transientgolf wrote:
I really like this lens for indoor Volleyball as well. I will say I preferred the 105 1.4 focal length on the Nikon, but the AF on the A9ii + 135 GM really works well (and the optics are fantastic). I’m hoping I get the best of both worlds with a 105 GM lens some day
I’ve got a similar experience, miss the 104/1.4E mostly due to the fact that 135 is a tad long, haven’t had the 135GM so long, so I have not made up my mind if it also is the rendering I miss. Since my usage is not so action heavy, I’m thinking of adding a Sigma 105/1.4 , if I can find one used, awaiting a GM 105
Kind Rgds, Peter
I have the Sigma 105 and actually prefer the rendering and the focal length over the 135 although 135 at crop on the A7RIV is effectively 200 and that’s damn valuable for my wildlife photography. However there have been many times I also got caught with 135 being too tight. One thing that’s exciting, and somewhat validates the size and weight of the 105 is that Lensrentals recently tested it, and some other lenses, at an insane 200 lp/mm and the Sigma 105 came out on top, even sharper than the Sony 135, although the Sony beats it at lower resolutions.
The problem with the 105 is traveling with it (along with other lenses)...
I have been using my FE 85mm 1.8 in both FF and in crop mode on my R4 trying to decide if 135mm was something that would work for me. Well after reading reviews and reviewing many sample images I decided it was something I could use so I just ordered the 135 GM. Funny as I really do not do portraits. At least not yet but I do take many shots of perching birds, some sports and many of my 12 rescue dogs that we have given a forever home to. I have also used my 100-400 GM for landscapes once in a while. One of the limitations of my 100-400mm is the not so bright conditions I find myself in when taking photos of my dogs, birds or wildlife. The R4 likes a fast lens for such conditions. I think the 135mm will be great, at least I hope so. I think it will be great for some landscape, cityscape and general photography as well. A side benefit will be using it too in crop mode on the R4 which will give me 200mm. Excited to try it out. Also been keeping up with this tread and the gas it created finally got the better of me.
PeterL6312 wrote:
I’ve got a similar experience, miss the 104/1.4E mostly due to the fact that 135 is a tad long, haven’t had the 135GM so long, so I have not made up my mind if it also is the rendering I miss. Since my usage is not so action heavy, I’m thinking of adding a Sigma 105/1.4 , if I can find one used, awaiting a GM 105
Kind Rgds, Peter
There were two Sony patents floating around before the 135/1.8 GM was released. The patents were for a 100/1.4 and 135/1.8 FE lenses. The problem is that Sony released the 135/1.8 GM and its optical design is very different from the early patent which makes me think that a 100/1.4 GM is not an imminent release.
Just received my new 135mm GM. Of course its gloomy and raining outside but took some pics of my dogs inside using my R4 and all I can say is Wow! I already love it. The sharpness and rendering is great. The bokeh is very pleasing too. The subect isolation looks fantastic. Can't wait to get outside with it tomorrow when we have some sun. In the mean time I will check for any decentering but I already have a good feeling about this copy. One thing I did notice and maybe its normal. Not a big deal but it seems to take a second for the R4 IBIS to kick in and settle down.
Tried out 135 GM recently as a walkaround lens and I have to say I found it a lot harder to frame than 85 mm (which I tried a week before in the same place, but less sun/more cloudy then). Still, a couple of "Polish Golden Autumn" pics came out of it :
Fred Miranda wrote:
There were two Sony patents floating around before the 135/1.8 GM was released. The patents were for a 100/1.4 and 135/1.8 FE lenses. The problem is that Sony released the 135/1.8 GM and its optical design is very different from the early patent which makes me think that a 100/1.4 GM is not an imminent release.
That’s a keen observation Fred. I love my Sigma 105 f1.4 but it gets left at home a lot because of the size and weight and the 135GM gets taken out instead. I’m very curious if Sony could up with a lens that performs as well as the Sigma, if not better, and is also smaller and lighter. I’m pretty sure they could do it.
This lens really is sensational. Lens rental blog charts does not lie.
As for how well the sigma goes toe to toe with this, I managed to grab this particular lens for £999 (£750 saving) from jessops during black friday so Sigma does not stand a chance at this price point. Jessops claimed it was clearance I think it was a misprice, but its getting honoured either way. Looking forward to using it on the A7R III.
A Sony 105 1.4 GM would be the perfect go to portrait lens. Especially if its anywhere close to what Sony has achieved with the 135mm 1.8 gm
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks!
Sometimes the FE 135/1.8 is way too sharp but I can't complain about its rendering. Somehow Sony found a great balance for portraits and sports.
Here is a 1:1 crop screenshot from the image above:
I liked the original shot but the 1:1 I was hoping for a bit better. Maybe it is due to the web compression or something else. I am not a Sony shooter, just ordered A7rIV and trying to get a lens. Really intrigued by this 135mm GM but want to test the waters slowly. My reference is Fuji GFX50s with 110mm f2.
Edited: - Looked at other shots and they look good but still trying to find 1:1.
Volkan wrote:
This lens really is sensational. Lens rental blog charts does not lie.
