The Sony 135mm 1.8 GM Lens Review | Award-Winning Portrait Photographer Reviews the 135 1.8 (+ RAWs)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Which do you prefer though, the 105 1.4, the 135 1.8, or the 85mm 1.4?! 🤷‍♀️

[@claraallansson3431]

Which one do you prefer?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's tough! Each excels in specific things, but as an all rounder, I do like the 135mm!

[@jessicafynmore1488]

I have the sigma DG DN 85 and the sigma 135 (also the Tamron 70-180) my favourite lens is the sigma 135 by a very VERY long way.

[@jessicafynmore1488]

Thanks Gina 😂🥰☺️🙌

[@nathanmoore7120]

135 is simply stupendous so it is that for me. Not ideal for the studio and not as versatile as the 85 but the image quality of the 135 is delicious!

[@JDMRaw]

i shoot highschool football with the 135 1.8 and its like my go-to lens because they play in the evening and the 1.8 gives me the lower light at night time with no noise and all the shots are clean and sharp.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

That's great feedback, thank you so much for sharing your experience 🙏

[@KEHA14]

Great video. Seeing the real world application was very helpful

[@umphotography_co_uk]

Phew, great to hear your views on it, because I've been so tempted by the 105mm f1.4 but my wallet would not be happy owning both. My only slight issue with the 135mm is the lens hood doesn't stay on very snuggly, could be just the clip on my hood? I lost the hood in the woods once and it's not cheap to replace. Luckily a few days later I was in the same area and said to my Welsh Sheepdog "where is it, Caws?" and he instantly trotted off into a nearby bush and came out with the lens hood in his mouth, looking all proud and good boi. I was gobsmacked!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

The hood on mine seems pretty solid to be honest, I've not noticed any wiggling or movement and it seems to clip in pretty solidly too. I wonder if a replacement hood would lock in better?

[@alechickman1055]

Great video. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the 135.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you!

[@rx7dude2006]

The Nikon AF-S 105mm f1/4 ED is my favorite lens.

[@LMActionsports]

I have 2 of the 3 lenses you show in this video. I came from using the Nikon z bodies and adapted the sigma 105mm f1.4 and fell in love with it. But when I switched to Sony a7riv and a9 I picked up the e mount sigma 105mm f1.4 and was using it every chance I could doing portraits. I have the tamron 70-180, it’s a good lens, but I only use it for weddings cuz of variable focal length. But I heard some many great reviews about the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM I had to get one. And WOW! JUST WOW! If I have enough room the 135 gm stays on my camera the whole time. It’s the sharpest lens I have owned and it’s fast focusing work’s great for sports and wildlife photography. But I still have love for my sigma 105 so when I do senior portraits I just bring both of them. But since I picked up the 135 gm my 70-180 has been neglected. Great video as always

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you for sharing!

[@grom5756]

@truckin3030 can I ask you about your thoughts on the A9, I had D750 and now will sell my Canon R6, because of RF lens prices. How is image quality and shadow recovery on the A9?

[@LMActionsports]

@@grom5756 my a9 has better shadow recovery than both my a7iv and a7rv. I will never part with my A9. I use it more than my a7iv since I bought it. I now cover atv and dirt bike races and my a9 with the 135mm GM and I only shoot in medium burst around 15fps. I hate going through 20fps. But it never fails to get the shot. It also focuses faster than both my a7iv and a7rv even though the have more focusing options. Plus I shoot in silent mode 99% of the time. And I have no problem shooting at ISO 5000 if needed

[@grom5756]

@@LMActionsports thank for the reply, very appreciated🙂

[@LMActionsports]

