What is the best portrait lens for Sony a6400 users?

Question

I am so tired of my kit lens making my kids look like blurry blobs whenever we are inside. I have been looking for weeks and I am totally stuck between the Sigma 56mm f1.4 and the Sony 50mm f1.8.

The Sigma is more expensive and I am on a strict $400 budget for my daughters birthday shoot next month, but everyone says the sharpness is way better. Then again the Sony has OSS which might help since the a6400 doesnt have stabilization in the body. I just want that creamy background look without spending a fortune or wasting more time researching. Which one should I actually buy for this setup?

tank_ojOi · Accepted Answer

Just saw your post and I've been really satisfied with the Sony E 50mm f1.8 OSS SEL50F18. While the Sigma is technically sharper in lab tests, the OSS on the Sony is a lifesaver for the a6400's lack of stabilization. It works well for portraits and saves you about 100 bucks compared to the Sigma. Honestly, the bokeh is very smooth and it hits your budget perfectly.

Nastyrx · Answer

Like someone mentioned, the Sigma is top tier, but how much working distance do you actually have indoors? 56mm on APS-C gives an 84mm equivalent field of view, which is kinda narrow for small rooms.

Use 1/250 shutter speed minimum to freeze motion; OSS wont stop blurry kids.

Check the Viltrox 56mm f1.4 AF Sony E. Its a solid alternative with great bokeh for way less than $400... Basically, focal length is the real bottleneck tho.

Marshalloak · Answer

Honestly, you gotta go with the Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary Sony E! I used it for my nieces birthday party last year and the photos were just amazing. The backgrounds are so creamy compared to the kit lens. Even without stabilization, that f1.4 is a lifesaver for indoor shots of moving kids. I found mine for $390... it really is the best investment for an a6400!