“you just need a really good lens”

In late 2020, I purchased the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 for Nikon F mount.

It’s like taking a written exam with ChatGPT. It’s stupendous good. It’s nicknamed the chode because of its rather thick body. It’s tack sharp at the maximum aperture, which most lenses are not. 

It was created for people like me: studio photographers.

I’ve used this lens more than any other.

I use it wide-open for headshots. It offers a shallow depth-of-field that was typically only possible with medium-format cameras.

It replaced my Nikon 85mm 1.8, which I thought was good (hey it’s good, but nowhere as good as the Sigma 105mm).

The purchase was $1600, so it was among the priciest purchases in my photo studio. But it’s just one purchase. I’ve done worse with many smaller, less important purchases.

I haven’t dropped it yet!

It’s so heavy and comes with a tripod collar.

I actually purchased two of these lenses and kept the sharper version. It’s true that even for same lens, one can be sharper. It was apparent in all four corners. 

I use this lens for every client, every week, it lives in my studio, probably on its 110th week. I plan to keep it. I treasure it. It’s the best lens for bokeh-inspired portraiture. I must say there is no other lens that creates such perfect bokeh and sharpness. It’s a wonder to use. The tripod collar is fantastic. It’s the best portrait lens I’ve ever had, but I may change my mind if I buy the Sigma 135mm 1.8.