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Just switched to Sony - 2 prime lens setup for fashion

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qb_dolo

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I just switched to Sony from Nikon (D810). I picked up an A7R3 but I don't have any lenses yet. I used to shoot primarily 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8, both Tamron. 85mm being my favorite FL. I mainly shoot fashion/portrait photography. What 2 prime lenses would you guys recommend to start? I have a budget of about $1500.

I considered 28mm f2 + 55mm 1.8 or 28mm f2 + 85mm batis.
 
Forget the Batis. The Sony 85 f1.8 is half the cost for 99% of the performance.

As far as 35mm is concerned, there is no 35mm f1.8 with AF unfortunately. Your only 35mm choices with AF are the Sony f1.4 and the Samyang f1.4. Sigma is supposedly supposed to release another 35mm f1.4 soon too.
 
and the 35/2.8 which i feel is too costly...

id say 28/2, and 85/1.8 (sony, not batis)

and that sees like a nice place to start for ya

thats $1050 new

then youc an add in an evolv 200 flash for $300, and a nice modifier and stand for another $150, say... so now you are at $1500 :)
 
No thoughts on the 28mm F2 for something wide or the 35mm 2.8?
 
MrGubrz said:
and the 35/2.8 which i feel is too costly...

id say 28/2, and 85/1.8 (sony, not batis)

and that sees like a nice place to start for ya

thats $1050 new

then youc an add in an evolv 200 flash for $300, and a nice modifier and stand for another $150, say... so now you are at $1500 :)
Click to expand...
I already have some modifiers and a strobe from my previous setup. Not recommending the 55mm to go along with the 28?
 
Two Sony lenses that perform far better than you would expect, considering their price, are the FE 2.0/28 and the FE1.8/85.

The 55mm is an excellent lens but super expensive as the Zeiss name comes with a surcharge. If you need a normal lens the Sony 1.8/50 is capable, but nothing spectacular.
 
qb_dolo said:
I just switched to Sony from Nikon (D810). I picked up an A7R3 but I don't have any lenses yet. I used to shoot primarily 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8, both Tamron. 85mm being my favorite FL. I mainly shoot fashion/portrait photography. What 2 prime lenses would you guys recommend to start? I have a budget of about $1500.

I considered 28mm f2 + 55mm 1.8 or 28mm f2 + 85mm batis.
Click to expand...
Are you considering only new or are you willing to buy used? That can make a difference obviously in your end cost.

I own the Batis 85mm but I've had it long before Sony introduced theirs. I've heard good things about the Sony. You can typically find a 55mm and 28mm on FM. There a used 55mm might set you back $650 to $700. The 28mm even less. I've never tried the 28mm so I can't properly comment on it.

Steve
 
For native FE mount lenses

Hopefully they will be announcing a 35mm F1.4 or F1.8 or even a F2 that's small and compact +affordable
 
qb_dolo said:
MrGubrz said:
and the 35/2.8 which i feel is too costly...

id say 28/2, and 85/1.8 (sony, not batis)

and that sees like a nice place to start for ya

thats $1050 new

then youc an add in an evolv 200 flash for $300, and a nice modifier and stand for another $150, say... so now you are at $1500 :)
Click to expand...
I already have some modifiers and a strobe from my previous setup. Not recommending the 55mm to go along with the 28?
Click to expand...
Assuming you have done fashion before, only you can know what focal lengths give you the look and style you seek. 28 is fine lens if you want to include lots of the surroundings/environment. Personally I would choose 35mm as my widest (ideally f1.4 lens.... wait for the new Sigma that is about to be released) and 85mm. Love the Batis, others do no because of cat eyes.
 
Well with your budget and list of lenses the FE85/1.8 is a definite and then either the Samyang 35/1.4 or FE28/2 but I should imaging the Samyang would be better for fashion and portrait work especially if your looking to shoot wide open where sharpness towards the edges will not been an issue for this sort of photography.
 
If you shoot wide open for fashion, as I do a lot, you will need off-center sharpness. That rules out the 28mm and Samyang, along with many other lenses.. I would buy the 55mm f1.8 and FE 85mm f1.8 which are both sharp wide-open nearly to the edges. Good deals on these lenses, used (like new), can be had on Fred Miranda.
 
Given what you say (style/type of photography and preferred focal length), you may consider also the Sony 85 1.4 G Master. Especially if you do it for work, it may be a good investment in the long term. You should be able to find one around your budget (or less) used, and you may then adapt your 35 Tamron to stay within your budget.

Otherwise the Sony 55 1.8 is stellar and can't say enough good things about it, but if you absolutely want only 2 lenses and 1 has to be an 85 you would miss something a little wider, so I would go for the Sony 85 1.8 + 35 2.8 (which is very good).

Bear in mind that if you are ok with used gear, you may be able to fit 3 lenses within your budget: the 85 1.8 new (around 500), plus 2 (used) of the Sonys 55 1.8, 35 2.8, and 28
 
I've got the Sony 28mm f2 and Sigma 35mm f1.4 (MC-11).

Both have their place but if your looking to replace specific glass you had before I would say stick to the 35mm.

I would replace my Sigma first every time over the Sony, but guess this could depend on what your shooting (happy with the wider FOV?) - they are very different lens IMO.

I'd say Sony 85mm f1.8 + Samgyang 35mm AF or adapt your old glass if they can function well enough.

Hope you find a good solution.
 
Love the lens, but I don’t regard it as a good people lens.
 
Voigtlander 40, 1.2 if you don't mind MF & Batis 85.
 
qb_dolo said:
I just switched to Sony from Nikon (D810). I picked up an A7R3 but I don't have any lenses yet. I used to shoot primarily 35mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8, both Tamron. 85mm being my favorite FL. I mainly shoot fashion/portrait photography. What 2 prime lenses would you guys recommend to start? I have a budget of about $1500.

I considered 28mm f2 + 55mm 1.8 or 28mm f2 + 85mm batis.
Click to expand...
The 28/2 is not my favorite lens, but it's ok overall. I've got some nice group pictures with it. I created a preset in LR to crop it to 35mm. In my view it looks better that way. Just need to be careful when shooting to leave some room for cropping.

The 55/1.8 is a fine lens, but FL isn't very interesting.

The Sony 85/1.8 is another great lens. Other than some LoCA, which is not unusual, the lens is very good. I don't know why anybody would overpay for a very similar Batis.
 
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