I recently upgraded to the Sony A7 IV and am looking for recommendations on the best lens for portrait photography. I mostly shoot individual portraits, engagement photos, and some family portraits. I'd like a lens that produces nice bokeh and works well in natural light outdoor settings as well as in the studio.
Suggests me some good portrait lenses.
The new release Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens is more compact, and has better image quality. Love it.
If you're on a tighter budget, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is absolutely fantastic. It's much lighter than the premium options, focuses quickly, and produces beautiful portraits. I've been using it with my a7 IV for over a year and consistently get compliments on my portrait work. Best value portrait lens in Sony's lineup, hands down.
Don't overlook the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS! I know it's a macro lens but it's phenomenal for portraits. The compression is slightly tighter than 85mm which I actually prefer, and the macro capability means you can get creative with detail shots. Plus it's way cheaper than the GM lenses. The built-in stabilization is a nice bonus for handheld work.
Just catching up on this. Ive spent way too much time looking at MTF charts and autofocus cycle times for my a7 IV setup. I started with a mix of glass but ran into some weird compatibility quirks with the new real-time tracking logic on the IV, especially with older motor designs that couldnt keep up with the sensor readout.
Helpful thread 👍
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is the best choice.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8. It's compact, lightweight, and delivers excellent image quality for its price point. While not as specialized as longer focal lengths, it's versatile enough for various portrait styles.
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Sigma+85mm+F1+4+Sony+322965&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50