Sony FE 85mm F1.8 Lens Review: Portrait Prime
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2021
- Sony FE 85mm F1.8 Lens Review
Ultra HD Photo Gallery: flic.kr/s/aHsm5cGh5T
Purchase the 85mm f/1.8 from B&H Photo: bhpho.to/3hPMgWN
In the lens review video I compare the Sony lens to the Zeiss Batis 1.8/85. I showcase the lens being used with both Full-Frame and APS-C cameras.
Although the lens is often described as a 'portrait prime' it is also well adept at capturing urban landscapes, street, action and wildlife.
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The Sony 85 1.8 was the first Sony lens I bought a few years back to pair with my A7iii. It's the highest performance lens I own when it comes to auto focus speed and especially with picking up Eye AF. In fact, I've had this lens and compared it to the GM 85mm at a trade fair - The GM couldn't pick up Eye AF on the model nearly as good as my 1.8. It wasn't even close, in fact. In low light, it's a beast. And for the price point, as you already pointed out here and in that previous video, it's the best value out there still. As much as I love the look of the GM 85 wide open at 1.4, I wouldn't trade my 1.8 for it for the rest of the aperture range. of the GM. Anyway, as long-winded as this is, if there's anyone out there on the fence about picking up this lens, at the very least, try it out. It performs amazingly well.
Great review, Mark.
Thanks Mark for reconfirming about this beautiful lens. I bought this with my new sony a7iii and there were some fringing issues in some photos so did not use much but your this video is pushing me to start using it again.
Whenever I saw Mark had new content, I just gave it a thumb up whether or not I'm interested in the topic.
What a coincidence! I knew you used batis 85mm, but also recommended this one. So I bought it only a month ago. I always thought it was a pity that your channel didn’t have a detailed review on fe85 and now here we are! Thanks a lot!
Your detailed analysis and comparisons have been helpful in establishing a direction for the photos I wanna take with this lens! Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic as always Mark. I love my 85mm lens..i need to get out and shoot more for sure. Been out of practice lately due to med issues. Keep it up.
@14:30 "i will always drop the camera imediatly if they notice that im taking pictures and then engage them into a conversation with a big smile to make shure that they are relaxed and then i 'll often go in with a second, "camera awere" portrait.....
Gold, thanks.
Mark, just want to say - thank you for your always brilliant videos!!!
Glad you like them!
I can watch your videos for hours Mark. Amazing lens but even greater framing and photography skills. Love also that 85mm Batis, it has something really special on how it renders images.
I like the Batis lenses (just wish they were a bit cheaper). I owned the 18mm Batis until it was stolen and then I replaced it with the Sony 20mm f/1.8 G which was less than half the price. I currently own the 2.8/135 which I use with my A7C. I also own the 135 f/1.8 GM but that lens is a little large for the A7C.
Amazing content! Thanks for sharing.
thank you for the video. i will check this one out for my A1.
Thank you for a great review! The composition of your images blew my mind!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Mark
Great review of a great lens. I too bought this lens over 3 years ago - one of first Sony lenses I ever bought and so much nicer than the GM given compact size. Bought initially to use on an a6500 but now I'm full frame only, currently a9.
Just ordered a compact a7c. Looking forward to minimalist kit/travel use for when I don't want to pack multiple bodies, lenses, lights etc. Hopefully a chance to rediscover the joy of photography without the heft. Plan to use my 20mm f1.8, 35mm (poss f1.8 albeit I also own the GM f1.4) and the 85 f1.8 with my new a7c.
Less kit, less heft, fewer decisions on what to pack, choose, use. Overall more joy and satisfaction.
Time to go shopping for my next FE lens. Thanks Mark
Awesome video. I never tried my FE 85 F1.8 for landscape, so after seeing your shots, I'm excited. Thanks!!
It is usually a good focal length for looking back from the outskirts of a town or city where a wide angle lens would otherwise render the skyline as too distant.
