Hey everyone
I currently own the Sigma 105mm 1.4 (bought it twice) for my r6 ii and have a RF 85 VCM on order with the idea to sell sigma and r6 ii to upgrade to r6 iii as do video so will be nice to have the upgraded video features. I keep second guessing my 85 VCM order and may return it once it's here as not sure I can part with the Sigma 105mm. Heavy as hell but such great results. Anyone else go from the Sigma 105 to the new VCM and any regrets?
Well, I don't have the 85mm 1.4 but if you are like me, you are going to miss the extra smooth Bokeh and "compression" of the 105mm.
The only lens, in that range, I picked over the 105mm 1.4 (which I shot for a long time) is the rf 85mm 1.2
It all depends on your preferences or course
chrisjohnson83 wrote:
Hey everyone
I currently own the Sigma 105mm 1.4 (bought it twice) for my r6 ii and have a RF 85 VCM on order with the idea to sell sigma and r6 ii to upgrade to r6 iii as do video so will be nice to have the upgraded video features. I keep second guessing my 85 VCM order and may return it once it's here as not sure I can part with the Sigma 105mm. Heavy as hell but such great results. Anyone else go from the Sigma 105 to the new VCM and any regrets?
I'm thinking you're right as been thinking about it all day that I'll miss that amazing compression and smooth bokeh if I let it go. I had the RF 85 1.2 in the past and loved that lens to but overall I think I have loved the 105 images just a little more.
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Well, I don't have the 85mm 1.4 but if you are like me, you are going to miss the extra smooth Bokeh and "compression" of the 105mm.
The only lens, in that range,I picked over the 105mm 1.4 (which I shot for a long time) is the rf 85mm 1.2
It all depends on your preferences or course
Are there video-centric features unique to the VCM that the Sigma or 85/1.2 can't do well? Would those rank highly for you? Maybe try it first before deciding.
If you're just looking to blow out backgrounds as much as possible, the 105/1.4 is hard to beat for Canon because there are few options with a larger entrance pupil size (75mm). The 85/1.2 is the closest. Otherwise you're looking at longer lenses like the discontinued 200/2 or 200/1.8 and even longer glass like 300/2.8, 400/2.8, 600/4, which imposes practical limitations. Laowa is releasing their 200/2 in EF mount so that will be the only 100mm entrance pupil option available new for Canon outside of super-teles.
Yeah I had my doubts until I started comparing both the 105mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.2 and the 85mm just has that extra pop and smoother Bokeh that I couldn't resist.
With that and my recently found 200mm 1.8, I am in Lens Heaven.
chrisjohnson83 wrote:
I'm thinking you're right as been thinking about it all day that I'll miss that amazing compression and smooth bokeh if I let it go. I had the RF 85 1.2 in the past and loved that lens to but overall I think I have loved the 105 images just a little more.
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Yeah I had my doubts until I started comparing both the 105mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.2 and the 85mm just has that extra pop and smoother Bokeh that I couldn't resist.
With that and my recently found 200mm 1.8, I am in Lens Heaven.
Nice! Also, I hate that you had to say that about the RF 85/1.2.
I’m pretty happy with the GM85ii on my Sony bodies, so I’ve largely ignored the RF and have instead just stuck with adapting the Bigma on the Canon bodies. Now my interest is piqued. Damn you, Gabriel (fist in the air).
With regard to OP, I think you’ll appreciate the VCM performance if you’re doing video vs the adapted Sigma. Should be a pretty significant performance upgrade outside of the optics.
I don't think you can really compare output though when you are talking about 105mm front element, and 3.5 pound absolute MONSTER OF A LENS- Plus a EF - RF adapter
I wouldn't use that lens for a day if you paid me 500 bucks
Jokes aside, the output from the 85 1.4 is really beautiful, focus instantly and is very compact. I would swap it out in a heart beat and my guess is you get 95% of the results you get with your Sigma but- The IQ tradeoff is up to you. I don't think anyone would advocate the 85 is better in any regard when it comes to compression, transition zones, bokeh etc. The Sigma should win hands down in this regard if looking for it.
I just took the 85 out for a night- Happy to share some snaps from it if you want but its all just having a good time out in Portland photos-
Also compared to the 85 1.2- I got rid of that once the VCM lens came out and don't regret it. The 85 was just to large to ever want to use it. You can sort of see what I value most though when it comes to AF lenses- Size is very important to me.
Thanks for the feedback. In Canada the VCM just went down $200 for black Friday sales. Would love to see samples if you'd like to share.
RustyRus wrote:
The 85 1.4 VCM is a really beautiful lens-
I don't think you can really compare output though when you are talking about 105mm front element, and 3.5 pound absolute MONSTER OF A LENS- Plus a EF - RF adapter
I wouldn't use that lens for a day if you paid me 500 bucks
Jokes aside, the output from the 85 1.4 is really beautiful, focus instantly and is very compact. I would swap it out in a heart beat and my guess is you get 95% of the results you get with your Sigma but- The IQ tradeoff is up to you. I don't think anyone would advocate the 85 is better in any regard when it comes to compression, transition zones, bokeh etc. The Sigma should win hands down in this regard if looking for it.
I just took the 85 out for a night- Happy to share some snaps from it if you want but its all just having a good time out in Portland photos-
Also compared to the 85 1.2- I got rid of that once the VCM lens came out and don't regret it. The 85 was just to large to ever want to use it. You can sort of see what I value most though when it comes to AF lenses- Size is very important to me. ...Show more →
JohnDizzo15 wrote:
Nice! Also, I hate that you had to say that about the RF 85/1.2.
I’m pretty happy with the GM85ii on my Sony bodies, so I’ve largely ignored the RF and have instead just stuck with adapting the Bigma on the Canon bodies. Now my interest is piqued. Damn you, Gabriel (fist in the air).
With regard to OP, I think you’ll appreciate the VCM performance if you’re doing video vs the adapted Sigma. Should be a pretty significant performance upgrade outside of the optics.
hahaha oops
I just cant control my excitment when I talk about the RF 85mm (and now the 200mm 1.8)
Just got the 85 1.4 VCM this week. It's a fantastic little lens! I do think my RF 50 1.2 has more character and actually nicer bokeh, but the 85 VCM (and 50 too of course) is small, light and has lightning fast and accurate focus; also in low light. It's a very easy and fun lens to shoot with, getting many great shots. I'm an event shooter and this lens is great for that. Also for portraits. I'm sure however the 105 1.4 gives a more unique look.
Agreed with the character on the 50. Love the flaring on it to.
evertdoorn wrote:
Just got the 85 1.4 VCM this week. It's a fantastic little lens! I do think my RF 50 1.2 has more character and actually nicer bokeh, but the 85 VCM (and 50 too of course) is small, light and has lightning fast and accurate focus; also in low light. It's a very easy and fun lens to shoot with, getting many great shots. I'm an event shooter and this lens is great for that. Also for portraits. I'm sure however the 105 1.4 gives a more unique look.
When spending money on another lens it will be the 135mm f/1.4, I like the look at f/1.8 from that lens, and it handles back lit situations better than the 105mm. I'm gonna hate the inflexible focal length.
The Sigma f/1.4 DN is fine as a portable option. I think the VCM is slightly better, but, well, it came too late for me. I needed that lens 4 years ago, the AF of the Sigma DN is fine now my kids are 4 years older.