@@grom5756 no problem. I know it sounds like I am really hyping up the A9, but for how old that camera is it still holds up and does everything I need. When I have a second shooter at weddings I give them my Sony A7iv and i use my a7rv and A9 for my 2nd camera. It works really good when you’re in a church and low light when you can’t use flash. Now I will say this, the mechanical shutter noise is god-awfully loud. And I would never use it inside a church during a Ceremony. But the silent shutter works very well with LED lighting and not getting all that banding when you have it in silent mode like most cameras do. Plus I use it when it is very dark on the dance floor with on camera flash somehow that camera will lock focus on to the people when I can’t even see the people in the lcd. My newer cameras can’t do that. I wish they would come out with the A9iii with a stacked sensor from the A7iv at 33mp. That would be the cats ass. I don’t need the A1 with 30 frames per second at 50 megapixels. But 33 megapixels will be just perfect for my use. Hope my answers have helped you out. And I realize you said that the canon RF lenses are expensive. I have a variety of third-party lenses and even though i have the Sony 135mm gm, i own 3 samyang lenses 85 35 50mm f1.4, and no client would not know that these are not the best lenses on the market. But they get the job done and a much cheaper price. But I also own the sigma 85 f1.4, 105 f1.4, and the 28-70 f2.8, and the tamron 35-150 f2.8 that costs almost half of the GM lenses that produce beautiful images. Is the best thing about Sony is their selection third-party lenses.

[@alexanderwalch8281]

I have the 135mm too. And I love it.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

💪🏼

[@GaryBox]

I'm planning to get the Sony 135mm. I prefer it to the sigma 105mm for few reasons. The size and weight of the Sony I prefer. The more reliable autofocus, especially in low light which I expect when forking out over a grand for a lens. Finally the Sony will focus as close as 70cm which makes it very versatile. I'll mainly use it for dogs but I've also seen some incredible flower images with the Sony 135mm. I've nothing against sigma and would consider the newer lenses that are smaller, rather than the huge DSLR versions with adaptor added.

[@SanMiguelBulls]

Ok, I guess I am buying the 135, thank you for the review

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

🥳

[@bradfoster9926]

I have a Sigma 105 Art lens and it hunts really bad also on my Sony A 9 II. I get along perfectly with my Sony 85 1.4 GM lens

[@Existensmaximum]

Such a perfect review - focus on real world performance and not on paper specs. Thanks, very helpful!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much for that great feedback 🙏

[@nathanmoore7120]

Only one more sleep to go before I get access to the dog portrait course!!!!!! Talk about nearly wetting myself with excitement. I have told the Mrs and kids to leave me alone this weekend as I will be very busy! I have logged in to my account twice to see if Jess accidentally released it early! 😂🤣😂 I bet you think I am joking!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Hahahah no early releases, we like to keep you all waiting!!!! *does a very excited dance behind the screen 😂

[@nathanmoore7120]

@@ThatPhotographySpot 😂🤣😂 I picture you doing the Carlton dance from Fresh prince of bell air!!

[@ernieojeda]

Just got this lens I’ll get it next week! Got the sigma 85 1.4 and the 35 1.4gm lens. That 70-200 is too much lol I got the tamron 70-180 and I love it

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

💪🏼

[@InsomniaticDND]

I would love to see some of the toddler pictures edited!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Stay tuned :)

[@andrearock71]

great review!!! thanks!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@4CardsMan]

I love your work.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ginarayment3544]

As you know, I have used the 135mm solely for a very long time and blooming love the Sony one best :) my feet are used to shuffling round now, and if I use a zoom lens, I forget to change the zoom LOL

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

🥰

[@sulivanska]

What would u say is the best action lens?

[@Tropicusa]

Dang it, I want this lens! Thanks for Sharing! New Sub!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Welcome 🥳 We're glad you're enjoying the content 👌🏼

[@rhykko77]

Some amazing photos there !

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@Slipsch]

You should try the SL2 or SL2s with SL 90mm F2 Summicron. It's not always about Aperature.

[@nikolai_art]

To me the 135GM is the best tele lens in the Sony Eco System. Regarding AF performance: here your A7RIII definitely was the limiting factor. On an A9 there is no lens with a better focusing performance (for dog and horse action) in any camera system I know. And it will be even better on the A1. I still hope that Sigma will come with a DG DN version of the 105 though, because I rented it, and loved the bokeh and rendering, but af was just not good enough. Should be better with a native version.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Can you imagine what would happen if Sony created a 105 1.4 GM?! The world would go CRAZY 🤓

[@nikolai_art]

@@ThatPhotographySpot don't know if you've seen the rumor, but Sony is expected to announce a 100/1.4 GM in May 😁. Supposed to come with the same two af motors as the 135GM.