It‘s one of my First Prime Lenses i have bought and i Love it 👍🥰…Thank you Mark for this Video
There are many online sample photos taken with 85/1.8 FE, but your photos really stand out, amazing
Thanks for your positive feedback
Thank you so much for this great & detailed video! I'm absolutely convinced that this is the lens I need ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Love the lens, loved the video!
I’m a budget shooter (A7ii and slower but lighter budget primes) but I splurged on this one lens and I am so happy I did. Fastest AF of all my lenses, best bokeh, fantastically sharp but not my sharpest. I wouldn’t want anything heavier though. For a fun and interesting 135mm lens for FF, try vintage. I have a Minolta MD 135mm f/2.8 and love it. I also have a tiny and light 28mm Minolta MD to fit between my Tamron 20mm and 35mm.
Great quality material, as always from you Mark. I use this lens alongside 135GM for very challenging volleyball sport photography, which they call the hardest of all ball sports to capture. Low light capabilities of this lens combined with very responsive and accurate AF system make shooting this game a breeze. It can only be surpassed by the magnificent 135GM, but this is a different animal all together (focal length wise as well). Thank you
You are a fantastic photographer Mark.
I've had this lens for a couple of years, it is absolutely pin sharp, good autofocus, bargain price for the lens you're getting!
Love this lens, my main headshot lens, also use it for outdoor portraits.
This is one of my favorite lenses too, mark. It’s a great lens.
Was looking out for a review of this lens, but was happy I found this more thorough video. Such an inspiring amount of nice images, recommend this video for anyone interested in the usefulness of an 85, regardless of brand. A good one, Mark!
Glad it was helpful! - I don't understand lens reviews where we get to see the presenter's face for 95% of the time and images (if we are lucky for 5% of the time).
@@AlphaCreativeSkills picked up a copy of this lens today. Already been lifting my usual surrealistic night-photos. Even without people in the frame, this lens already shines. Thanks for the useful tips.
Convinced, was in the market for a new 85mm. Awesome review
Very informative...will put 85mm on my wishlist
I have the Viltrox 85mm /1.8 II FE for my A7C and I am very pleased with it, especially for the price. I love doing street photography with it.
A great collection of sample photos in that video!
Glad you enjoyed them. I am always amazed how many camera or lens reviews you see that show very few actual photos.
Great video. It Is a must Have lens .
I have always said since acquiring this lens that I am mystified as to how this lens did not achieve G status at least. It has all of the hallmarks of a stellar performing lens. However, Sony's infinite wisdom means that we benefit from the price point of a non G lens. It's an absolutely wonderful, small, sharp, light lens.
Thank you for the video Mark.
Fantastic work. I had not really considered this lens up until now. But definitely sharp enough, and plenty of separation.
Glad it was helpful!
My favorite lens as well. I have not yet put it on my recently acquired A7C but I will.
When I rented the A6400 to test it out prior to potential purchase, I used the 85mm FE 1.8 and shot at a go-kart track. The AF and tracking with this lens was more than fast enough for sports. I bought the kit and have grown to like the lens more than the camera.
I'm looking to purchase this also - did the lack of image stabilization make much difference? That's the only thing putting me off as i have a A6400 also. Thanks.
So many camera reviewers talk in terms of tests or take pictures of brick walls and charts.. thanks for showing off some great images with your review! :)
My pleasure!
I bought it few months ago for my a7c, under your suggestion, and it delivers astonishing results. Unfortunately I'm not such a good photographer as you (yet) 😉
Yet! You'll get there.
what a coincidence. I only have 2 lenses. a zoom 24-105mm and this one, the 85mm 1.8. This duo I always bring along around the world. the combination of a full frame and this 85mm1.8 is really amazing.
I currently own 24-105mm and debate about buying the 85mm one. Which situations do you find that the 85mm complements the 24-105 one well?
@@loukastsouroplis5488 did you buy the 85mm 1.8 in the end?
Mark, Great review, you are a source of knowledge that is helping me to come up to speed with my Sony system, I am looking at this lens and also considering the more expensive Sigma 85 1.4 ART DN, have you tried that lens ?, I would be interested to hear your impressions on a 1.8 vs 1.4 in general and specifically these two lenses.....one more question, do you have a video or book that covers your post processing workflow and lightroom use in general, your pictures on this video are outstanding !!!
