Sony 85mm G-Master f/1.4 ii
Over the years, I have spoken to many photographers about the gear they use - some use Canon gear, some Sony, and some Fuji. I asked them why they chose the brands they did, and I was generally surprised at their answers. "Invest in glass," they'd all say. Not "invest in Sony" or "invest in Canon." It was all about the lenses. I never really understood the fixation on prime lenses (lenses that do not zoom) until I dove into professional photography armed with my Sony A7IV, my 35mm G-Master f/1.4, and my Sony 85mm G-Master f/1.4 ii. The 35mm GM produces amazing colors and captures subjects in their environment in a way that tells the complete story of a session. Wider lenses such as 35mm lenses are necessary as a story-telling component of any full photo session. The 85mm, however, is, for lack of better words, magical. The first time I used this lens, I was blown away. It is tack-sharp, focuses in an instant, has stunning color rendering, and creates the most dreamy-looking photos I've ever seen. As the natural light drops, its f/1.4 aperture soaks up surrounding light and makes the subject stand out even more. Many of these pictures were taken either in dark woods or as the sun was setting, and yet, BEAUTIFUL images!
The 85mm focal length is flattering to faces in the best ways possible. Whereas I have to be aware of not getting too close to my subject with my 35mm gm due to slight distortion (eyes can widen and faces can start to stretch), the 85mm GM ii photographs every subject with perfection. Shot wide open at f/1.4, the background melts away into this creamy mixture of sunlight and background colors as trees and flowers in the distance are brought closer to the subject. In an indoor setting, this lens might be challenging to use due to needing a few feet of space between the photographer and the subject, but there are no such concerns in outdoor shots. I use both the 35mm GM f/1.4 and 85mm GM ii f/1.4 in every single session, and both lenses complement each other perfectly. AND (spoilers) I now have the 50mm GM f/1.2 to use on location as well, and will be writing a review of that soon. I've included a carousel of images as examples of what this lens is capable of. Notice the faces, the skin color, and the backgrounds - only the BEST for my clients!
I want to capture YOUR story in literally the most flattering, beautiful way possible!!