[@hikertrashfilms]

@@nikolai_artthis aged well...

[@adrianfaulkner1353]

I wish sony would have adopted the "A" lock switch like they have on the sigma 85mm DN DG lens for sony, great review 📷🙏

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Thanks Adrian :)

[@daemon1143]

“You can put a dog on a lead and tell it to sit; you can’t do that with a child”, you need to talk to my mother. Many a time she tied me to a tree or the clothes line by my lead. All that to the side, I know people rave about the top of the line Sigma lenses, but I find them second best, at their best, and just not as overall proficient as a similar lens from any of the big three. Pretty much what you’d expect for the prices but hey, a decent fast long prime from Sigma is better than no long prime ‘cause dollars. I really like the idea of a fast prime 135, but I worry about the weight in low light without image stabilisation. Similarly for Canon's RM F1.2 glass and F2 fast zooms without IS.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I mean, I don't know how to respond to the first line!! 🤣 But, hope the video helped!

[@scarletteroseproductions6964]

Can you talk about how these lens perform with FTZ adaptors?

[@freakachu6682]

I was wondering if you can do a follow up to this comparison with the new 70-200mm GM Mk2 when you’ve had a chance to use it. Thank you.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Sadly, we don't have this lense, and we aren't famous enough (yet) to be given them!! 😎

[@JinHwang]

next lens for me would be the 105 1.4. :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

☺

[@snkrf33n85]

Lens kept up pretty good with a dog that fast. Wow

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yeah, I love this lens. It is so quick 😊

[@snkrf33n85]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I might have to buy one now. 😂

[@aidanalvarez1722]

Love this review but I disagree on one technical point. The 105 1.4 will provide less bokeh and background separation than the 135 1.8 just bc of the compression the extra 30mm provides. Other than that loved this vid and still on the fence between 3 lenses. 105, 135, and the 100 STF mainly due to the perfectly circular bokeh not provided by either the 105 or 135 (very catty). I’d appreciate any thoughts you may have, even if it’s after a few years lol!

[@abhishekmaitra96]

You need to divide the focal length with the aperture to determine the bokeh & background separation. Higher the number higher the bokeh. In this case both the lenses are at exact same value in this regard. (135/1.8 = 75) & (105/1.4 = 75). As you can see that the advantage of extra 30mm is balanced by wider aperture in 105mm lens producing same bokeh. Though the image compression will be a bit different on these lenses because that can't be affected by aperture value.

[@aidanalvarez1722]

Excuse me?! WHY HAS NO ONE EXPLAINED THIS BEFORE??? Seriously thank you. On that note, my comment should have just mentioned the image compression, still a noticeable difference, but not a big one. Any recommendations on which lens to go for?@@abhishekmaitra96

[@abhishekmaitra96]

@@aidanalvarez1722 All these lenses that you have mentioned are really great.You can’t get wrong with any of these. Still my suggestion will be - 1)135mm 1.8GM for best autofocus, 105mm 1.4 the best lowlight capability, 100 STF for smoothest bokeh as it has APD elements. Personally I would opt for 105mm 1.4 for any sony R series camera as I can use APSC mode and get around 150mm focal length too. It would be more versatile. If I shoot high frame rate and using non-R camera body then I would go for 135mm as this has the best autofocus speed. I wouldn’t go for 100mm 2.8 lens as the trade off between smoother bokeh and 2stops light is not for me as I mostly shoot in night time. Loosing 4times light compared to 1.4 lens is a big deal for me. So it is really about personal choice. I know dealing with trade offs and making a decision is really hard while choosing a lens as we have to leave some advantages to get something other. To be concise I would say if 135mm focal length & fastest autofocus is not your priority then 105mm 1.4 is the most balanced choice out of these three lenses.

