Owned both and used with the A7R4 and A7C. I prefer the CV lens hood (smooth and short) and overall "feel" in-hand but do not like the external extension of the lens element when focusing. Like the bokeh of the 65i and ergonomics but not a fan of the grooved lens hood and size .. might try an ebay hood. 65i is 8 oz lighter so when paired w/ the A7C so better balance.
I kept the 65i and have no regrets. nice to have two great choices @65mm
With the recessed front element of the CV 65, I forego the hood. I'm not a huge fan of the ribbed Sigma hood either and having been using it.
offtraildog wrote:
Owned both and used with the A7R4 and A7C. I prefer the CV lens hood (smooth and short) and overall "feel" in-hand but do not like the external extension of the lens element when focusing. Like the bokeh of the 65i and ergonomics but not a fan of the grooved lens hood and size .. might try an ebay hood. 65i is 8 oz lighter so when paired w/ the A7C so better balance.
I kept the 65i and have no regrets. nice to have two great choices @65mm
tbpeur01 wrote:
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the separation with this lens - I feel like at this distance of a few meters it does a really nice job of isolating the subject while maintaining a clean background (EFCS on if you are curious).
Thank you for specifying that you have EFC-S on here. I'm sure with it off it would look even more beautiful!
I'm thinking of picking up the 65mm to replace my former 85mm 1.8. I had that lens twice. Very sharp but I did't like the OOF rendering. Lots of double outlining.
I just need something slightly over 50mm to complete my kit. I figure since the 65mm is so sharp, I could use it on a crop camera as well.
ReleaseDrive wrote:
I'm thinking of picking up the 65mm to replace my former 85mm 1.8. I had that lens twice. Very sharp but I did't like the OOF rendering. Lots of double outlining.
I just need something slightly over 50mm to complete my kit. I figure since the 65mm is so sharp, I could use it on a crop camera as well.
ReleaseDrive wrote:
I'm thinking of picking up the 65mm to replace my former 85mm 1.8. I had that lens twice. Very sharp but I did't like the OOF rendering. Lots of double outlining.
I just need something slightly over 50mm to complete my kit. I figure since the 65mm is so sharp, I could use it on a crop camera as well.
The Sigma 65 is sharper than the Sony 85 F1.8. It is much more corrected for axial CA. I am liking the OoF, but I haven't compared that directly with the Sony 85 F1.8. I am really liking the images from the Sigma. I think it is a better option than the Sony 55 F1.8 too.
I’ve actually been contemplating switching out the 85 GM for the 65i to have a more compact kit. I have the 100 STF and 135 GM. The 85 GM has been excellent, though, so it isn’t an easy choice.
To be honest, I think I would regret it but after returning the 65i, I keep thinking about how much I liked shooting with it.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I like the lower than average optical vignetting from the 65i so we don't see noticeable cats-eye towards the corners even wide open. In this regard it's similar to the Sony 85/1.4 GM. IMO, they actually have similar rendering + resolution when both at f/2 but to me the Sony wide open's rendering is more pleasant. (More SA)
If you don't need the faster aperture and enjoy shooting at 65mm, the Sigma 65i is a great lens.
It's highly unlikely a cropped 65/2 can deliver FE 85/1.8 performance on the same sensor. It's lighter too (370g vs 405g) and a tiny bit larger, and has 67mm -vs- 62mm filters, for $150 less. I use mine mostly for distant documentary work, for which it's a scalpel. Have some very nice portraits too, and they crop very well as well to ~100mm. It's not quite as refined but it's still an excellent all round optic.
Hodie wrote:
I’ve actually been contemplating switching out the 85 GM for the 65i to have a more compact kit. I have the 100 STF and 135 GM. The 85 GM has been excellent, though, so it isn’t an easy choice.
To be honest, I think I would regret it but after returning the 65i, I keep thinking about how much I liked shooting with it.
The FE 85/1.4 is a special lens and I love how it renders. The 65/2i provides a more clinical look in comparison...Similar to what the Batis 135/2.8 does.
The 65/2i is definitely more compact and well corrected...so nothing to complain about but I could not imagine parting with my 85 GM so I ended up with both.
My current set up is 24/1.4, 45/2.8i, 65/2i, 85/1.4 and B135/2.8 but I have a few more MF lenses specialized for landscapes.
Yeah, I’m probably not going to sell the GM. Seems a 65i can be had for a good deal, so I’ll add it to the kit eventually.
Fred Miranda wrote:
The FE 85/1.4 is a special lens and I love how it renders. The 65/2i provides a more clinical look in comparison...Similar to what the Batis 135/2.8 does.
The 65/2i is definitely more compact and well corrected...so nothing to complain about but I could not imagine parting with my 85 GM so I ended up with both.
My current set up is 24/1.4, 45/2.8i, 65/2i, 85/1.4 and B135/2.8 but I have a few more MF lenses specialized for landscapes.
I’m a traditionalist when it comes to street photography, believing that it’s best done with 28mm to 50mm focal lengths. But the 65/2i isn’t too much longer than a 50mm and the additional compression provided by those extra 15mm seems worth exploring.
Not that far. South coast actually, next to Helsinki. If you have a rental car available, it's pretty easy to access. We have amazing coastal national parks here, this is one of them. I live only 30 minutes from there. Just PM me if you want suggestions where to go.
