Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Features
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is a compact, lightweight, and affordable wide-aperture lens designed for full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras. [17] It features a 9-element, 8-group lens construction, including one extra-low dispersion element to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing. [21] The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which benefits its use in low-light conditions and provides extensive control over depth of field for selective focus techniques. [21] Other key specifications include a 29° diagonal field of view, a minimum focusing distance of 0.8 m, a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.7, a 67mm filter diameter, and 9 rounded aperture blades.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Image Quality
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 delivers reasonable image sharpness throughout the full-frame image circle when shot wide open at f/1.8. [17] While lenses are generally not as sharp at their widest apertures, this lens exhibits impressive sharpness and contrast by f/2.8, with the extreme full-frame corners achieving razor-sharp quality by f/5.6. [17] The lens performs well in controlling chromatic aberrations, though some green fringing may be visible in certain scenarios. [22]
The bokeh, or the quality of the out-of-focus areas, is smooth at close to portrait distances, with the background bokeh quality being slightly better than the foreground bokeh. [19] The bokeh balls are free of onion rings and chromatic aberrations. [19] However, the bokeh quality decreases with higher subject
distances, and some green outlining and mild cat-eye effect may be observed. [19]
Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Pricing
One of the key factors contributing to the popularity of the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is its affordability. [17] At the time of writing, it is the fifth least expensive lens in Sony’s FE line-up, making it an attractive option for photographers seeking a high-quality portrait lens at a reasonable price point. [17] [22]
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is a well-rounded lens that delivers impressive image quality, particularly when stopped down, while offering a wide aperture for low-light
shooting and shallow depth of field control. Its compact size, lightweight build, and affordable pricing make it a popular choice among photographers seeking a versatile portrait lens for their Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is a wide-aperture prime lens designed for full-frame DSLR cameras, but it can also be used on APS-C sensor bodies. It features a fast and constant f/1.4 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field control. [23]
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Features
The lens has a 13 elements in 11 groups optical construction, including Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Fluorite-equivalent Low Dispersion (FLD) elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. [25] It incorporates Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and silent autofocus operation. [23] Other notable features include a 9-blade rounded diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, a Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and compatibility with Sigma’s USB Dock for firmware
updates and fine-tuning.
The lens has a sturdy build quality with a combination of glossy, matte, and ribbed surfaces for a modern and elegant design. [24] However, it lacks weather sealing, which is a drawback compared to some newer competitors.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Image Quality
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is renowned for its exceptional image quality, delivering sharp and detailed images even at its maximum aperture of f/1.4.
It exhibits minimal chromatic aberrations and distortion, contributing to its impressive optical performance.
When used on full-frame cameras, the lens produces sharp images in the center at f/1.4, but the corners are noticeably softer. Stopping down to f/2.8 improves corner sharpness, and by f/4, the lens achieves practically tack-sharp performance across the frame. [25] On APS-C cameras, the lens performs similarly, with slightly better corner sharpness at wider apertures due to the crop factor. [25]
The lens handles vignetting well on APS-C bodies, with only minor light falloff in the extreme corners at f/1.4. [25] However, on full-frame cameras, vignetting is more pronounced, with the extreme corners being over a stop darker than the center at f/1.4. [25] This vignetting gradually decreases as the aperture is stopped down.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Pricing
Despite its impressive performance, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is priced competitively at around $900, making it an attractive option for photographers
seeking a high-quality, wide-aperture prime lens without breaking the bank. [25]
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art has received critical and commercial success, redefining Sigma’s position in the market with its groundbreaking resolution and image quality. [24] For photographers who require an f/1.4 aperture but cannot afford the more expensive options from Canon or Nikon, the Sigma lens remains a clear choice for quality optics at a reasonable price.
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Features
The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) is the latest iteration in Tamron’s successful line of SP 90mm macro lenses. It introduces several advanced features that enhance its capabilities and build upon the legacy of superior optical performance.
One of the key improvements is the addition of XY-Shift compensation, which reinforces the Vibration Compensation (VC) functionality, further improving image stabilization capabilities at any shooting distance, from infinity to macro. [2] [30] Additionally, advancements in the Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) control software have increased autofocus focusing speed and optimized it for various framing conditions.
The lens also features an improved Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction, preventing intrusion of dust or water droplets, making it suitable for outdoor photography even in harsh conditions. [2] [30] Furthermore, the top element surface is coated with a highly durable Fluorine Coating, which efficiently prevents condensation of moisture and repels smudge-causing substances.
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Image Quality
The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD features an optical construction of 14 elements in 11 groups, including one Low Dispersion (LD) and two eXtra Low Dispersion (XLD) glass elements. [30] This design, combined with a Floating System, efficiently controls lateral and on-axis chromatic aberrations, ensuring outstanding depictive capabilities across the entire shooting range, from close-up to infinity.
To combat flare and ghosting, the lens incorporates a combination of Tamron’s proprietary eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings, dramatically improving anti-reflection efficiency and delivering flawless, crystal-clear images even in harsh sunlight.
Tamron has also optimized the lens’s bokeh (out-of-focus blur quality) through optical simulations, aiming to minimize any blurring or doubling of linear-shaped objects in the background, which can negatively impact the overall image quality. [30] The result is a lens that sustains the tradition of excellent optical design while extending the limits of cutting-edge optical performance and beautiful bokeh. [30]
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Pricing
Despite its advanced features and impressive optical performance, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for photographers seeking a high-quality macro lens without breaking the bank.
The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD is a versatile lens that allows photographers to enjoy shooting in a wide variety of circumstances, including macro photography, portraiture, tabletop photography, and even landscape photography, thanks to its outstanding resolving power.
Conclusions
Reflecting on the insights garnered from the articulation of these lenses, it becomes evident that the mastery of depth of field is not solely tethered to skill but is
significantly augmented by the tools at a photographer’s disposal. As such, the implications of this guide reach beyond mere lens selection, inviting photographers
to delve deeper into the nuances of their craft, experiment with different focal lengths and apertures, and ultimately refine their vision. The journey through the
landscape of SLRC lenses is not just about the technical specifications but about unlocking new creative horizons and enhancing the visual storytelling capability of
photographers across various fields.