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is one of those few Art lenses that is actually lighter than the Sony GM version and has a good reputation for sharpness. I have, however, not used this lens and I will probably hold out for a newer Sony MKII version of the 85 GM (which is inevitable as the original/old 85 GM does not feature the new super-fast XD linear focus motors that I need for my line of work). I will still want to own the 85 f/1.8, however, due to its small size and low weight.
This is my favourite lens, next to the 70-200mm
Mark - What is the shutter speed when you take the low light photos at night with the 85? BTW -
I learn so much from your videos, thank you.
I use ISO Auto Min SS so will dial in what I think I can hand-hold before camera shake kicks in or subject blur is a risk. I would feel comfortable hand-holding 1/15 second at 85mm but may choose a faster ISO Auto Min SS if the subject is not still.
Your images of your father were awesome!
I’ve been deliberating for ages whether to buy this now, or wait until I can afford the Sigma 85mm 1.4. Main considerations have been focus speed and colour fringing, but now you’ve helped make my mind up! Thanks, I’ll be buying the Sony 1.8 ;-)…and spending some of the additional money on other gear
@Thomas Moller thanks for your reply. I think my budget very much prefers the Sony :-), and since it is sharp, fast focussing, and 1.8 is fine for me, it’s probably a better choice (for now). Maybe in a year or two I’ll upgrade. Cheers, Mark
Absolutely Right...... 👍👍👍👍👍
Sony FE 85mm F1.8
The 20G, 35GM, and 85FE is the exact same trio I was planning on getting. Just need the 85FE now to complete the set. (These 3 also share the same filter size which is a nice bonus)
The 85GM is such a heavy lens, i can't see myself ever wanting to carry that around all day.
I will take the heavier primes out for a one-day soot but rarely travel with them.
My favorite lens for sure, it shoots it all steelehousephotography
This is my favorite prime in my arsenal and I actually will use it for street photography with wry pleasing results. If I throw it on my a6600 I have something close to 135mm.
For the price it’s a steal. It punches way above its weight class. I haven’t given the 85 GM a single thought once I started shooting with it.
Thanks for a reminder of how good this lens is! The problem with Sony portrait lenses is the cameras and the dull colors, and how they handle light on subjects. Looks like there’s some improvement in that area lately so let’s hope they continue.. otherwise Sony lenses are the best out there especially those more recent ones with xd linear motors, they are just fantastic
Sigma Art
You seem to need to learn proper color grading. Sony gives you raw colors look so you can adjust as needed
OK Sold.
My 3 modern lenses are at the moment:
Sony 20mm g lens
Tameron 28-75 f2.8 (bought it with the body, to get started)
Sony 70-200 F 4 G OSS
This goes with my A7III,.
The 70-200 G lens behaved poorly in Venice,where it should shine on the river boats. H dev picts available on Flickr soon
@1:30 What is there not to like? No aperture ring!!!
I think the optical quality of the Sony 85mm 1.8 ($548 B&H) and Zeiss Batis 85mm 1.8 ($1249 B&H) are about the same with a little plus for the stabilizer in the Zeiss Batis. You can also consider the Rokinon/Samyang 75mm 1.8 ($299 B&H) which are very compact and light with good optical quality. I have choosed Voigtländer MACRO APO-Lanthar 65mm 2.0 ($949 B&H) which are an excellent allround Lens with outstanding optical image quality ! My other Lenses are Sony 14mm 1.8 GM, Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0, Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 and Sony 135mm 1.8 GM. My Camera are the Sony A7RIV.
Thank you for this review.
I just purchased this lens. I can’t believe I did it. I made this decision because of you and Professor Hines. I do street photography so I live between 28 and 50mm. I use the A7C so I want a small and lightweight lens for this body. The 85/1.4 is stupid large and heavy for this body.
