Comparing the Sony 85mm 1.8 vs the Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN

[@schenebod]

i just boght my first camera sony a7iv with the sigma art 24-70 2.8 dg dn and the sigma 85 f1.4 dg dn to start with, i am interersted in photography for a very long time, but never made the move, the lenses are already here and tomorrow the camera should arrive, pretty excited

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi! That is very exciting! You made so really really great choices for camera gear! I hope my channel be some help to your journey in photography! See you around! Cheers! Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@tonykyle]

How is it going buddy?

[@tralfmusic]

Dude, thank you so much for pointing out the differences of the Sigma HSM vs. the DG/DN - I was so confused why the one I rented was so freakin' huge! lol. Now it makes sense. Subbed!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

No problem! Honestly it gets confusing with Sigma for some lenses since they tried lenses. And then realized make new ones from the ground up! Glad I could help. Definitely rent the DG/DN version the next time you need a 85! Its a great lens. Orrrr get the Sony! A great bang for buck now! Thanks for sub. Appreciate your time!

[@TheShawnPrice1]

I own the sigma 85 1.4 and I love it! I hope one day sony makes an updated version on the 1.8

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Shawn! Yes I really did enjoy using the Sigma. Definitely a great lens! Im very curious what Sony will go since i think they overachieved with this one current one. Appreciate you watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers man!

[@johankalen2366]

Thanks for a good review!! I own the Sony 85mm f1.8 and I am buying the Sigma 85mm f1.4 since I shoot both still and video (almost) simultaneously. It seems like the Sigma even outperforms the Sony 85mm f1.4 in many situations.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

No Problem Johan! The Sigma definitely outperforms the Sony 85mm 1.4. Especially for the price. I think they are updating the Sony 85 1.4 soon though. You sound like me shooting stills and video at the same time. Thanks foe watching the video and taking the time to leave a comment.

[@tomirwinphoto]

It does. Check out Manny Ortiz's comparison of these two lenses.

[@Lynd8]

Important to note that the Sigma does not have lens compensation for Raw images. That said, that can be taken care of in post, but it's good to know - some images will have distortion that needs correcting if you're relying on the RAW image. The lens comp in camera will work on the JPEGs however.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Thats awesome! I actually did not know that. I use affinity so some profiles are missing and often correct manually. Appreciate your input and info! Thanks for watching and adding to thr conversation. Really appreciate it!

[@tomirwinphoto]

Have them both and the Sigma absolutely blows the Sony away in every way. It’s not just the DOF from f1.4 vs 1.8 but the far superior color, sharpness, textures, clarity, bokeh, speed and overall look that sets the Sigma apart. Many photographers consider the Sigma Art 85 DG DN to be one of the best e-mount lenses you can buy. The Sony 1.8 is a good value used (under $400 US) with its light weight and quick focus but its image quality is no match for the Sigma which can be found used for as low as $800 US. I’ve done a few A-B comparisons and the Sigma noticeably sharper at 1.4 than the Sony is at 1.8 but that type comparison lacks the ability to distinguish long term real world differences. Your two -day test took fourteen minutes to come up with an unsupported conclusion in my experience. The excessive color fringing of the Sony is enough to question its equal to the Sigma. And by the way, what camera were you using that fell asleep with the Sigma? Not something that happens with my a7III or a7IV.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Tom, thank you for your in depth response. I agree you with. I shot everything with the A7iv and also tested on the A7ii. And everything you said is true. The Sigma should be better. It’s a newer lens with new technology release in mid 2020. But as you also mentioned . For the Sony, a lens released in early 2017, with it’s now fairly low price, compact lightweight size, it still holds up. And thats the point I was trying to make. Maybe I wasn’t able to convey that well. Sure if you want a near perfect image. Then the Sigma is surely better. But a lot of my audience is also starting their photography or video journey and maybe short on budget and so I think the Sony is better in that regard. I tend to prefer gear that is light and smaller. And for the most part,some of the image quality faults of the Sony can be fixed. Anyways. Appreciate your very insightful comment. Thanks for watching and adding to the conversation. I know it will help someone with their buying decision. Cheers.

[@timoohlsen]

Great review as always Michael! Beautiful footage of Berlin, very enjoyable to watch. Nice choice of soundtracks, too. I am learning a lot from you. I also think your colours and skin tone look excellent. I am curious which picture profile are you shooting in? Thank you. Hope you have great day

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Thank you so much Tim. I appreciated your time and the kind comment. To answer your question. I was shooting in S Cinetone for the vlogging sequences and slog3 for the video part of the Berlin streets. Im using a a lut im working on and hope to get put a small(free) and large pack soon. Thanks!

[@yourfriendintech]

I love the shot at 7:57

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Thanks Jon. That instruction is always bustling with people and cool things to shoot! Thanks for watching appreciate it man!

[@jonoy4375]

If shot full body portraits, the F1.4 has significantly better bokeh. If just shot head shoulder or half body, I may choose F1.8 for light weight.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Your points are super valid. The Sigma is certainly a better lens optically. I just love the size of the Sony. Thanks for leaving insight.

[@Jorgais_photography]

Which one is best to buy ?

