I don't have the GM version to compare it with, however I do have the Canon 135 f2 L lens to compare it with. Every time I used this lens, I knew the IQ would be top notch, sharp wide open, good contrast, smooth bokeh. Build quality is also excellent. The color is on the neutral side. I like the size too. It's fairly compact and discreet. Coupled with excellent IQ and it being a good "value", esp on the used market, it's a must have in the camera bag. The only issue I had with this lens is that one a APS-C camera (1.5 x 85mm = 127mm FOV), I find that I don't really use that field of view as much. 5 out of 5.
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IQ is top notch for not a lot of money
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Jacques Cornell
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I had one and liked it, but ultimate sold it to buy a Samyang 85/1.4 MkI for about the same price. Doing event work, I shoot in dark environments a lot, so f1.4 was a plus. Also, the Samyang is slightly sharper at all apertures. OTOH, it's a fair bit larger and heavier. Not exactly a walkabout lens, but I have Samyang's 75/1.8 for that.
https://www.lenstip.com/557.4-Lens_review-Sony_FE_85_mm_f_1.8_Image_resolution.html
https://www.lenstip.com/562.4-Lens_review-Samyang_AF_85_mm_f_1.4_FE_RF_Image_resolution.html
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It has good quality for the money but certainly not top motch. CAs are pretty bad and bokeh can get busy at longer distances. If you care for top notch IQ there are other lenses. I agree on the pros of the 1.8/85 FE such as focus speed, size and sharpness.
I remember hearing very good things about the Samyang 85mm. However, on the local used market, they're a little more expensive than the Sony. So, between the slight cost difference, size and Sony being a "native' lens, i just went with the Sony.
I do like mine, it's a very handy portrait and street photography lens. I'd rate it 4.25/5 stars however due to busy bokeh.
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www.luxpraguensis.com
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www.luxpraguensis.com
Honestly, never found the CA nor the bokeh to be distracting. This is one of those lenses where I can really get my subject to "pop" without having to do any editing.
Here are some samples (Sony A6400, unedited jpeg's resized to 20%) I tried to choose some pics where the background is "busy"
Here are some samples (Sony A6400, unedited jpeg's resized to 20%) I tried to choose some pics where the background is "busy"
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Jacques Cornell
Forum Pro
It would be helpful if you could elaborate.
Thad E Ginathom
Leading Member
Love this lens! It was my most-used lens for my Indian-classical-concert pics, on my aps-c a6500. I always felt that it made it impossible to take a bad pic!
Now that I moved to FF, logically, 135 has become my most-used length. I have the Samyang. But I certainly still use the 85.
I guess it has it's flaws, and I have certainly heard the complaints about CA, and seen some examples posted. For me and my photography, it has never been a problem at all.
Prospective buyers should ask themselves if they do a lot of tree-branches-against-the-sun pics. If they do do a lot of text-book CA-detection-type photography, they should think twice about this lens.
It has suited me really well, and still does. But it won't suit everybody.
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Just a taker of snapshots. Mostly South Indian Classical Music in my South Indian home city
Now that I moved to FF, logically, 135 has become my most-used length. I have the Samyang. But I certainly still use the 85.
I guess it has it's flaws, and I have certainly heard the complaints about CA, and seen some examples posted. For me and my photography, it has never been a problem at all.
Prospective buyers should ask themselves if they do a lot of tree-branches-against-the-sun pics. If they do do a lot of text-book CA-detection-type photography, they should think twice about this lens.
It has suited me really well, and still does. But it won't suit everybody.
--
Just a taker of snapshots. Mostly South Indian Classical Music in my South Indian home city
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