Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The SAL85F28 is one of Sony's first full frame easy choice lens. With the added 35mm focal length over the standard 50mm portrait primes (Sony has two of them, the SAL50F14 and the SAL50F18 (DT)), the SAL85F28 has the advantage of bringing your subject's face closer to you when you want the added shooting distance to i) make the subject feel more comfortable and ii) avoid any distortions that may arise especially around the edges of the frame from shooting too close to the subject.
The SAL85F28 also has an unusually short minimum focusing distance for a 85mm prime, which is 60cm. This outperforms the SAL85F14Z in close-up shooting, which has a minimum focusing distance of around 89cm. You can shoot some impressive close-up with this prime lens even if the lens is not really intended for macro photography.
The lens is incredibly light, although no lighter than its equally new cousin, the SAL35F18 or the SAL50F18 or the SAL50F14. For a full frame prime at 85mm, the lens is deceptively small, especially when compared to the SAL85F14Z.
This light-weightness however probably attributed to the lens' inability to open its aperture beyond F2.8, which may be a deal breaker for alot of potential buyers looking for a longer, "true" portrait lens but do not wish to spend over 1k for either the SAL85F14Z or the SAL135F18Z. The smaller maximum aperture makes it a little difficult to blur out objects that are closer to your subjects (see the sample picture), although at 85mm, even at F2.8, the telephoto magnification effect is already pronounced enough to add to the defocusing effect of the aperture alone. The defocusing effect of the SAL85F28 is comparable to some of the shots taken by the SAL35F18 and the SAL50F18 under certain conditions.
However, color fringing, as per any easy choice lens, is visible under strong contrast scenes. Fine traces of magenta and purple fringing can be seen between dark and light borders. The fringing effect goes away a little when the lens is stopped down by 2 stops or more, or when you use extensive lighting (in a studio) to soften the contrast of a scene. Color and contrast also tends to be on the weaker side, so you will probably want to shoot in RAW mode at first if you are not familiar with the optical behaviour/performance of this lens.
The lens has been without question designed for the enthusiasts and beginners, that it looks really enticing on paper and has an unbelievably attractive price tag, but in real life reveals itself as a so-so performer when heavily scrutinized. If you are a professional photographer who shoots mainly in colors for galleries and sells wall-sized prints, you might be better off digging deeper (way deeper) into your pocket for the SAL85F14Z instead to save you the hassle of having to post process your exposures afterwards.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Alpha SAL85F28 A-mount Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens (Black)
The SAL-85F28 standard to medium zoom lens is perfect for getting tight on your subject and capturing flawless details. It includes an SH111 solid-circular lens hood, front and rear lens caps, plus a handy carrying case.
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