After picking up the 135 GM, I haven't mounted the 85 GM. Today I finally put it on the a7r iii and, wow, the focusing experience compared to the 135 GM is night and day. I haven't put it on the a7r iv yet, as I'm still sticking to my philosophy of keeping the wider 24 GM on the iv since the wider lens should be less prone to loss of sharpness from camera shake with the increased pixel density.
I never considered the 85 GM terrible (I still don't), but the 135 GM and 24 GM really are incredible from a technological standpoint.
I've had this lens for about about 15 days...it honestly feels longer since it's pretty much glued to my A7RIII at every event I work since I have gotten it and it's safe to say that I love this lens. It's expensive, but it's pretty much an indoor event photographers wet dream. Great AF, sharp, nice bokeh, it's great. It's even pretty good for street photography.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I sold my 85/1.4 GM as soon as I tested the 135/1.8 GM. The latter is impeccable in IQ and AF but I was missing the 85/1.4 GM's rendering for static portraits. I think they complement more than compete with each other as the 135mm is also an outstanding sports/action lens.
The 85/1.4 GM's current used prices forced me to get another copy.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Before homecoming dance. 135 GM wide open:
Nice shot, Fred. I love fast 135's for doing exactly that...backing up, being able to go full body and still get very nice background separation. I think fast lenses get knocked at times for encouraging the 'tip of the nose and ears out of focus' look but really I think they're best deployed with some distance between photographer and subject.
Dave Sanders wrote:
Nice shot, Fred. I love fast 135's for doing exactly that...backing up, being able to go full body and still get very nice background separation. I think fast lenses get knocked at times for encouraging the 'tip of the nose and ears out of focus' look but really I think they're best deployed with some distance between photographer and subject.
Thanks!
Sometimes the FE 135/1.8 is way too sharp but I can't complain about its rendering. Somehow Sony found a great balance for portraits and sports.
Here is a 1:1 crop screenshot from the image above:
That's biting! It really is a very, very sharp lens. Ideal for a lot of things, especially since I use longer lenses for cityscapes quite a bit. It's definitely high on my list of lenses right now, though it's just a bit pricey at this point. Nice to have a such a versatile lens in the lineup, I think.
Yep....versatility for sure. Like the old Canon 135L it can do portraits and sports, and I have a use for both. A dark elementary school gym isn't ideal for pictures, so the speed and autofocus of the 135 helps me a lot...even when I have to crop some like this one.
So I have had this thing since I think September and after using it for several work events since then I can safely say it's my lens of the year. As an indoor event photographer this was the smartest purchasing decision I have ever made.
JadedWriter wrote:
So I have had this thing since I think September and after using it for several work events since then I can safely say it's my lens of the year. As an indoor event photographer this was the smartest purchasing decision I have ever made.
I said that before I even bought it and no question it is.
Take it indoors and as long as you compose properly it just works. It's not a photojournalistic mainstay, but I haven't had any sort of complaints. I still pack the 70-200GM for versatility, but as long as I can either walk forwards or backwards in an event I haven't really needed it that much. GMPhotography wrote: I said that before I even bought it and no question it is.
JadedWriter wrote:
Take it indoors and as long as you compose properly it just works. It's not a photojournalistic mainstay, but I haven't had any sort of complaints. I still pack the 70-200GM for versatility, but as long as I can either walk forwards or backwards in an event I haven't really needed it that much.
Yea im not a fan of the 70-200 but im forced to use it. I need exactly a 300mm due to I cant move so i use it in crop mode on some gigs . The 135 i use for when i can get around and love it. I shoot a lot of convention , conference corporate work. Podiums are the 135 1.8 bread and butter .
Yeah the 70-200 is basically an "It's better to have and not need it, than it is to need it and not have it" lens, it has its uses, but I do enjoy the 135 more than it, fantastic portrait lens and yeah I basically got it for podiums and ceremonies and such. Corporate events are lit so poorly, but they always want them photographed. GMPhotography wrote:
Yea im not a fan of the 70-200 but im forced to use it. I need exactly a 300mm due to I cant move so i use it in crop mode on some gigs . The 135 i use for when i can get around and love it. I shoot a lot of convention , conference corporate work. Podiums are the 135 1.8 bread and butter .
gocolts wrote:
Yep....versatility for sure. Like the old Canon 135L it can do portraits and sports, and I have a use for both. A dark elementary school gym isn't ideal for pictures, so the speed and autofocus of the 135 helps me a lot...even when I have to crop some like this one.
I really like this lens for indoor Volleyball as well. I will say I preferred the 105 1.4 focal length on the Nikon, but the AF on the A9ii + 135 GM really works well (and the optics are fantastic). I’m hoping I get the best of both worlds with a 105 GM lens some day
I wonder if we going to see any gm lenses on sale during black friday or in december because i really am eyeing the sony 135 gm as i tested it and was super impressed. 😁
I said that before I even bought it and no question it is. 