The thing is I’m not use to using this focal length. I find the 28mm lens take some getting use to because of how wide it is. The 85mm also requires getting use to because of how it isolates my subjects. I’m going to a parade and will take the 28&85 lenses. There is some contrast for you. I will attempt to take some street portraits. Thank you for the advice about what to do if I’m caught. Engage the subject. I just steal the image and then walk away. My challenge is being able to see in the 85mm field of view. That will come in time. I hope.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I used to only shoot Street with a 35mm lens, but now I shoot more with the 85mm focal length (more than any other lens). As you say, it takes a bit of getting used to, but after a while you learn where you need to stand in order to get your shot. All of this would be a bit of a challenge if it was not for howe reliable the subject recognition is (Eye AF).
Sold. Just ordered one used from eBay.
Hi Mark, I always appreciate your in depth knowledge in your reviews. I have a question ? I already own a 90 m macro Sony lens and I know its 2.8 and it is a slower focusing lens (and its tack sharp) but is there enough difference to make the additional purchase or are they too close ? I am not a professional so not deriving income from the lens. Just an immense
amount of pleasure.
The speed of AF on the 85mm allows me to use the lens to shoot people moving and I find the bokeh behind the subject more pleasing than the bokeh of the 90mm Macro. I used lots of images in the review so people can work out if they identify with any of the images that I am capturing and then decide if the lens would fulfil and need. I want lots of lenses but I typically only need four primes and I can easily identify what each lens allow me to do. I own two Macro lenses but I rarely need them as my 85 and 135 lenses allow me to fill the frame with small subjects such as spiders or tiny frogs. I don't need to switch to a Macro to shoot these as I can usually fill the frame or crop to get closer. The advantage of using a non-Macro lens to do this is much faster AF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for your prompt reply. Yes I know the 90 m is slow. I did love your images. Thanks
Thanks a lot
Most welcome
Great Video Mark, thank you. I'm chasing macro lens do you recomend this one or FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, as I have A7 iii.
This not a Macro and I find the autofocus speed of Macro lenses too slow for my needs. I use lenses that have close focusing distances instead.
Mark thank you so much for replay
Mark, Can't quite swing it for a Sony 35 f1.4 G lens but was wondering what your thoughts on the Sony 35 f1.8 lens instead? Thank you for all you do for us Sony Mirrorless Shooters!
The Sony 35mm f1.8 is a bit soft wide open at F1.8 and F2.0, but does sharpen up quite a bit by F2.8. On the plus side it doesn't have much focus breathing (unlike the 35mm F1.4 GM which does). However, the 35mm F1.4 GM is probably the second best lens (optically) that Sony makes (behind the 135mm F1.8 GM)
thanks for the advice, definitely a useful focal length , but looking at the nice portrait of the Asian woman with the yellow dress, I was thinking that in those situations a flash would be handy, manufacturers should try to re-incorporate a flash also in the ff cameras, maybe improving it with an in-camera soft box effect, or making it bouncable or tiltable…..
Great video dude. I'm slightly worried that the lens doesn't have image stabilization - I've got a Sony 6400. Did you notice it making much difference when shooting? Thanks in advance.
Shooting at f/1.8 generally results in faster shutter speeds so I rarely, if ever, need lens stabilisation for this lens. Lens stabilisation is also only necessary for longer focal lengths as IBIS can handle the wide to short telephoto focal lengths
The one thumbs down is probably from Tony. Great work as always Mark
The Zeiss Batis 1.8 sample photos are exceptional. Which camera did you use Mark?
These images are spread over a number of years. I imagine that the Batis images were captured using an A7RII, and then the A7RIII, and A9 camera would have followed. If you follow the link below the video you will see each image complete with EXIF data in ultra high definition.
Hi Mark, great vid as always. Considering buying the 85. I had read somewhere the 2017-2018 year models were the best to buy!? Your opinion?
I didn't know there were good years and bad years like bottles of wine. Surely quality control of a company like Sony keeps quality relatively consistent.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Looks like it is made in 3 different countries? Japan, China and Vietnam. I noticed some models have a 2 at the end, SEL85F18/2, what does the 2 represent? Thank you again!!!
