I want portrait lens with good bokeh and AF to use on NEX 5n via adapter and trying to pick between
Minolta
Sigma
or Carl Zeiss

Or maybe i should go for Zeiss135mm 1.8 ?

Thanks.

Samyang 85/1.4 not being considered? Definitely the lens you want if the smoothest bokeh is what you want. Not sure about the Minolta but I know the Sigma is very nice but has the same sort of semi-defined bokeh as the Zeiss (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

135 would be really long.

The Sigma 85 is a really good lens.

I'd definitely go with the Samyang 85. It's better in most ways than the Zeiss, especially at large apertures, plus it's cheap.

Can't say about the Minolta. The Zeiss and the Sigma are both fantastic, though a little different. I wouldn't consider the Sigma to have bokeh much like the Zeiss -- it's very similar to both Nikon 85/1.4s.

Any fast 85 is pretty bulky, especially with an AF adapter. You might be happier with the Samyang and manual focus, which will keep both the cost and weight down. It also has a mechanical aperture, which makes handling better for manual use.

I occasionally use the Sigma 85/1.4 on my NEX (Nikon mt.), but unless I absolutely need the speed, I generally prefer a much smaller lens since it handles so much better. I've been using a late non-AI Nikon 85/1.8 on the NEX, and it's a nicer match. The 85/2 is smaller still, and there are similar options from other manufacturers.

85mm is already on the fairly long side on a crop body, and a 135/1.8 is considerably tighter still. I like a 50mm for a loose portrait lens on NEX, and lately I've been playing around with an ancient Kodak Ektar 63/2 that is really lovely, and closer to the 85-105mm classic zone for portrait lenses.

If AF is a must, it would have to be a toss up between the Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX and the Canon EF 85mm f1.2 L...But if you can get away without AF, the cheaper but optically better (IMO) FD 85mm f1.2 L is what I would recommend.

Thanks guys.
I am just not a big fan of manual focusing.
And I hope I will get Sony FF at some point.
As for the weight , after D700 with flash and 70-200 any lens on NEX will feel light.
For now leaning toward Sigma.
Any pictures with this lenses on NEX ?

the Sony 85/2.8 is a nice lens.

What about the E-mount 50/1.8?

BluePixel wrote:
Thanks guys.
I am just not a big fan of manual focusing.


might be the wrong camera.

you know price of laea2?

if you do go there, the sony easy choice 85 is actually very good and light too.

but 85 is pretty long on aps-c

for portraits you are much better off with new emount 50/1.8--which is supposed to be very good and has nice OIS too.

you do know you must have alpha or e mount for af, correct?

ha ken--we are thinkin the same

I already have LA-EA2 and using with 8-16 Sigma.
E- mount 50 1.8 preordered.

BluePixel wrote:
I already have LA-EA2 and using with 8-16 Sigma.
E- mount 50 1.8 preordered.

A mount Zeiss 85f1.4.

BluePixel wrote:
I already have LA-EA2 and using with 8-16 Sigma.

I'm contemplating the same setup for my wife's NEX-3 (she needs a UWA for her work badly). How is it working? And, to anyone in the know, how is the AF working with LA-EA1 and Sigma HSM lenses like 8-16?

There are many, not just good, but exceptional MF 50mm lenses... I think now that you have your AF'ing 50, you should keep searching for a great classic 50mm!

A few that come to mind...
Summicron 50/2
ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar
CV Nokton 50/1.5
Rokkor 58/1.2
Oly Pen F 42/1.2


... the list goes on and on...