Is 85mm best focal length for portrait photography?

@nashrulyaacob173

3 жыл бұрын

Pav SZ how is it compared to zeiss 85mm 1.8?

@aeon9675

3 жыл бұрын

i am a big fan of ur works, i really like the photos by this lens in this video , r these edited ?

@Cestariarts

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!!

@bahaatamer1245

2 жыл бұрын

Yes... Until you try the 105mm f1.4 (ignoring the 135mm f1.8)

I bought the Sigma 24-70 DG DN lens for Sony e mount in June, and I was so happy when they announced the 85mm DG DN, that I sold the Sony 85mm F1.8 for this one. I’m not saying people should sell their Sony for the Sigma, but I’m pretty happy I did.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

I'm saying it!!! Sony 85mm f1.8 FE auto focusing in video sucks! This is a better lens overall 😉

@DavidStella

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ I can attest to that 100%. Huge difference between the two in video autofocus performance.

Excellent review, Pav. Short, concise real-world review, and gets right to-the-point. Thank you.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Fantastic.. .. when you said it's time to give us a redesigned 50mm dg dn art lens. :D :D definitely it is.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed they gonna give us one soon

Sigma needs to release a 70-200 2.8 for Sony e mount!

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

they do!

I’ve been liking the Art 24-70 since I got the A7iv, per your recommendation. I just got the Art 85 specifically for outdoor family portraits and my dogs. I’m looking forward to trying it. I’ve been using the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 in a similar role but I have to backup a mile to get some decent bokeh.

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

70-180 is an awesome lens, it's not that bad for getting really nice bokeh, distance wise. 85mm should be better for you

Great review! Love the lens, glad you came around 😉

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Me too! thanks dude!

This is brilliant, Pav!

Thank you for the great review! Just got this lens and is very happy with the image quality. However when I'm shooting video, especially when tracking a face in the frame or quickly switching from one focus point to another, the in-body mic can pick up some very noticeable focusing noise, there are some mechanical clicks and some digital beeps and boops, is it a flawed copy or a known issue? Thank you very much!

@PavSZ

8 ай бұрын

nothing wrong with it. Internal mic is picking these through the camera body and they sound probably louder than they really are. External mic should pick these up. If you not sure, go to any camera store and try another copy on your camera to compare

Thanks! I'm hoping to get this in L-mount once there's a nice deal. I like your style! Sigma said that they were initially against computational corrections, and still prefer not to for some projects, but some design clients requested it, and they realised that the compromises were minor and the advantages great.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

It is easy to create Lightroom preset to correct the distortion and vignetting on import. I'm shooting with the L-mount version right now on S5 and I'm loving this lens more and more. Thanks for watching!

I think this beats the 85GM easily for its value and price and I heard the AF is pretty close too. I am using the Masters of bokeh and AF 135GM but ive to go to another neighbourhood to shoot full body! Getting this 85mm DG DN next for portraits. Thanks Pav!

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

you're welcome! I think it's a great lens but bear in mind the distortion and vignetting if you are shooting RAW. Fixable of course but it adds an additional step to the processing time

@shadostorm8375

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ Thanks for the headsup Pav. Would it be better to turn on auto lens correction in cam or do it in Lightroom? Which is more accurate?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

@@shadostorm8375 you can only apply the correction in camera if you are shooting jpeg. You doesn't do anything if you shoot RAW. I think in cam will be more accurate with jpeg

Just got one and love it so far. Incredibly sharp with screaming bokeh. This is my first Sigma prime and I am very pleased so far.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

It is an amazing lens! Good choice!

Nice review, nice portraits!

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

I purchased Zeiss Batis 85 just 2 weeks before Sigma released this 85. Had I not just bought the Batis, I would've grabbed the Sigma instead. I think the Batis is great, but I can't help but wonder if the Sigma punches harder with the faster aperture.

@CrisostomoIbarra1989

3 жыл бұрын

I’m selling my sigma for the batis 😅 sigma is very sharp and contrast but I hate the flare.