Not sure - I will request some more information from Sony technical support.
I only use the 20 and 85 as well!
Sometimes two primes can be as good as one zoom
How would you compare the Sony FE to the Sigma 85 1.4?
I have not done this comparison test yet
I recently picked up the 20mm G 1.8 lens (again) and I'm thinking about buying the 85mm 1.8 lens (again) to use as a lightweight kit not only on my full frame cameras, but on my crop body cameras as well. And if I want a three lens kit, I'll throw the 50mm 1.4 GM lens in there too. Too bad the 85 1.8 doesn't have an aperture ring. Maybe they'll add it in the next version.
Check out my Sigma 90mm Review - it is small and compact with an aperture ring, but has an F2.8 maximum aperture.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks, I will.
Had two copies of this lens and both were soft. Returned them. Tried out the Sigma 85mm (non-DN version) - great lens but way too heavy and big/cumbersome. Have the 85mm GM and couldn't be happier. Nothing beats its rendering capabilities. The focusing motor noise doesn't bother me and although it's slower to focus than my 50mm GM or 135mm GM lenses, but it's not a fast action lens so the issue feels rather moot.
Lmao it was the lenses cause I have never gotten a soft image with my 85 1.8 unless my focus was off. It’s actually sharper than the 1.4.
Great video, but how did you get so close the animals?
Approach them slowly - very slowly
I love this lens, it is my favorite hands down. There are two things I didn’t get from the video: does it have a shallow depth of field and does it isolate the subject? 😜
Yes and yes - where you see blur behind the sharp focus it has created shallow depth of field and therefore isolated the subject.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes, I know, I was just joking because it is repeated and well underlined in the video. Great content, your calm and educated tone is very enjoyable.
I got an even more of a bargain buying used from B&H today. One almost feels guilty. Almost.
I'll be giving your Two from Four strategy a go. I've always considered two bodies the way to go.
I did get this Lens and i can't hear a thing, The auto focus is silient and i don't know why i catch myself looking down at the lens to see if it's working ok...Indeed it is ....Thank you.
The 85 F1.4 has audible focus motors but the 85 F1.8 is generally silent. You may hear a little noise when the camera is turned off and you tip it upside down, as the linear focus motor moves a short distance on its rail.
I have samyang 24 f.18 and 35mm f1.8 and sony 85mm f1.8. Seems like I have covered the most useful ranges.
Go the 1.8 primes 👍🙂
I do lots of Phone photography with my Sony Xperia PRO-i on my fb. I just ordered a Sony A7ii with lens kit but i wanted another lens too i going with your experience on using the Sony 85 1.8 i want that Bokeh too lol
A lot more bokeh for your bucks ($)
Sold
fabulously informative and inspiring. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am a very appreciative subscriber. if you ever find yourself in NYC, please let me buy us coffee/tea/beverage. BIG thumbs up.
if i may ask: when you discuss your two lens strategy (35/135 - 20/85), do you change lenses in the field or do you go out with two camera bodies? thanks in advance. again, thumbs up.
If changing focal length needs to be quick I use two bodies. Australia is just reopening its international borders so looking forward to resuming my travels.
I changed my Sony 85 mm f1.8 lens to Sigma 85 mm f1.4 DG DN. Sigma is very, very good, I didn't regret it. Minus in Sigma single-autofocus is not as good as on Sony. Not stable and erroneous focus on the street, when there are a lot of leaves and trees behind the model, for example. Sigma's sharpness is higher, just wow. Thank you for your videos, Mark!
P.s. my camera Sony a7R3
P.p.s
I have a question for you, Mark. Is it worth changing the a7R3 to R4? On R3, the color is definitely worse than on a7m3, on R4 it seems to be colored like on a7m3. What do you think? (Sorry for my English, I use a translator)
A7R4 has better color then R3 and A73. A73 is already good. R3 color just gets weird at times. Sony keeps tweaking the sensor CFA.
Older sensors are much harder to work with when creating raw color profiles. Each camera sensor seems to be getting better and better.
