Do you have a preference between the two combos in terms of AF, low light AF, sharpness, etc? And any thoughts on how the 50mm compares to the 85mm? I now own the R5 and A7RIV but I'm trying to figure out which lenses/system to invest in. I'd like to upgrade my Sony 85mm f1.8 to either the Canon 85mm f1.2 (on the R5) or new Sigma FE 85mm F1.4 (on the A7RIV).
And I'm also thinking about upgrading my Samyang 35mm f1.4 to either the Sigma 35mm f1.2 (on A7RIV) or 50mm f1.2 (on R5). Too many great choices now...
Thanks guys, we always have a camera ready for that special pose. Sometimes you're lucky and sometimes you're too late. I really like the R5 so far.
I also use the Sigma 85 1.4 Art on my Sony a7RIV side by side with the R5 and the RF 50 1.2 and both get the job done.
AlphaPhotography wrote:
Do you have a preference between the two combos in terms of AF, low light AF, sharpness, etc? And any thoughts on how the 50mm compares to the 85mm? I now own the R5 and A7RIV but I'm trying to figure out which lenses/system to invest in. I'd like to upgrade my Sony 85mm f1.8 to either the Canon 85mm f1.2 (on the R5) or new Sigma FE 85mm F1.4 (on the A7RIV).
And I'm also thinking about upgrading my Samyang 35mm f1.4 to either the Sigma 35mm f1.2 (on A7RIV) or 50mm f1.2 (on R5). Too many great choices now...
Good question, and a difficult answer. When it comes to animal photography and we're talking about animal eyes (cats and dogs eyes), in good light it's a tie. Now obviously with birds the Canon is the only real contender because the Sony can't do that (at the moment). With low light, eye AF on the Canon is ahead. Human eye AF is a tie in my experience.
About the lenses. I find the Sigma 85 1.4 Art which is considered the sharpest EF mount 85 according to DXO to be excellent in terms of sharpness even in the corners, but it suffers from CA which is easily fixed. I do spend a bit more time color correcting the Sony - Sigma combination than with Canon.
I will keep the Sony mostly for my cityscapes as I just love the resolution and DR (at base ISO) on that thing, and it works great with the mc-11 adapter and my EF glass. Although I'm thinking of getting the Voigtlander 21 Nokton in the future as a first E mount lens because I am impressed with its rendering.
You are right that there are so many choices and it's hard to make a good one. I think the best thing is having a number of different setups you can choose between that is specialized for the job you do. But that's an expensive approach we all struggle with from time to time.
As for your question about the 50 1.2, get it. You won't be dissapointed.
mdvaden wrote:
Did you get the 28-70mm or does the desire still linger?
Which lens did you use for the trio of women?
I actually used the 28-70 for the whole shoot including that image. It is exactly what I need and I'm hoping to buy one. The copy I had was a rental. I've actually tested (3) retail versions since and each was severely compromised in some way, so my experience with copy variation isn't good so far. I'm hoping to find one on the level of the rental version.
Tom_W wrote:
Excellent hummer, Rob! Really sweet. What lens for that shot, if I may be so bold as to ask?
Actually finding most all of the images on this thread to be quite excellent. The focus is spot-on.
Makes me even more anxious to get mine (should be out for delivery Monday, but alas, I'll be at work all day).
Thanks Tom, I used my precious 400mm f2.8 + 2x Congrats on getting yours Monday. That work thing does get in the way. I am usually out at 5:30 am trying to grab a shot or two before work. Many of the good hours are used up for sure.
Here's one with the 2X TCIII, bird was in shadows. I used Topaz Denoise. Generally happy with this shot, although it would have been a lots sharper if the bird were closer and in good light.
A few swallows this time with better light, and a few others NZ birds. I am liking the R5 more and more, particularly the big files. I have been testing shooting with very disruptive backgrounds, and have found although not quite as fast for focus acquisition, once it locks on I am beginning to think it is more sticky, than the 1DX3. Images all shot with electronic shutter, EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4ex.
Steve Richards wrote:
A few swallows this time with better light, and a few others NZ birds. I am liking the R5 more and more, particularly the big files. I have been testing shooting with very disruptive backgrounds, and have found although not quite as fast for focus acquisition, once it locks on I am beginning to think it is more sticky, than the 1DX3. Images all shot with electronic shutter, EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4ex.
These are spectacular, Steve! The 500/II and the 1.4EX are exactly my setup too, except with a 7D2.
What case settings do you have on your R5 for the swallow shots?
Dorkooken wrote:
Hi kezeka , what lens did you use?
Those most recent photos were with the RF50. I’m really loving it as a walk around lens after not having a 50 in my quiver for a few years! It’s definitely heavy but by every other metric excellent!
wonderful lens
it's optically very sound, while being relatively easy to pack away.
this is specifically why I went with the 50/70-200 pairing, otherwise, I would LOVE to own the 85 RF 1.2.
50 inside and portraits
70-200 for outside and portraits as well, and obv whenever I need some reach.
but I can't justify owning the 50 85 70-200 threesome. I keep telling myself that, each time I see the sexy 85 images!
still getting used to the quality, but unique build (ergo)
(have shown some different FL here to display the background from the range)
I really like the R5 so far. 