[@jessicafynmore1488]

Love it - you kinda make me regret skimping on the sigma.... But I do love that focal length good on you for making the jump, Gina won you over 😂

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

She always wins in the end 😂

[@ginarayment3544]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I said you would love it :)

[@sabi_ne]

So nice 😍 could you do a review of a macro lens? I'm probably not going to buy another lens till next year but of course I'm looking at different options so that I know how much money I will have to save up ☺️😅

[@nathanmoore7120]

Do you shot Sony? If so, you will not beat the 90mil 2.8. It’s not the cheapest but you can get some great deals on it, especially around Black Friday. You would love it, even if you have not shot with a macro before. It is very sharp and lots and lots of fun.

[@sabi_ne]

@@nathanmoore7120 oh great thanks for the advice. I will look into it ☺️

[@pragalbh80]

It's a great lens and i hear better than the sigma 135 in terms of backlight focus or even low light focus. Thanks for this review. I've been torn between this and the 70-200 for a long time. I think i'll pull the trigger on 70-200 :)

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Both are great honestly it just depends on if you need the versatility in paid sessions!

[@prathapn8135]

I just entered in to photo video graphics it’s addicting . I do this as hobby eventually want to become professional I purchased a7iii and 16-35mm gm , 135 mm Gm and 200 600 mm g lens is this good combo ? I like to photo video of landscape nature photography, beaches ,lakes ,falls , mountain tops , family portrait and birds in lakes and seashores

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yep - spot on! 👌🏼

[@bebemathews2824]

Hi there! I have the Samyang 85mm 1.4 and I’m looking to upgrade. I really want the 70-200mm but I’ve heard it has focus issues, but I’ve also heard it’s perfect! But should I get the 135mm instead??? I’m so lost 😭😭

[@claraallansson3431]

I do love a review!!! Do you still have your 85mm art?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Yes, honestly I don't use it very often at all!

[@claraallansson3431]

@@ThatPhotographySpot how come? Tell me more! I’ve been looking at the sigma 135 but not sure if I should see what RF lenses canon bring out 😬😬

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's a little wide for me, it doesn't give me the compression I really love like the 100mm+ lenses do!

[@claraallansson3431]

@@ThatPhotographySpot thank you! That’s what I thought.

[@MaxPhotoGraphic]

Thank you for this video, i wonder: do you thinkvis it possible to mount on it a 2x multiplier? And how will it perform? To which stop will it get? Will tge autofocus be still fast in outdoor and indoor? Have a great day, Max

[@leesimplyme1930]

Hi, do you know if the 135 1.8 Sonnar mount A would do as good? I'm looking for a good lens, I can only afford one and this is part of what I was looking at. Thank you!

[@bernardomeza6906]

What do you think about the 105 for dogs in action running towards you? Or is it better 135? I’m worried that 105 I might have to be very very close to the dog

[@Lucamitm]

Hi, for agility shots would 135mm be enough or do you need 70-200 ? thanks

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

135mm would be good, but zoom zoom zoom 🤗

[@marcusmurray5440]

How would you say the bokeh is on the Sony 70-200 f2.8 at 200mm compared to the Sony 135mm f1.8?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It really depends on the distance between the subject and the background.

[@XZ3R092]

Hi, I have an A6500 - will the 135mm be a good choice for crop sensor? I assume it'll be similar to the 85mm? Or should I just go for the 56mm?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Lots to consider, check out this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jbpZ2kbqmLiqc There is a blog post with more info that could be helpful too, it's in the video description!

[@panoskonomi2875]

Hi there! 70-200 2.8 or 135 gm on crop mode on Sony a7riv?

[@joelferguson4089]

What about the cannon 200 f2

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It’s perfect ❤️

[@vcxv07]

Compare with 70-200 mark ii

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

If only people sent us free lenses to try, we'd defo be up for this!

[@April_idk]

The 135gm is the highest resolution lens, it's actually the fastes high DoF af lens available and I am somewhat confused about what she was expecting saying it wasn't perfect with movement. Because this is it, this is about as perfect as it gets. The new 50mm 1.2 gm and sigma 135 are the only things near it. Worse, the 70-200 gm is so awful that the tamron 70-180 is better all round, that sony really needs an new version. I'm just so confused about how negative this review sounds...

