p.2 #1 · Will a 85mm 1.2 or a 135mm 1.4 produce the biggest bokeh? It depends of the background distance
Tom RC wrote:
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I'll probably end up selling the Sigma 135mm 1.4 when the Sigma 85mm 1.2 is released (hopefully this fall) as it is just a much easier focal length to work with...
For me, this is a significant issue.
I find it easier to work with people when you are close enough to communicate without yelling, and 135mm focal length isn't terrible but I prefer shorter. I have a Leica Summicron-R 180/2, which is brilliant for people, but aside from the significant weight (2.5kg) the working distance is awkward and I prefer to use a Leica Summilux-R 80/1.4 (for people). Each to his/her own I suppose.
p.2 #2 · Will a 85mm 1.2 or a 135mm 1.4 produce the biggest bokeh? It depends of the background distance
Agree. I'd never consider it or its ilk for regular street portraits, as much for compression and loss of intimacy as for its configuration. And another issue: 'The Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art exhibits *moderately strong focus breathing*, with a very noticeable field of view shift and a zooming effect when racking focus from minimum distance to infinity.'
3:30 into Frost's YT take:
'Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG 'Art' lens review'
So you may be dealing with a 145mm lens at near distances. And it looks absolutely ludicrous, and threatening to regular people - 105mm filters. Mostly a studio or client lens, we might surmise. The times are moving on from this genre of optic.
p.2 #3 · Will a 85mm 1.2 or a 135mm 1.4 produce the biggest bokeh? It depends of the background distance
This is my favorite tool for comparing blur. The page explains the background better than I can.
The link below compares a full body portrait with a 85/1.2 vs 135/1.4. You can change to other framings and also change the distances on the slider below the graph:
