Sony has announced a new fixed-focal-length lens in its GM series that has diverse uses for photographers: the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II. Photographers have revered GM lenses since their inception; much of it results from the lens’s exceptional sharpness, high image quality, visibly no distortion, and durability. The new Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II promises to live up to that reputation set by its predecessor, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM. Sony states that the lens is “ideal” for various genres, from portraits to weddings, sports and fashion, and more. Moreover, the company also completes its F1.4 line-up of prime lenses: FE 24mm F1.4 GM, FE 35mm F1.4 GM, and FE 50mm F1.4 GM. You can check out our full review of the new 85mm f1.4 G Master here along with a comparison to the 85mm f1.8.
Some of the highlights of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II include a faster AF performance–a must, considering many cameras today are trying to concoct a perfect mix of tracking capabilities. If you have a lens that matches up with that, viola, your job becomes more efficient. It also incorporates a fast and “accurate” internal focus, paired with F1.4, which can be useful for the above-mentioned usage. After all, who doesn’t want dreamy pictures with soft bokeh?
Sony And Its Uncompromised Image Quality
An 85mm lens is quite handy in your backpack. Not only do you get flattering portraits, but F1.4 helps you shoot at night. For street photographers, too, it can provide a good depth of field, ensuring that you are not disturbing people around you. This is why Sony updating its GM line-up with a new 85mm is a delight to many.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II promises that its 14 elements in 11 groups can offer just the image quality you desire from your lens. Of the make, 2 XA (extreme aspherical) lens elements and 2ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements have been utilized to suppress any kind of aberration. If you happen to shoot against the sun, then the Nano AR II has you covered against flare and ghosting.
Another great point that must be mentioned is an 11-blade circular aperture that can give you a smooth defocus background for the perfect portraits or even landscapes if you want to shoot unconventionally. Thanks to its 642 g weight (180 g lesser than its predecessor) and 84.7 x 107.3 mm size, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II makes it easy to pack and carry.
Sony Guarantees Fast Autofocus
To ensure your lens meets the challenging demands of a high-performing camera, the company utilizes 2x XD (extremely dynamic) linear motors. As a result, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be smooth and silent while autofocusing. The latter has become increasingly important for videos, especially now that reels are the go-to format for social media.
Street, wedding, and wildlife photographers will be happy to know that the lens offers 3x fast AF speed for stills. Those tracking moving objects can appreciate the newly upgraded speed of up to 7x, a big leap from its predecessors. Sony claims the lens will also support tracking, as seen on the company’s Alpha 9 III, which has 120fps continuous shooting. The minimum focusing distance is 0.8m in manual focus and 0.85m in autofocus mode; 0.12x is the maximum magnification ratio.
What’s on The Outside
The lens is designed for maximum operability and longevity. It features a linear response ring, a dedicated aperture ring, and a focus mode switch. There is also an aperture click ON/OFF switch and two customizable buttons–a patent mark of Sony lenses. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can also accept a 77mm screw-on filter. For extended durability, Sony made the GM II dust and moisture-resistant. So, if you are caught in a few raindrops, you should be fine. Moreover, the lens has sealed seams, and the buttons and switches feature silicon rubber gaskets. A fluorine coating on the front element also repels water, oil, and fingerprints. With such an impressive spec sheet, we would like to see how it fares in our reviews. Keep an eye out!
Tech Specs
| Model | : Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II |
| Focal Length | : 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | : F1.4 |
| Optical Construction | : 14 elements in 11 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | : 0.85 (AF) / 0.8 (MF) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | : 0.12x |
| Filter Size | : 77mm |
| Length and Diameter | : 84.7 x 107.3mm / 3.3 x 4.2in |
| Weight | : 642g / 22.7 oz |
| Aperture Blades | : 11 (circular diaphragm) |
| Minimum Aperture | : F22 |
| Standard Accessories | : Hood, Front cap, Rear cap |
| Mount | : Sony E-mount |