70-200mm Lens advice

[kat.hayes]

I have an A7SII that I use for video, and to take with me when I want to shoot portraits and travel light. I currently have a 70-200mm f/4 and a 24-70mm f/4. I'd like to upgrade to a A9 or another camera at sometime in the future that will share the lenses.

 

1. Is there much difference when shooting portraits with a 70-200mm f/2.8 VS. an f/4?

 

2. Are there other quality differences between these two lenses?

 

 

Thanks.

[Username]

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No big difference, but you mention

traveling light, which rules out the 

f/2.8 anywho !  

    

Here's a headshot at f/5.6, about 

150mm [estimating, cuz FL of this

zoom decreases huuuugely when 

focusing nearby subjects]. As you 

plainly see, there's only enuf DoF 

to include the face nearly head-on. 

The focus falls off halfway to ears, 

and the background is very blurry.  

    

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If you depend on MF quite a bit, an 

f/2.8 will be more decisive to focus

quickly by eye. But, acoarst, you'll  

no waaaay be "traveling light"  :-(

    

[Guest Jaf-Photo]

1. Yes, the background is more blurred at f2.8.

2. Yes, the f2.8 lens is sharper.

 

However if portraits is your main reason for switching, and you want to travel light, then a f1.4 prime lens is a better option. You could save even more money by getting a MF version.

 

With two cameras, you have the option of carrying one with a zoom and tne other with a prime.