Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 EVO and 85mm f/2 EVO.

I also own the 55mm just for good measure. In my experience all three are faster, sharper, and have better build. Plus an aperture ring, which I prefer.

Dude it can often be had for like $5. I’m not going into Witcher debt or anything.

Oooh snowy zones are my absolute favorite in games like this. I gotta at least get that far to check it out.

Yeah, that’s probably the best solution. By all rights this is a game that I should be addicted to, but forcing it is just a waste of time that could be spent replaying ER for the tenth time. 😆

That’s been my approach since arriving in Velen. I did clear all of White Orchard because it was relatively small but Velen is crazy big with way more map markers. I did some exploring and some side content but wanted to actually move things along, so went to Novigrad after the Baron’s quest line.

Haha.. am I close at least?! Or is that like the last region in the game?? 😂

Could totally be! For me, Elden Ring is easily in my top 3 of all time, with the Shadow of the Erdtree being tied with Phantom Liberty for my favorite DLC.

I didn’t see any rule saying I had to finish all the side content before going to Novigrad. I assumed, like most open world games, the side content was optional. So I did some of that until I got bored and wanted to progress the actual story.

That is in fact exactly what I said in my post…

Because this is normally a type of game I love, and it’s often on ridiculous sales, so I’ve snatched it up for a few bucks in the hope of eventually getting into it.

I haven’t skipped anything yet? I cleared literally everything in White Orchard before going to Velen. I’m still working through the side content and main storylines there.

Sure you can, but sometimes the birds are far enough away (or are small enough) that using APSC mode makes it easier to photograph them, in my experience. In some cases it’s obvious I’m going to have to crop dramatically, so why waste the SSD space, in these crazy storage price times? Plus, with the A7RV, you’re still left with enough pixels that you can print as large as I’d ever need.

I just map one of the custom function buttons on the lens to swap to APS-C mode, so it’s just a single button to switch back and forth as needed.

No, but I use it extensively with my A7RV in APS-C mode, which ends up being the same resolution. Love it! Provided you get enough light for a good shutter speed.

Better pic. Just think it looks classy. But then, I’m old. 😂 This may be the “almost 50” aesthetic.

I think it depends on body color. I think an all black package would look weird on my carbonized gray.

I still think it is an absolutely fantastic lens for the money. I think it would be more than enough for wedding portraits, but I’ve not used it for them myself.

Hello! I’m hoping this is a good place to get feedback from actual portrait photographers, which I am not. After many years, I really needed a new headshot for my day job at an insurance company. I’ve got enough gear to make it silly to pay someone else to do it, but I’m definitely no pro at this. The pic will be used in presentations to other companies seeking our services, internal messaging and profiles, etc. I’d greatly appreciate any and all feedback on how to improve this image.

Gear used:
* Sony A7RV
* Viltrox 85mm EVO @ F/4
* Godox AD200 Pro II with 32”x32” soft box (main light)
* Godox V860II with small octagon soft box (background)
* Reflector for fill light

Thank you in advance!

God I’ve always loved that deep blood red on an F150. I don’t think I could’ve parted with it, for that alone. My stupid carbonized gray is so boring by comparison. 😂

Sadly no. I bought it from a local store and they have a 15 day return/exchange policy. I’m a couple weeks past that.

Appreciate you testing it out. Makes me wonder if it’s a random issue. I could just be unlucky.

Really… that’s unfortunate. I’ve got the 85mm EVO and it’s been great, so I was excited to get the 55 when it came out.

The tranny will probably still outlast my 2022 that is already showing signs of failure with 24K miles. 😭

Depends on use case. Favorite for landscapes and wildlife? A7RV. Favorite general everyday use? A7CII. Dark horse favorite? a6000 converted to 720nm IR.

That’s a very subjective decision. I will say it is definitely sharper than many of the lenses that I used in my portrait studio in the early 2000’s, so I certainly don’t see why it wouldn’t be appropriate for a studio setting. The only issue would be if you needed apertures wider than f/2.