1) I would test the Sigma 50 against the Sony 85/1.8 - if the Sigma hit rate is noticeably lower and AF meaningfully slower, then it might be a lens related issue (not necessarily the lens, but how the Sigma communicates with the a7RIV.
2) Is it worth upgrading or changing camera and/or lenses? Maybe. The a7RIV sensor is a beast, same one being used in Sony a7RV, a7CR, etc but those latter cameras have better processors, white balance, and color science. Perhaps that doesn't matter much when shooting landscapes, macros or product photography in RAW, but personally I noticed a difference when chasing people, especially children. On top of that, the vari-angle screen is a God-send when trying to get low angles instead of lying on the floor (key to toddler photography is to get on-level).
3) Personally, I am not a person who keep lenses (or any stuff) around that I don't use. I'm not a collector of stuff, rather experiences. I would sell any lenses that doesn't get meaningful use and put the money towards something else. Moreover, as your circumstances have changed, I'd say sell both the Sigma and Otus and buy a Sony 50/1.4 GM instead - a killer lens for people photography. I find that 50mm is better when shooting youngsters vs 35mm as discussed above. 35mm works for environmental portraits for full size adults, 50mm works better, IMO, for children, helps fill the frame a bit better.
Lastly, you have gear that is more than good enough to get great results. If hit-rates bothers you then getting the latest gen AI-assisted Sony AF system will surely help. If the focus (pun!) is on people photography, I would much rather use a Sony a7V with 33mp and semi-stacked sensor along with a 50GM lens than anything short of a a1II or a9III. I am suing the a7V right now and I am very happy with how it performs and the results I'm getting.
1) I would test the Sigma 50 against the Sony 85/1.8 - if the Sigma hit rate is noticeably lower and AF meaningfully slower, then it might be a lens related issue (not necessarily the lens, but how the Sigma communicates with the a7RIV.
2) Is it worth upgrading or changing camera and/or lenses? Maybe. The a7RIV sensor is a beast, same one being used in Sony a7RV, a7CR, etc but those latter cameras have better processors, white balance, and color science. Perhaps that doesn't matter much when shooting landscapes, macros or product photography in RAW, but personally I noticed a difference when chasing people, especially children. On top of that, the vari-angle screen is a God-send when trying to get low angles instead of lying on the floor (key to toddler photography is to get on-level).
3) Personally, I am not a person who keep lenses (or any stuff) around that I don't use. I'm not a collector of stuff, rather experiences. I would sell any lenses that doesn't get meaningful use and put the money towards something else. Moreover, as your circumstances have changed, I'd say sell both the Sigma and Otus and buy a Sony 50/1.4 GM instead - a killer lens for people photography. I find that 50mm is better when shooting youngsters vs 35mm as discussed above. 35mm works for environmental portraits for full size adults, 50mm works better, IMO, for children, helps fill the frame a bit better.
Lastly, you have gear that is more than good enough to get great results. If hit-rates bothers you than getting the latest gen AI-assisted Sony AF system will surely help. If the focus (pun!) is on people photography, I would much rather use a Sony a7V with 33mp and semi-stacked sensor along with a 50GM lens than anything short of a a1II or a9III. I am suing the a7V right now and I am very happy with how it performs and the results I'm getting.
1) I would test the Sigma 50 against the Sony 85/1.8 - if the Sigma hit rate is noticeably lower and AF meaningfully slower, then it might be a lens related issue (not necessarily the lens, but how the Sigma communicates with the a7RIV.
2) Is it worth upgrading or changing camera and/or lenses? Maybe. The a7RIV sensor is a beast, same one being used in Sony a7RV, a7CR, etc but those latter cameras ave better processor, white balance, and color science. Perhaps that doesn't matter much when shooting landscapes, macros or product photography in RAW, but personally I noticed a difference when chasing people, especially children. On top of that, the vari-angle screen is a God-send when trying to get low angles instead of lying on the floor (key to toddler photography is to get on-level).
3) Personally, I am not a person who keep lenses (or any stuff) around that I don't use. I'm not a collector of stuff, rather experiences. I would sell any lenses that doesn't get meaningful use and put the money towards something else. Moreover, as your circumstances have changed, I'd say sell both the Sigma and Otus and buy a Sony 50/1.4 GM instead - a killer lens for people photography. I find that 50mm is better when shooting youngsters vs 35mm as discussed above. 35mm works for environmental portraits for full size adults, 50mm works better, IMO, for children, helps fill the frame a bit better.
Lastly, you have gear that is more than good enough to get great results. If hit-rates bothers you than getting the latest gen AI-assisted Sony AF system will surely help. If the focus (pun!) is on people photography, I would much rather use a Sony a7V with 33mp and semi-stacked sensor along with a 50GM lens than anything short of a a1II or a9III. I am suing the a7V right now and I am very happy with how it performs and the results I'm getting.
1) I would test the Sigma 50 against the Sony 85/1.8 - if the Sigma hit rate is noticeably lower and AF meaningfully slower, then it might be a lens related issue (not necessarily the lens, but how the Sigma communicates with the a7RIV.
2) Is it worth upgrading or changing camera and/or lenses? Maybe. The a7RIV sensor is a beast, same one being used in Sony a7RV, a7CR, etc but those latter camera has better processor, white balance, and color science. Perhaps that doesn't matter much when shooting landscapes, macros or product photography in RAW, but personally I noticed a difference when chasing people, especially children. On top of that, the vari-angle screen is a God-send when trying to get low angles instead of lying on the floor (key to toddler photography is to get on-level).
3) Personally, I am not a person who keep lenses (or any stuff) around that I don't use. I'm not a collector of stuff, rather experiences. I would sell any lenses that doesn't get meaningful use and put the money towards something else. Moreover, as your circumstances have changed, I'd say sell both the Sigma and Otus and buy a Sony 50/1.4 GM instead - a killer lens for people photography. I find that 50mm is better when shooting youngsters vs 35mm as discussed above. 35mm works for environmental portraits for full size adults, 50mm works better, IMO, for children, helps fill the frame a bit better.
Lastly, you have gear that is more than good enough to get great results. If hit-rates bothers you than getting the latest gen AI-assisted Sony AF system will surely help. If the focus (pun!) is on people photography, I would much rather use a Sony a7V with 33mp and semi-stacked sensor along with a 50GM lens than anything short of a a1II or a9III. I am suing the a7V right now and I am very happy with how it performs and the results I'm getting.
Mar 27, 2026 at 03:30 AM
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