What is the best portrait lens for the Sony a7R V?

Question

So I finally upgraded to the a7R V and the resolution is honestly kind of intimidating. I am mostly doing actor headshots here in Chicago but I have a big wedding shoot coming up in late October so I really need to nail down my kit before things get crazy. Right now I am struggling with the portrait lens situation because this 61 megapixel sensor shows every little flaw and my old glass just isnt cutting it anymore.

I did some digging and everyone says the Sony 85mm f1.4 GM is the gold standard but then I see people complaining that the original version is getting a bit old and might not keep up with the insane autofocus system on the RV. Then there is the Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN which supposedly is sharper for way less money but I am worried about the colors matching my other Sony lenses or if it will hunt too much in low light during a wedding ceremony. I have about 1800 dollars set aside for this and I really want something that is going to last me a few years without feeling like I should have waited for the GM II.

My main confusion is whether that extra resolution on the R V actually needs the newest Mark II glass or if the Sigma is actually the better play for raw sharpness since the 61mp sensor is so demanding. Does the Sigma actually hold up for professional work or should I just bite the bullet and go for the Sony name?

2LL09 · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I had such high hopes for the original G Master when I first paired it with my R V, but it was kind of a letdown. The autofocus motor in the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is just too clunky for that 61MP sensor. It feels like trying to run a race in heavy boots... you're gonna miss focus on the eyes during a wedding and with that resolution, a miss is painfully obvious. I spent way too much time pixel peeping and unfortunately, the old Sony glass just doesn't resolve the fine detail that the a7R V is capable of. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is actually the technical king here. It was designed specifically for high-res mirrorless sensors from the ground up. The MTF curves are way better than the Sony Mark I, especially wide open at f/1.4 where you need it for those headshots. Don't worry about the colors tbh. I've used both and the Sigma yellow thing is basically a ghost story from ten years ago. One thing that sucks is the 15fps limit on third-party lenses, but for weddings and actors, you don't really need a crazy high burst rate anyway. The Sigma is just much more modern. TL;DR: Skip the old GM. It's a relic that can't keep up with the R V autofocus or resolution. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is sharper, faster, and way more reliable for pro work.

KennethNah · Answer

TL;DR: I've tried many, and the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is the safer buy. Quick question tho. Do you shoot headshots in a tight studio or outdoors?

Social - Boids · Answer

In my experience, finding that perfect balance is impossible and I am dealing with this exact same mess right now. I have been stuck for months trying to justify the high costs for that specific resolution.

resolving power on the 61mp sensor

budget vs performance trade-offs I still havent found a solid answer and it is honestly so stressful trying to choose glass that wont be obsolete in a year.