85mm lenses are the traditional focal length of choice for portraiture, but on the other hand, they are certainly not the only option. 135mm lenses have long been a popular alternative, and there are some high-quality choices out there, such as the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens, its performance and image quality, and what makes it unique among other high-end portraiture options.
Coming to you from Manny Ortiz, this great video review takes a look at the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens. I have always had a soft spot for 135mm lenses. My first high-end lens was the Canon EF 135mm f/2L, and it has been a staple in my bag for over a decade now. 135mm lenses offer a bit more telephoto compression than their 85mm counterparts, which can be more flattering on facial features and can create more subject isolation. On the other hand, the drawback to 135mm lenses is that they have a longer working distance. While this normally is not a problem outdoors, it can be a bit tricky if you are working in a smaller studio. Sony's version is part of their respected G Master line, and as such, you can expect excellent performance, with sharp images, deep contrast, and smooth bokeh. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ortiz.
Manny is such a beast and I love his work. I've personally never gotten so hung up on "the best prime lens" for portraits and headshots myself but I appreciate those who do this type of comparison. That being said, how many amazing photographers do you know that shoot at 70mm f4 or even wider with more dof? It's great to have these options so everyone can produce crazy shallow dof and get those cinematic looks but it's also nice to step back and experiment with an aesthetic that looks different from what many people are doing.