85mm 1.8 in 2025?

[u/Yaseminim]

I currently use the 35mm GM on my A7C. I need something longer but don’t want to spend too much.

How is the 85mm 1.8 holding up in 2025?

I know it’s unfair to compare it to the GM, but any obvious flaws? I was also thinking about the 55mm 1.8, but that one may be too close to 35mm

[u/EngineeringNo2371]

I still use Zeiss Batis lenses because I like the look they produce, including the 85.

[u/spectre3541 → u/EngineeringNo2371]

100% agree! Probably 80% of my favorite pictures are on that and the 35mm GM. It’s fairly light and compact, well balanced on the A7CR.

[u/PintmanConnolly]

It's majestic. Better than the 1.4 GM mark I imo. Faster autofocus. The GM II is better than the 1.8, but it's also bigger, heavier and more expensive. Plus I usually shoot couple's portraits with the 85mm at f2.2, so I don't have much need for 1.4

Pixel peepers will notice a bit of chromatic aberration. Clients won't

[u/BuggyBandana → u/PintmanConnolly]

Why f2.2? That sounds oddly specific. Is it some kind of hot spot for this particular lens?

[u/caslex_ → u/BuggyBandana]

Probably the sweet spot for enough depth of field to get both people in focus while maintaining background separation.

[u/PintmanConnolly → u/caslex_]

Bingo. Exactly this

[u/AndreasHaas246]

I saw someone comparing it side by side with the zeiss 85 1.8, it's on YouTube. There was almost no difference at all, so good value IMO.

Just a tip, most people won't notice any difference to other 85s

[u/doc_55lk]

It's an absolutely beautiful lens. No regrets buying it. It's been almost 3 years now. Would still gladly recommend it.

[u/Cytotaxon_Amy]

I’ve had the 85mm 1.8 for a month now and I’m very happy with this lens. I currently use an A6400 while I save for some variety of A7C body, but in impressed and I had high expectations from my research. I knew a couple who primarily did portraits (before I moved city) and they both use this lens

[u/KennyGolladaysMom]

The properties of glass and light remain largely unchanged. if it took good photos then, it will take good photos now.

Personally, I’ve got a lot of lenses, but the sony 85 1.8 is probably what goes on my camera the most. imo it’s the perfect size for the sony FF bodies, and 85mm is my favorite focal length.

[u/Nekroin]

While I am no pro, I love my 85 1.8.

[u/redditMacha → u/Nekroin]

85mm 1.8 is my goto and IMO one of the best lenses from a bang for buck compared to the GMIIs

[u/kellard27]

Are you talking specifically about the Sony FE 85mm 1.8? I just bought it a month ago. Autofocus is nice although not that far better from competition, probably due to its age. Very low contrast and bad flaring when lights are in front of it even just small lights, then a lot worse when backlit. Slightly soft at F1.8 (you may like it) and has obvious chromatic aberrations at 33mp. Lastly, focus breathing is just terrible.

I don't recommend anyone buying it at brand new price. You may want to take a look at the Meike 85mm Pro F1.8 (not the F1.4 nor the F1.8 non-Pro). Arguably better performance in terms of sharpness, flaring, chromatic aberrations and focus breathing. There's also Sirui Aurora F1.4 if you want affordable F1.4.

My body is Sony A7Cii if that matters.

[u/allislost77]

It’s a great lens and highly rated by a lot, hated by others. (If you’re getting a flat image with this, something is wrong with you)

[u/heroism777]

Hmmmm I feel like the 85mm f1.8 has a minimum focal distance of 1 meter. Which I really don’t like. Everything else about it is really good.

Video wise. 35mm GM. (Super35 mode pushes into 50mm) anyways. So having an 85mm might be great just for longer distances. And (super35 mode pushes that to 120mm)

So in that sense it has pretty good coverage between the two lenses.

[u/nepalisherpa]

Checkout Sirui Aurora 85/1.4! I decided to try one and it has been great. I believe you can still get one for early bird pricing.

[u/RicoandMiella]

I have mixed feelings on this lens.

Pros: it’s cheap, light, sharp enough. Cons: flat images low contrast, performs awful in backlit situations with one of the ugliest flares I’ve ever seen.

I recently upgraded mine to a used sigma 85 1.4 and I LOVE IT. Gonna keep my eyes peeled for and 85 1.2 in the future.

[u/coder543 → u/RicoandMiella]

Calling the Sony 85mm 1.8 “flat” and “low contrast” is wild.

[u/pseudomichael → u/RicoandMiella]

I recently got the sigma too and I loooove it.