Any idea when Sigma might convert some of their other HSM lenses to DG DN? Maybe a Sigma roadmap? I'm really wanting an updated 50mm f/1.4 that isn't the size of a sub-compact car.

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

maybe soon. Check out my latest video kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZqigtbuLddXYdMo.html

Sony 6400 What would this model camera look like for a photoshoot in 2022?

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

it would look pretty much identical to a6500 and 6600 but without IBIS

Hello, from ur experience, I wanted to ask u about bokeh comparison in sigma 85mm f1.4 lens on both apsc and full frame, which camera will result in more bokeh? I know that full frame is better in bokeh but considering the compression we get from the crop factor on apsc in the 85mm distance will that result in more bokeh than using it in full frame body?

@PavSZ

Ай бұрын

there will be very small difference in bokeh, if any, between full frame and APS-C. There will be very small difference in depth of field but I don't think that would affect or change the quality of photos this lens can produce. Bokeh is not everything

@shathan.10

Ай бұрын

@@PavSZ the reason I’m asking is that that I wanna get the most bokeh that someone ever can get and since I use APSC I thinking of moving to full frame just for better bokeh, I use off cam flash so low light isn’t problem with me. So is it worth upgrading for full frame with this lens for better portrait results or just use it on my APSC

@PavSZ

Ай бұрын

@@shathan.10 you might be mixing depth of field and bokeh. Two different things

Hi will sigma 85mm f1.8 will be better choice for lumix s5 or prime 85 lens ?

@PavSZ

8 ай бұрын

Better choice for what? Both great lenses. Sigma is f1.4 and Lumix is f1.8 I have made a video awhile ago comparing both side by side on S5.

Great review! I personally find the sigma's bokeh disappointing on busier highlights for an f/1.4 and would just stick with the FE f/1.8 if those already own it or do more video work.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

85mm FE is one of the worst focusing lenses for video that I have ever used. Very unpredictable and slow. I do LOVE Sony lenses and I'd always go for a Sony lens if I had a choice but in this instance this Sigma 85mm f1.4 is a more sophisticated lens than the Sony 85mm FE f1.8. I can't say that I've noticed bokeh being too busy - it is very similar to the bokeh Sony 85mm f1.4 GM lens produces

@summonedfist

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ I realized my last line was very poorly worded, I meant that those who DO do video should consider upgrading to the sigma. I'm more photo-oriented and happy to just stick with the FE :)

Would you choose the Sigma 85 over the Sony 85 GM?

@PavSZ

9 ай бұрын

yes, it's much cheaper

Good thing you call out the close focusing distance. Its a big deal and it seems its accepted because its how it always has been. But why put up with it, when there are lenses like the panasonic 42.5mm or macro zooms.

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

yes!

@fredriksvard2603

2 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ i got a regular full frame 85mm 1.8 and i bump into the focus limit *all* the time, i also think about it all the time which distracts me from thinking about other settings, composition, communication with subjects. So now i have a slower 24-105 f4 macro purely for this reason. If they'd figure out a way to make 1.8 primes with "macro" capabilities i'd preorder immediately, i wouldn't think too much about potential optical quality, weight or autofocus drawbacks as it's not as important to me. Let's say i'm in a dark club shooting a band and i want some closeups of hands, instruments or even faces. F4 is a no go, switching lenses only for that in that environment when things happen fast isn't gonna happen. Even for hiking or walking around a city shooting things casually - realistically i'll only take photos if i can do it effortlessly without switching lenses or fiddling with macro tubes.

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

@@fredriksvard2603 minimal focusing distance is something that you basically get used to. If you need to get really close - I'd recommend zoom lenses all the way. If you really need that wide aperture of the primes, you could use those close-up, screw on, filters - Sigma used to do them and they still can be found on eBay. Those can reduce your minimal focusing distance by half

@fredriksvard2603

2 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ Yes, going with zooms for general stuff and a prime for concert photography. 2.8 zooms are heavy and pricy so i'm sticking with f4. I have a set of macro tubes but it's such a hassle and they're not working well, plus they really limit the range in the far end. Those macro filters, might try em out...

