Sony A7ii and 24-105 Vs 85mm 1.8 (Sony)

MichaelHo · 6 May 2021 at 09:38

Hi all,

I have recently upgraded from an Olympus EM1 with the 12-40 pro lens to a Sony A7ii and the 24-105 f4 lens. So far I'm loving the sharpness and IQ I am getting from the combo, it's a bit big but I can live with that for the results it gives.

I am thinking of getting the Sony 85mm 1.8 with the aim of having a lens that will give me more bokeh and better low light performance. It will also be nice to carry something less bulky around at times (don't think I'll carry them both out together). I normally take candid photos of my family when we are out and about and love close up head shots, the 85mm would be a be a great focal length to have. What I am wondering though is if the sharpness and IQ of the 85 f1.8 as good as the 24-105? I would hate to take a photo with it and then wish I had taken it with the 24-105 instead. I know the two lens will give me different type of photos but just wanted confirmation that the 85mm is also super sharp.

Here are a couple of examples of the types of photos I love taking:
1. With the A7ii and the 24-105

2. With the Olympus EM1 and 12-40

Thanks.
Michael

MichaelHo · 6 May 2021 at 10:36

Definitely craving more shallow DOF and also better shutter times with lower ISO.

MichaelHo · 6 May 2021 at 10:52

Raymond Lin said:
Join me in the bokeh whore club, it's the only way.

F/4 lenses, what are those?

exactly my thinking. I was super proud of my 12-40 f2.8 lens then realised compared to full frame it's the equivalent of approx f5.6 on full frame, hence craving a bit of 1.8 or 1.4..... even 1.2 if I win the lottery!

Is the 85 1.8 any good then Raymond? I have read some of your replies recommending it but I don't remember any ones which specifies that it is actually super sharp.

MichaelHo · 6 May 2021 at 21:47

Thanks all, I am convinced! Also crossing my fingers that it will go down to sub £400 again.

MichaelHo · 8 May 2021 at 01:12

Columbo said:
Used one at WEX for £392...its where I got mine from and was also classed as a 9 in condition...was basically mint and as new..

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/sony-fe-85mm-f1-8-prime-lens-used-1778679/

Thanks for the link, I'm looking to buy one new as I'll probably keep it forever. It's not too much more new at £450 atm with cashback.

MichaelHo · 22 Jun 2021 at 20:56

Managed to get a Sony 85 1.8 from the rainforest special event for £352! Arrived today and loving the blurred background so far, looking forward to learning more from it and impressed with it's focusing speed. It's a shame the A7ii doesn't do eye AF as AF-C

I really like the size of it with the A7ii, it makes it much more manageable compared to having the 24-105 on the camera.