[@matrixate]

Fantastic review! How did you deal with the pincushion distortion shooting video? I know Resolve has lens correction but...from your experience, how did you manage this distortion? Thanks in advance.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Matrixate! Thanks for the comment. Like you said Resolve has and easy fix and so does FCPX. However. In most of the shots I took it wasn’t noticeable so I just left it. Not sure if you can tell in the video comparison portion of this video but there are a lot of straight lines from the train to the buildings and even the lights posts, they all looked straight to me. So hopefully that insight helps you. Appreciate you taking the time watch and leave a comment as well. Cheers!

[@ganeshdigitals6328]

Hi Micheal recently i got Sony 73iv with Sigma 24-70 2.8 DG DN, but now im confusing to bought 85 mm lens pls tell me the best one

[@MichaelNgvyen]

The Sigma is really good and really sharp! So if you don’t mind the bigger lens. Then it’s great! I still love the Sony for the price and size!

[@pianoman1973]

Thanks for the review ! Personally I'm having eye AF focusing issues when shotting backlit - hit rate is quite low .. Have you had this experience as well ?

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Thanks for watching. Not for me. I shout a little over 400 shots during that session at sunset. And missed very rarely. I have to say though, because I was mostly shooting the moving skaters and in continuous Hi+. The AF was mainly tracking their bodies. But when there was a face in frame the eye AF locked on right away. Are you also shooting with the A7iv? Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@pianoman1973]

@@MichaelNgvyen Thanks for your feedback. I am shooting with the A1, but didn't use the lens hood. Will try a with less flare next time and compare..

[@santostephen2913]

Great review 🫰🏽

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Stephen! Thank you so much. Appreciate you taking time to leave a comment! Happy New Year!

[@deanlowe2580]

I find the dn to not be quite as good as my 85gm which is my main portrait prime, when I'm shooting weddings though I use my 85 1.8, its AF is faster than both consistently in all conditions.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I agree with you in all aspects. As a video shooter the Sony 85 1.8 is just too good for the money. Thanks for leaving your insight. Super helpful! Thanks for watching appreciate it

[@MeeMaxx]

Genuine review ❤❤

[@MichaelNgvyen]

🙏🏽. Appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching!

[@This_is_Rkp]

Great review...I pick sony 85 1.8.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I can highly recommend the Zeiss Batis Sonnar 85mm 1.8 T* !

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I’ve used it! Great lens!

[@otojavaxishvili1263]

As for the difference in price, there is not much difference in the photos, they are almost identical, there is no difference, but Sigma costs twice as much, I would definitely choose Sony and will buy Sony 85 in the near future.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I honestly still love my Sony 85. The AF is still very responsive. The size, weight and price still make it a win. I’m glad you found the video helpful. Keep an eye on the lens. It’s often on sale. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave your thoughts.

[@jonoy4375]

For portrait head & shoulder, 1.8 is good enough. If for full body portrait, 1.4 has much better Bokeh than 1.8

[@danfarmer_photo]

I love how small the Sony is. It’s a win for me.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Definitely! Still holds up to this day!! Thanks for watching. Really appreciate it.

[@jackhamm7745]

The Sigma is my favorite lens I've ever owned. It's buttaahhh.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I honestly really liked it as well. If I didn’t already own an 85 and I had to pick one that would probably be it!

[@zapadakofflv8560]

Yes, sony is a good lens for good money. But the aberration is big against the sigma and overall the drawing and bokeh is on the side of the sigma. If you shoot portraits and weddings, take sigma. For most other things sony is ok for good money.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Yes. These points make sense for sure both great options depending what you do most. Thanks for the comment and watching.

[@pomanprod]

I have both lenses and while the sigma has better image quality, its autofocus in video lags behind the Sony.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Poman! Thanks for the insight. Pictures from the sigma are definitely really nice but I am still so shocked how well the Sony STILL holds up after all these years. Appreciate you watching. Your comment will help a lot people out. See you around the channel. Cheers!

[@photobatya]

Interesting. I am thinking to sell Sigma 85 1.4 to buy Sony 85 1.8. Sigma is very good glass but I am almost not using it. Yes it is hefty, and has huge amount of breathing, it is ultimate good for photo, but I am shooting video as well, and some cameras support sony 85 1.8 breathing compensation, and also it weights exact the same as 20 1.8 which I am using a lot. and it has the same filter size, so it makes this lens very good choice for gimbal. It has little CA issue, but I have looked at photos on flicker and just do not see it

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Yes exactly. This comment makes perfect sense especially if you shoot video. Breath comp is big. I also have and use the 20mm 1.8 and the same filter size is perfect they both are so light and compact. Ive had very little issues with CA. If you find a good deal on the Sony you make some good money back. Thanks for your thoughts. See you around.

[@fkhri76]

sony 85mm f1.8 still good in 2024?

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I think for the price it is. It’s still one of the smallest 85’s out there. I still like the images from the lens.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

It is the content that counts. I'm still keeping a Canadian m90 Summicron which is easily prone to flare (even from white studio background if u r not careful) & occasionally use it on an a7iv. The largest C-print made from this lens was a 1"/1.5" crop (of a body) onto 46" lengthwise. Q was there. ( & I haven't entered a dark room since mid-Dec 1993.) Differences in modern lenses are the least I worry about, just keep shooting. I don't even RAW ! (when I can do CIE calculations in color physics) My computers will still be better than I will be (to do all possible things) the day I die.

[@sean1e100]

White text on a peach background… interesting…