Great review Pav, did you manage to set focus lock to eye AF on A7III?

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

yes, it works just like with any Sony lens

I'm very late to the party but @Pav SZ what do you think of the Sony 85mm Vs this Sigma? Do you think the Sigma is worth the extra money? How much bigger and heavier do you find it?

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

I guess, you are referring to Sony 85mm f1.8 lens. I prefer the Sigma. It's heavier but it delivers better results in my opinion.

@darrenhaken

2 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ is the quality better beyond just sharpness - rendering, bokeh etc? These are things that matter more to me! This isn't for pro work btw

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

@@darrenhaken it's all subjective really. Search for both lenses on Flickr - you'll be able to judge for yourself

@darrenhaken

2 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ terrific idea

Your photos are great

Most f/1.4 lenses are not very sharp wide-open, often surpassed by cheaper f/1.8 lenses. My $$$ will be spent on the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 (half the price) that you have also reviewed. Regarding closer focusing, get a macro lens. A 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens will still yield beautiful bokeh and is an excellent and often overlooked portrait lens!

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

All Sigma f1.4 and even 35mm f1.2 are pin sharp wide open on Lumix and Sony cameras. And I agree with the macro for macro photography but I meant something totally different in this review - for me, all 85s do not focus close enough for capturing close-up images (not macro)

@fredriksvard2603

2 жыл бұрын

Had the panasonic 85, getting either the sigma 85 or 135. Having a separate lens for any type of closeups you might want to take with a short tele equipped is annoying, with these lenses i bump i to the focus limit all the time in everyday use. Its annoying but what can you do. Well, you can get an mft camera with a 42.5, or a much slower panasonic "macro" zoom.

Hi Pav Sz, thanks for this video. I’m wondering what lens did you use to film this video?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

good question. The talking parts were filmed with Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art Dg HSM on Nikon Z6 and the b-roll was filmed with the Sigma 50mm and Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro on Sony a7sII (I think)

Hi im new to photography planning to buy an 85mm lens and not sure if i'll go for sigma or the sony 1.8.. i use it for posting on facebook, instagram or maybe for printing soon.. almost all reviews show that the new sigma 85mm is sharper and my question is will the sharpness of the sigma still be better and noticeable when i post it on social media even though instagram and facebook have photo compression? Should i save my money and go for more expensive sigma?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

The difference is very, very minimal. Both of these lenses are very sharp but Sigma created more pleasing bokeh in my personal opinion. Also Sigma is better at auto focusing when using for video but again, these are very small differences

Hello Pav, the Sigma looks good, my question is the original color of the photographs or is there digital development.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

I only shoot RAW so the pictures have to be processed. If not they are just very dull looking. It's a part of the process

Did you find the “sharp” edge of the lens digs in to your finger at all when holding the camera? I’ve heard a few say it does which would really put me off using it I think.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

yes, not as bad as some other lenses - you just get used to it

@kingweddingmedia

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ thank you!

Hi Pav, other than its weight and price, is there a reason why I should get the DG vs the DN version?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Probably not much difference. It would be interesting to compare both side by side one day

How does the l-mount version work with the S5 and FW 2.0?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

here is my video comparing it side by side with Lumix 85mm f1.8 on S5: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZpWsqNiohbLNXbQ.html

@MrTifoso31

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ Thanks, I've already seen this video, but the S5 still runs with the old firmware here. As I know the AF of the Sigmas has been improved in FW2.0 That would be very interesting to know by how much.