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

I love the lens, and I wasn’t being negative at all 🤷‍♀️

[@Gentlemangamer85]

Hi, new to your channel and Love it! I'm looking getting a good prime to do some pet photography and don't have a massive budget and wondering if you have tried or can make a videon about the Samyang 135mm f1.8 that's "cheap" compared to Sony and sigma

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

Welcome to my channel 😀 I take video requests over at www.thattogspot.com/the-request-box/

[@guitaristwagner]

I love her accent

[@adicer9619]

I understand well? you said that it's not a sport lens( 135/1.8) but it's a little bit faster than 70-200 GM ( that for sure is a sport lens!)??

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It’s a portrait prime but its a super fast one, great for action shots 😊

[@adicer9619]

@@ThatPhotographySpot but please don't say it's faster than 70 200gm :)

[@Yupthereitism]

Which camera did you test this on?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It's a Sony A7riii 😊

[@Hsukhaybir]

With all due respect but some of your conclusions is wrong .. this lens is flawless when it comes to fas and Acura the AF not just very very well .. its also the sharpest lens that the expert roger cicala ever tested and that guy tested many many lenses! .. the problem is using an old AF system with such a very fast lens, you should try with newer Sony system real time tracking 2019 and later .. I use with my A7r iv and my friend’s A1 for sports and fast action And it is a very fast and accurate lens .. so it’s not a lens issue, it’s the body!

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

You're not wrong Hamad, but not everyone has the best new cameras, in fact most do not. It's important to share what the experiences are like on different bodies, as most will pair this lens with a semi-pro body. I would choose this lens over any other to shoot action with on my A9ii 🙌

[@Hsukhaybir]

@@ThatPhotographySpot i agree with you not everyone owns the latest models .. but this review was about the lens performance, and my point is that it should have been made very clear that the missing shots not necessarily because of lens and it could be ( or probably ) the camera AF system and it should do much better in newer AF system .. thanks

[@nirwanaeathell]

u can make those portrait with 85 xD

[@lenhister]

Hi there, late to the party, and just picked up this lens. Do you notice any noise when focusing at higher apertures for photography? Mine is silent at f1.8 but stopping down to f2.8 and there's noticeable noise when autofocusing. Thanks.

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

It isn't something that I have ever noticed 🤔

[@sampledude8846]

Award-winning?

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

International Pet Photographer of the Year 2020 Pet Portrait of the Year 2020 (and runner-up) Northern Pet Photographer of the Year 2021 Northern Equine Photographer of the Year 2021 Panoramic Winner 2021 ND Awards Over 60 merited images across different organisations So yes, award-winning 👌 Remember Sample Dude, taking test shots for a KZbin review is very different to client work & award work. Have a great day!

[@LMActionsports]

@@ThatPhotographySpot I would put “Award winning Photographer “ in all your titles. You definitely earned that title. Congratulations. And yes award winning photographer is what caught my eye to watch this video.

[@robertkrysik100]

the weight of the lens doesn't matter to you it means you are not a photographer try to hold this camera in your hands with this lens for two hours

[@ThatPhotographySpot]

🤣🤣🤣 If I’m not a photographer we probably ought to tell my clients, students and all the judges from hundreds of awards recognitions. If you’re photographing animals or children, you usually have an attention item in one hand - like a ball or toy or treat - lens weight matters a huge amount if you only have one hand to hold the camera, lens and press the shutter. Lens weight also matters if you have physical limitations or a disability. Someone’s preference on equipment weight has zero baring on whether or not they are a photographer Robert. Have a great day 🙌

[@Matt-xy6cf]

Ballin up on the 135 GM 1.8 , annnnnnnd the 85mm 1.4 GM annnnnd the 50 , 35 , 24-70 , 100-200 GM 2 for high end free photography from a good looking guy to local thotiannas that want free professional photos while me being a actual gentleman to them . Pisses other local fat turd photogs off lol. I do 12 hr window shoots on saturdays in my extra bedroom i set up for photography and had 80 chicks come through .