogue look.