I’m looking to buy a prime for portraits. I had decided on the 50mm f1.2 after your review, but have just read on Sony Alpha Blog that if your subject isn’t moving the f1.4 Zeiss is cheaper and will not make any meaningful difference. With my savings I could buy this 85mm too. So my question is, what would you do with the money: 50mm f1.2 GM or 50mm f1.4 Zeiss + 85mm f1.4 DG DN

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

funny you are asking this question - I had exactly the same dilemma only 4 weeks ago ..... I went for 50mm f1.2 GM - the best lens that I have ever used, by far

@i04pbull

2 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ well if you are happy with your decision, then I shall do the same! Thanks for getting back to me, I know you get thousands of commenters 🙏📸

Do you think this is the best focusing 85mm for sony or is another better?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

For photos it is on par with f1.8 FE, for video it is much better

@ErmLikeSeriously

3 жыл бұрын

I had the Sony 85mm 1.8 on A7II and it missed focus a lot, this one is amazing, hands down one of the best lenses. The quality reflects alot on the image as well.

Do you think this is sharper than sony 135mm 1.8 gm ?

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

on par in my opinion

Can u use those lens for canon also or it’s only for Sony

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

they come with Sony-E and Panasonic/Sigma/Leica L mount but I think you can use the L-mount version on Canon via this adapter: SIGMA MC-21 EF-L MOUNT ADAPTER. Google it

How your doing? I dont know if you tried the Zeiss Batis 85, i cant decide between the Sigma and the Zeiss, any recomendations?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I never tried Zeiss Batis 85

@CrisostomoIbarra1989

3 жыл бұрын

I have the sigma and rented the batis. I love everything about the sigma. Except when shooting backlight. It produces a weird greenish tint when producing flare. . The flare coming out from the batis is amazing for my preference. The OS on the zeiss is great. The sharpness and contrast is great on the sigma. I think I’m selling my sigma for the batis just cause I love shooting backlit 😅😅😅

Hi Pav!! sigma 85 1.4 vs 105 2.8 dg dn macro for portraits? Read the same question in many sites but not a clear answer... Regards from spanin!!

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

85mm is great for portraits but the minimum focusing distance is 85cm - you can't get close to anything small. With 105mm you can shoot portraits and get to macro - more versatile lens in my opinion. I do actually own 105mm and I love it. Have you seen my review? kzread.info/dash/bejne/eIqi0rOaZ7TZlLw.html

@josegulias

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ Yes Pav, I watched it. When I saw your great videos I subscribed. Really great videos. Regards from Spain.

I wonder if it's better than the Sigma 105 art lens for portraits. I'm debating which to get.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

are you thinking of 105mm f2.8 Macro??

@TBBMusicBlog

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ No. The 1.4 art lens.

💯🏆

@PavSZ

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

better than the GM lens

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

maybe, it is

This lens or sony 90mm f2.8 macro?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

It's like asking: should I get a bicycle or a BMW X6? I don't know - only you can answer that question

@nugrahabarkah7165

3 жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ just realized bicycle and a car is an apple to apple comparison.

Very perfect review 🙂 I like how you explain. It looks similar to the Sony version too. I guess they are copying the designs of Sony, but they are offering great results, so no complaints.

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think they are going more for the Panasonic full frame lenses look here (as this lens is L-mount as well). Great overall package.

This is a great lens but very disappointed with the de-clicking feature. It’s very slow and lags. It would be awesome if it worked more like a cinema lens, otherwise the feature is useless.

@PavSZ

Жыл бұрын

on which camera? I have never, ever controlled brightness with the aperture ring while filming - always use variable ND filters for that

@snmultimediallc

Жыл бұрын

@@PavSZ with Sigma FP. I've film with cinema lens and I like the smoothness of the aperture ring control. The light change is very smooth . I also use ND filters for certain situations.

I will buy this one day😒

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

great lens

Is it the same image quality of the Sigma 1.4 DG version ?

@PavSZ

3 жыл бұрын

no, it's a different lens - As i explain in my video, this lens has got no distortion compensation built in. It is smaller and much lighter as well. I think it is better overall but that's really nit picking - they both are great

This massive Pincushion is a Catastrophe, in my Opinion. Also you will have dust inside the Lens and can send it to the Service every Year. Go for the Sony 85mm 1.8 and you will be fine. www.opticallimits.com/sonyalphaff/1033-sony85f18?start=1