A Sony 105 1.4 GM would be the perfect go to portrait lens. Especially if its anywhere close to what Sony has achieved with the 135mm 1.8 gm
Yes it is sensational. I’m also excited by the idea of a Sony 100 or 105. I also have the Sigma 105 f1.4 and like it better than the 135GM but the 135GM is a lot lighter to take on trips and has more reach especially in crop mode. Interestingly, Lenrentals recently tested the Sigma 105 and the 135GM all the way up to 240 lp/mm and the Sigma was better. Given that standard it’s exciting to think that Sony might be able to create something as good but in a much lighter and smaller package.
Boy it feels good to join the sony 135 1.8 GM crowd....this lens with the sigma 105 1.4 is such a super nice combo I got it during a no sales tax at my favorite camera store 2 days ago. Once the weather gets better here I am going to take it out and have fun with it! It's absolutely incredible just from the test shots I've taken with it so far!
Welcome to the club. Yeah you got two damn fine lenses there. I am constantly torn between both of them. Very different but each awesome in their own way.
This lens is so good. If only I didn't already own the 100stf.
Just tried it out in the sony showroom, it's a bit front heavy but damn the image it gives out is amazing
Kildras wrote:
This lens is so good. If only I didn't already own the 100stf.
Just tried it out in the sony showroom, it's a bit front heavy but damn the image it gives out is amazing
I have both but use the 135/1.8 way more. It's a huge difference in light gathering. f1.8 vs 5.6.
I have and use both too. I tend to go with the 100 STF as my first choice and the 135 when f/5.6 isn’t enough. (My wife loves flowers so I take lots of pictures of them and her with the STF).
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have both but use the 135/1.8 way more. It's a huge difference in light gathering. f1.8 vs 5.6.
Can anyone give me some opinions comparing the 135gm to the Sigma 85mm Art? I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the cash to switch. I like the Sigma very much, but I do tend to like longer focal lengths. Just don't know if getting rid of the Sigma would be wise since I also have the 70-200gm for more reach.
kbutler84 wrote:
Can anyone give me some opinions comparing the 135gm to the Sigma 85mm Art? I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the cash to switch. I like the Sigma very much, but I do tend to like longer focal lengths. Just don't know if getting rid of the Sigma would be wise since I also have the 70-200GM for more reach.
There is 50mm focal difference so not really comparable. With 135 when used indoor you might not have enough room to move further to get whatever you photograph into frame. With 85 you are closer to subject and it would be easier to communicate with person when doing portraits then. No idea what you photograph though and what you intend to use lens for. Also with already having 70-200GM you don't really need 135GM.
All that said 135 GM will give you another look 85 cannon replicate and it will also give you smoother background over 70-200GM 2.8. All has pros/cons. It all depends what you intend to use it for. Maybe keep all and just add Sigma 135 1.8 which is more affordable and nearly every bit as good as Sony 135 GM.
Though I love the RF 50 for the focal length versatility and the look, Canon just can't touch Sony in AF goodness. And with this lens and the A9, I am very pleased. For shot like this, I am really looking forward to the GM 200/2.
After much debate and research between the Batis 135mm f2.8 and this GM 135mm f1.8 FE for an AF short telephoto, I purchased and received the GM 2 days ago (along with the Zeiss Planar T 50mm f1.4.😅 So far I am enjoying the 135 GM. I am comparing it to my Rokinon 135mm f2 MF, and so far the Rokinon (at least my copy) has really surprised me on how good it is next to the GM in regards to image quality. I shoot outdoors mostly, and in natural lighting you can’t go wrong with either lens. Not done with my comparing both 135mm lenses, need more “shutter” time😁.....Also....Never thought I would enjoy the Planar T 50mm so much, I own the 55mm Sonnar and had a case of “GAS” so I snatched one up. And I must say that I am actually liking it more than the twice as expensive GM 135mm😅....We will see if the feeling remains over the next 3 months....Vacation is just around the corner...!!!!!
The 50 would be a lot easier to use if you're not used to 135, I do street photography with it and have been for years so it's a focal length I'm very used to, great for events as well. The 135 is at it's best for street candids and isolating details. Joseph Fig wrote:
After much debate and research between the Batis 135mm f2.8 and this GM 135mm f1.8 FE for an AF short telephoto, I purchased and received the GM 2 days ago (along with the Zeiss Planar T 50mm f1.4.😅 So far I am enjoying the 135 GM. I am comparing it to my Rokinon 135mm f2 MF, and so far the Rokinon (at least my copy) has really surprised me on how good it is next to the GM in regards to image quality. I shoot outdoors mostly, and in natural lighting you can’t go wrong with either lens. Not done with my comparing both 135mm lenses, need more “shutter” time😁.....Also....Never thought I would enjoy the Planar T 50mm so much, I own the 55mm Sonnar and had a case of “GAS” so I snatched one up. And I must say that I am actually liking it more than the twice as expensive GM 135mm😅....We will see if the feeling remains over the next 3 months....Vacation is just around the corner...!!!!!...Show more →
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I got it during a no sales tax at my favorite camera store 2 days ago. Once the weather gets better here I am going to take it out and have fun with it! It's absolutely incredible just from the test shots I've taken with it so far! 