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Need help with picking a new lens


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Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and needed people's opinion on picking a new lens. Little background; I am not a professional photographer, just a hobby for me. I have an opportunity to buy one of the new g master lens. Either the 85mm F/1.4 or the 24-70mm F/2.8. I currently have the kit lens 28-70mm. It's an all around and gets the job done. Not the sharpest but it's okay. I wasn't too impressed with the 24-70mm F/4 Zeiss, so I didn't get it. I also have the 35mm 1.4 distagon which I'm really happy with. I'm starting to get into portraits. Mostly shot landscape so far. For the longest time I've been looking into the Rokinon 85mm F/1.4. Its a full manual lens that has a sharp glass. Not as sharp as the GM but still good. So I need your advise. Should I just get the 24-70 GM and get the Rokinon lens or should I buy the 85mm GM and keep my kit lens. Any advise would help.

 

 

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Sell the kit lens.  Add the 24-70 GM and either the 85 GM or the 85 Batis which is also fantastic (if you go with the Batis you'd almost have enough extra $$$ to also add the 70-300 G, which would give you full coverage (the 70-300 G is a great landscape lens).

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I would take the 85 GM and keep the kit lens. Actually, personally I would take the 85 Batis AND the 18 Batis ... and still have a little change left over, perhaps  ;)

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Guest Peter Kelly

I'm curious as to why you discounted the 24-70 f4. Mine is excellent and I have reservations about the reputation spread on the net of it being a waste of money.

 

That said, the ONLY reason to buy a lens is because of situations that you either can't photograph, or only do so with difficulty and poor results. If that is the case then you should already have a good idea of what you need.

Personally, if I was looking for a dedicated portrait lens I would pick the Batis 85, without question. I think the other lenses do not justify their price in comparison and I prefer to keep everything compact, in the spirit of the A7 (as the GM are big and heavy.

 

However, if you would still like some flexibility then the best option may well be the 70-200 f4. Nice, compact, but still allows good subject separation. I do a lot of 'doggy' portraits and there is no other option with them running around!

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