Nice to have your opinion. I am about to sell my FE85 1.8 to try the new 85 1.4 DG DN. I read the sharpenss is far better in many reviews, and as I have the A7R4 I think it worth the change. Do you have any sample photo from both? to see the difference? I am a bit worried about your focising issues, as the sony is nearly perfect on this. Are you on the last lens firmware? 7R4 colors are the best, only the A1 is better
I believe that this kind of reviews is not a casualty, the 85mm GM f1.2 is coming
Even if that would Come out soon. It really have to be great, because this lens just gives you so much bang for you buck. Hope you are right tho 😃
Need to clear the inventory first! Probably why Sony's sales ambassadors are pushing the older lenses. :)
Should be a 100mm GM on the way also, could be interesting!
@@realthoprivate the rumor is about a 105mm GM, but this video make me believe that the 85mm f1.2 is coming first
@@joseluislopez7760 looks like 85mm G on the way
I have funds to buy gm lenses. But...stll I stick with the 35/55/85mm 1.8 It's great for weddings and travel. Only for demanding business portraits I use 50/1.4 sigma art. I like her character more than GM.
I prefer not to talk about character as if it is some mysterious thing that one company can own. I like to break the aesthetic attributes into tangible descriptions of sharpness, contrast, colour and the various attributes of the bokeh. All lenses behave slightly differently and GM, Zeiss, Sigma Art will behave differently if the number and shape of the aperture blades change and the type of lens elements they use change. Once you attribute an aesthetic attribute to a type of lens design then you can shop for these attributes from a range of different manufacturers.
Gracias creo que haré un esfuerzo para tenerlo junto a mi a6300🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for the positive feedback
As a street photographer this is becoming one of my favourite lenses. And yes it is sharp!
Love street photography with this lens. Never fails to impress.
Great lens for portraits and other applications but quite prone to flaring/haze when backlit or shooting into bright lights.
I can't say I've noticed excessive flaring when using the lens hood and I shoot into the light quite a lot.
Sempai Mark can I borrow your lens? 🥺😅
My only hesitation with getting this lens is the suspicion that there will be an updated version around the corner.
Suspicions mostly emanate from the star gazers and uninformed who advocate waiting as a good excuse for not spending money .. or even worse - not shooting.
6:00 Albert Park...
Fisherman's bend looking back over Port Phillip Bay and Port Melbourne
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Okay. I have a similar shot looking from the south end of Albert Park Lake. 🙂 It's a lovely pic anyway.
Why no comparison with the 85mmGM?
It's not a comparison review except where I compared the form factor and color fringing with the GM. I also have a GM review as I have also owned this lens.
Get a prime lens for a prime result!
That graffiti / building shot at th-cam.com/video/d8sz2lPyKlo/w-d-xo.html is amazing. Great review and awesome tips for using as 135 (ish) in APS-C mode.
At that price point combined with the size and weight, this lens is a no brainer.
My favourite lens when shooting wedding. Bargain.
What about Viltrox 85mm f1,8 ?😏
I have not tried non Sony lenses in the 85mm focal length as this is the best value for money lens Sony make.
Now $550
Got one. The price is shameful.
Shameful as in good or bad?. I think its a bargain price for the performance and image quality.
So in other words this lens hasn’t got a very good depth of field as you are always talking about isolating something in the photo? As a posed to getting everything in focus!
That would depend on the aperture you choose to use, the distance you are from your subject and whether you use this on a full-frame or crop sensor camera.
The new Sigma is better!
What sigma?????mm
I`m sorry but the lens is not sharp. I own this lens 2 jears now and for portrets is not pinsharp in the eyes. The Sigma that i tested is pin sharp in portrets . Olso strange colors in the edges. I not recomment this lens.
Sorry but my lens is pin sharp, as evidenced from the ultra high definition images in the gallery I linked to this video. Maybe someond at the shop dropped the box containing the sample you tried.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I go back to the shop and ask a other lens and try it out. I come back with a answer soon.
First :-)