Generally the FE 135/1.8 GM performed well regarding flare (veiling and ghosting). Even with the sun in the frame, this lens has good flare resistance. I also compared it to the Sigma 135/1.8 Art E-mount side by side and they performed similarly.
There is a "Ring Flare" which manifests itself when using the lens bare without the original hood. (This does not happen with the Sigma)
This is different than conventinal lens flare and is a consequence of reflection coming from the threaded internal barrel. (here). This also happens with the FE 85/1.4 GM. ([url=https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1588217/15#14798201here[/url])
Here are some examples of the worse case scenario for flare I found and how it compares to the Sigma 135/1.8 Art:
Sigma 135/1.8 Art (TOP) | Sony 135/1.8 GM (Bottom): Strong sun in the frame. Both lenses retain high contrast with minimal ghosting
Sigma 135/1.8 Art (TOP) | Sony 135/1.8 GM (Bottom): Here we see some ghosting and loss of contrast. The sun is in the frame
Sony 135/1.8 GM (TOP) | Sigma 135/1.8 Art (Bottom): Here we see veiling flare from both lenses. The sun is right above the roof. Veiling flare is not easily replicated with both lenses.
The Sigma seems to have slightly better ghosting flare resistance in this scenario
Fred Miranda wrote:
The E-mount can be used with Sony TCs by slightly shaving the rear baffle. (I have not tried it though and I'm not sure if AF will work properly)
Do you have extension ring with electric contacts and the TC? That might allow to see if AF would work without shaving baffle.
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Mark Galer has done that comparison, there was no creaming to be had. Both looked equally nice.
Link please and I'd say let's wait for Fred's review. The other reviewers haven't noticed the rim induced flare either. How could I trust them that they could notice the difference between round and cat eye bokeh, for example?
Yesterday, I finally got clear skies for a coma test. The FE 135/1.8 GM did great and I post the results next. Great news for astrophotographers looking for a fast medium telephoto lens.
The FE 135/1.8 GM is a top choice for astrophotography. We already have great lenses like the lower priced Samyang 135/2 but the Sony has the advantage of acceptable coma wide open and is completely free of internal reflections. For astro, I'd say it's already optimal at f/2 or f/2.2 apertures.
The only negative is the slight field curvature at infinity distance but the extra crispness and contrast, makes up for it.
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Mark Galer has done that comparison, there was no creaming to be had. Both looked equally nice.
I tested this today and the 135/1.8 GM has slightly more blur compared to the 85/1.4 GM in crop mode. (both wide open)
That's expected since we are comparing 135/1.8 to an equiv. 127.5/2.1 lens in crop mode.
Bokeh quality is very similar indeed but LoCA correction is night and day between these lenses.
However, depending on the background distance to the subject, the 85/1.4 GM rendering is slightly smoother if I move it closer and match the same 135 GM framing. I will post some side by side compassions soon. Overall I'm impressed by the 135/1.8 GM's rendering.
Do you have any wide open portraits with the sigma and Sony by any chance for comparison?
You are doing a fantastic job... really all the info we need to make a decision!
Fred Miranda wrote:
I will try this today and let you know.
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Do you have any wide open portraits with the sigma and Sony by any chance for comparison?
You ate doing a fantastic job... really all the info we need to make a decision!
A very expensive one!
Guy already pushed me over the edge probably now 10 pages ago. I blame him. Fred has been nice enough to keep me from questioning that decision with all the info he has presented.
Actually have a question. I can clearly see the advantage and effectiveness of the 135 GM for portrait work but if you only interested in landscape would you feel that the GM would give you any advantage over the Batis 135?
I may be looking for justification to put my Batis in my hiking bag I use for landscape and put GM in the bag I use for portraits an put the 70-200 GM on the shelf unless I am shooting sports.
He's given us another definitive review of another definitively superb auto focusing lens. First the 24 GM now the 135 GM.
It all suggests a really bright future if Sony can keep up these ambitious performances. Imagine how much more expensive this is going to get! Think 200 f2 or a 15 f2 or a 50 f1.2 or a 40 f1.4.
swldstn wrote:
A very expensive one!
Guy already pushed me over the edge probably now 10 pages ago. I blame him. Fred has been nice enough to keep me from questioning that decision with all the info he has presented.
swldstn wrote:
Actually have a question. I can clearly see the advantage and effectiveness of the 135 GM for portrait work but if you only interested in landscape would you feel that the GM would give you any advantage over the Batis 135?
I may be looking for justification to put my Batis in my hiking bag I use for landscape and put GM in the bag I use for portraits an put the 70-200 GM on the shelf unless I am shooting sports.
I think if your only going to shoot landscape than the size weight advantage may help with hiking and such. But again some folks carry 80 pounds on there back. So it depends.
I know I’ll throw the 135 in a separate bag for landscape and keep it in the trunk if I need it I’ll go get it
I’ll be getting this about 5 days before I leave for NYC . So I’ll be sporting the 135 on the street. Lol
Not leaving it home
I hope to get mine a day or two before I leave for SC to surprise my Mom for B-day.
It will be my candid portrait lens.
Hope she doesn't read this thread
Justin Stone wrote:
He's given us another definitive review of another definitively superb auto focusing lens. First the 24 GM now the 135 GM.
It all suggests a really bright future if Sony can keep up these ambitious performances. Imagine how much more expensive this is going to get! Think 200 f2 or a 15 f2 or a 50 f1.2 or a 40 f1.4.
Just came back from my daughter's play. I will post more sample images tomorrow. I'm trying to be as objective as possible but I really like this lens.
