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My Top 3 Sony Portrait Lenses in 2021
Are you a photography enthusiast looking to upgrade your Sony camera gear for capturing stunning portraits in 2021? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore my top three Sony portrait lenses that are perfect for achieving professional-level results. These lenses have been meticulously tested and selected based on their superior optical performance, versatility, and overall value for money. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding photographer, these lenses will undoubtedly enhance your portrait photography and allow you to capture breathtaking images with exceptional detail, sharpness, and bokeh. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect portrait lenses for Sony cameras in 2021!
My Top 3 Sony Portrait Lenses in 2021
Introduction
This video is sponsored by Professional Photographers of America. In this article, I will share my top three Sony portrait lenses for 2021, as well as some lenses to avoid. I have been shooting with Sony as my main camera system for five years, making me somewhat of an “OG” in the Sony photography community. These lenses are my absolute go-to choices and what I consider to be the best portrait lenses for the Sony mirrorless system.
Favorite Focal Length: 85mm
When it comes to portraits, my favorite focal length is 85mm. However, I can no longer recommend the 85mm G Master lens for 2021. This lens has sentimental value to me, but it has had issues such as a warped lens mount and falling apart lens hood. Additionally, the autofocus was slow and noisy, and it still costs $1,700. Instead, I recommend the Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art lens, which is smaller, lighter, sharper, has faster autofocus, and is $500 cheaper than the G Master. For those on a budget, the 85mm 1.8 lens is the best option at $600 and is even sharper than the G Master.
50mm Focal Range
Although I’m typically not a fan of the 50mm focal range, the new 50mm f/1.2 lens from Sony is my favorite Sony-branded lens currently available. This lens offers a unique rendering at f/1.2 with a soft background blur and extreme sharpness. Despite its size, which is similar to the 85mm f/1.4 lens, it is still a great choice. However, if you cannot afford this $2,000 lens, I would recommend avoiding the cheaper 50mm f/1.8 lens, unless you’re just starting out. An alternative option is the 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss lens, which is small, lightweight, and extremely sharp, but still somewhat pricey on the used market. In my opinion, if you’re willing to spend over $1,000, it’s better to go for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens and save $500.
35mm Focal Range
The 35mm focal range is a must-have for portraits. Personally, I own the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master, the Sony 35mm f/1.8 lens, and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens. In terms of image quality, I couldn’t distinguish between the Sigma and the G Master, but the G Master is the smallest and lightest. However, if cost is a factor, the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens is a great choice. If you don’t need the f/1.4 aperture or want a smaller lens, the Sony 35mm f/1.8 lens, which was my go-to lens for a long time, is a great option. Many well-known photographers, such as Geraldine Dunn and Phillip Bloom, use this lens for their YouTube videos.
135mm Range
The 135mm range is another favorite of mine for portraits, and Sony offers an incredible 135mm f/1.8 G Master lens. This lens provides great compression and a 3D look with its f/1.8 aperture. However, I personally own the Canon 200mm f/2 lens for that 3D cutout look. The Sony 135mm lens is a top choice for those looking for a unique and stunning image. Additionally, it would be remiss not to mention the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, which is a versatile lens that covers all bases. However, there have been some back focusing issues with the Sony version, so the Tamron 70-180mm lens, which is less than half the price, may be a more economical option.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these are my top three Sony portrait lenses for 2021. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens is my top choice for the 85mm focal length, while the Sony 50mm f/1.2 lens is a fantastic option for those who love the 50mm range. For the 35mm focal length, the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master lens is the smallest and lightest, but the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens is a great alternative. Lastly, the Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master lens is a top pick for its unique and stunning image quality, while the Tamron 70-180mm lens offers a more affordable option for those in need of a zoom lens. Remember to consider your budget and specific needs when choosing the right portrait lens for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Top 3 Sony Portrait Lenses in 2021
1. What are the top Sony portrait lenses recommended for 2021?
Based on my experience and research, the top three Sony portrait lenses for 2021 are:
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
- Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
2. Why is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens considered a top portrait lens?
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens is highly regarded for its exceptional image quality, beautiful bokeh, and excellent low-light performance. It offers a versatile focal length, making it suitable for a variety of portrait styles. The lens also features fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring sharp and precise results in portrait photography.
3. What makes the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens stand out for portrait photography?
The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens is revered among portrait photographers for its incredible sharpness, superb background separation, and impressive compression effect. The lens produces stunning subject isolation and creamy bokeh, making it ideal for professional portrait shoots. Its wide aperture of f/1.8 allows for outstanding low-light performance and precise depth of field control.
4. Why should I consider the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens for portrait photography?
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens is a versatile zoom lens that covers a commonly used focal range for portrait photography. It offers excellent image quality across the zoom range and boasts a wide maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing for beautiful background blur and low-light performance. The lens is well-regarded for its sharpness, autofocus speed, and overall reliability, making it a top choice for many portrait photographers.
5. Are these lenses compatible with all Sony mirrorless cameras?
Yes, these lenses are part of Sony’s E-mount system, which is designed specifically for Sony mirrorless cameras. They are compatible with full-frame (FE) and APS-C (E) sensor Sony mirrorless cameras, such as the popular Sony Alpha series (e.g., Sony A7 III, A7R IV, A6600, etc.). However, it’s always advisable to check compatibility with your specific camera model before purchasing a lens.
I hope you find useful my article My Top 3 Sony Portrait Lenses in 2021, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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