I have both and the 58 is my favourite.
It's definitely sharp enough IF the subject is not too close. Otherwise close it to 2 or even 2.8 and it will be very sharp and it will still show something special.
But it will never be as sharp as the 105, and even less sharp than the 35/1.4G
Vcook wrote:
Any 105 owners also have the 58? Do I need the 58? I generally don't shoot anything that short for portrait work, I have a 50 that I never mount, and I prefer a longer working distance. That being said I'd love something shorter, for the rare indoor photos I take, that has a little magic in it. Will I use it?
I just got through testing both. The 58 is a different animal, it has very unique bokeh and rendering, nothing else quite like it, you have to really work with that lens to get "the shot", it can be quite sharp at times but the falloff is really quick, definitely a unique lens that takes some getting used to. The 105 is pretty much like the other 1.4 series, brilliantly sharp and easy to nail with stunning bokeh. I wish I had more time with the 58 as most say it takes a while to master. Like you, this is not a focal range I really dig and the 105 is "more my style". I also had the Sigma 135 ART but I preferred the 105 to them all. I will say this, the 58mm "feels" like a "cheap" lens in that it is so lightweight, it does not have the heft of the 105 for sure and is much easier for hand holding if you find heavier lenses to be an issue. Part of me wishes Tamron would have come out with a 105mm f/1.8 SP VC as having VC would be a nice bonus, though to be honest, in the couple weeks I was shooting with the 105 it was mostly at f/1.4 and I found, for the most part, I was not in need of VC.
Here is a favorite while taking pics of my daughter with the 105...
sungphoto wrote:
I don't usually like to do the whole "only one eye in focus" thing, but I couldn't resist during this shoot. This is Elizabeth, she's a seattle-based actor. Definitely has an Amy Adams look
Love this shot! Of course there are portraits where you need to close down to capture both eyes but this style is wonderful too. The fact you can with FF @ f/1.4 is unique and is more reminiscence of classic paintings.
charles.K wrote:
Love this shot! Of course there are portraits where you need to close down to capture both eyes but this style is wonderful too. The fact you can with FF @ f/1.4 is unique and is more reminiscence of classic paintings.
Thanks Charles - she's quite happy with them as well. Was playing around with a (pretty weak) wind machine to give her hair a touch of movement and volume, and it worked quite well. A solid wind machine is definitely going to be my next studio purchase.