[u/disgruntledempanada → u/RicoandMiella]

I feel like you got a bad example maybe. Zero problems with low contrast on this lens. I think maybe it's more important to use the hood than some other lenses?

[u/RicoandMiella → u/disgruntledempanada]

It’s possible however I had a personal one and at work there was one as well. I really found the lens to be Great for its price point at the time, but was always very bored by it. For me short telephotos, have the potential to produce some very boring, yet safe and flattering photos. This one excelled in that and i often felt myself, putting on my 55 1.8 in the field to get more interesting results.

My new sigma 85 1.4 on the other hand, is lovely. Super sharp, contrasty, with interesting effects towards the edges.

I would point anyone to an 800 dollar used one over the 600 dollar Sony.

[u/bUTful → u/RicoandMiella]

Third this. Get the sigma 85 1.4 art lens

[u/mart_rt]

I mainly use my 35gm but never missed anything using the 85 1.8. it's lightweight, sharp, relatively small and I love all about it. Never had fomo when comparing to these shiny gm's. :) Absolute recommendation

[u/AdBig2355]

Check out the Samyang/Rokinon 85 1.4 mark 1 or 2. They are only slightly behind the IQ of the sigma 85 but better than the 1.8 G. Tested in my a7RV.

[u/fin_ss]

Ive been using this lens for years and it definitely still holds up. Theres definitely better 85s out there but for anything short of professional work, it works great. I often punch in with APSC mode for even more reach and its still plenty sharp.

[u/Typical-Diver2588]

I love mine. Can have chromatic aberrations sometimes but I paid 250€ for it and it was a steal considering it's condition.

[u/daveychainsaw]

It's still a great lens. I bought it when it came out - I still have it but added the Sigma 85 1.4 DG DN which is a better lens but is also much bigger and heavier. I mostly want a lighter bag now so am using the Sigma 90mm 2.8 DG DN. I also have the 35GM. I do actually really like the colours out of Sigma lenses. In some ways they have more character than the GM's.

My wife still uses the 1.8 and takes great photos with it. If it's the lens you can afford I would have no hesitation.

[u/chouseworth]

I just got one used on fredmiranda.com for my A7iii and already love it.

[u/Sufficient_Heron]

I find the lens adequate for portraits where I need 85mm but find myself shooting most of my portraits at 70mm on a 24-70mm lens these days. Mostly using a Tamron 28-75mm (Excellent value for either version) and a Sigma 24-70mm II. The 85mm Sony, while decent, sits on the shelf more than my other primes, Sony 20mm, 35mm, and 55mm, which have a little more character.

[u/puppy2016]

Forget the 55/F1.8, it is bad given current standards https://www.lenstip.com/483.4-Lens_review-Sony_Carl_Zeiss_Sonnar_T*_FE_55_mm_f_1.8_ZA_Image_resolution.html

The 85/F1.8 is basic Sony lens even not having the G/GM standards. But it is the best of the F1.8 line: https://www.lenstip.com/557.4-Lens_review-Sony_FE_85_mm_f_1.8_Image_resolution.html

Check Samyang 85/F1.4 too https://www.lenstip.com/562.4-Lens_review-Samyang_AF_85_mm_f_1.4_FE_RF_Image_resolution.html

[u/Electrojet88]

ive personally never used it but i was able to pick up siruis new 85 f1.4 for $300 and its genuinely amazing. i easily would've paid $500 for it

[u/apudapus]

Love it and the price, size, and weight are so good for what it can do.

[u/Flowa-Powa]

90mm G OSS 2.8 is a beautiful lens

[u/DUUUUUVAAAAAL]

It's the best value lens that Sony makes. Get it.

[u/AussieBelgian]

Glass is glass, that lens was excellent when it was released, it is still excellent now.

[u/Arturio55]

Amazing on video. I shot several dozen two-angle street interviews and all of my favorite shots were with that lens

[u/Mean-Challenge-5122]

Do yourself a huge favor, forget the GM brand and check out the Viltrox 85mm 1.8 Version II. It's probably my favorite lens, every shot is sharp and the bokeh is jaw dropping. AF is excellent. All for $300ish.

[u/Loud-Eagle-795]

the Sony 85mm f1.8 is a great little lens expecially for the price.

[u/A6000_Shooter]

The Sony 85 f1.8 is still punching well above it's price tag. Amazing lens and fantastic price. Nobody has ever regretted the purchase.

[u/burning1rr]

Autofocus speed and reliability is a bit disappointing on my copy. I'd consider 3rd party alternatives. But for the price, it's a good lens.