Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens Officially Announced
Sony has officially announced the long-awaited FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens (SEL85F14GM2), marking a significant upgrade to one of its most beloved portrait primes. This second-generation lens brings several enhancements over its predecessor, including a lighter design, faster and more precise autofocus (AF), and an improved optical system. These advancements make it a compelling option for both photographers and videographers alike.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens at B&H, Adorama.
Features:
- Breathtaking G Master image quality right out to the edges of the frame.
- Innovative optics and a large F1.4 aperture deliver magnificent bokeh.
- Two XD linear motors for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus for stills and movies.
- Highly mobile, lightweight and compact lens with incredible performance.
- Latest optics minimize chromatic aberration for precisely rendered edge detail.
- Advanced and intuitive feature set making an ideal filmmaking lens.
- Dedicated aperture ring, two customizable buttons, and more for professional control.
- Dust and moisture resistant and fluorine front coating.
- Round shaped, bayonet mount lens hood ALC-SH180 supplied.
The Ultimate Portrait Prime, Upgraded
The new Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens has been re-engineered to deliver the ultimate portrait photography experience. As a successor to the highly regarded original, this lens is slimmer, more compact, and packed with features that cater to the needs of modern creators. The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II maintains the top-tier sharpness and bokeh quality that made the G Master series famous, but it also brings significant upgrades that improve performance in both stills and video applications.
Optical Excellence and Enhanced Bokeh
One of the most notable improvements in this lens is its optical design. Sony has incorporated additional elements, including a second XA (extreme aspherical) element, which contributes to higher edge-to-edge resolution and contrast. These elements also enhance the smoothness of the bokeh, a key characteristic of portrait lenses. The XA elements ensure superior surface precision, minimizing undesirable effects like “onion rings” and color fringing. The 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the lens’s ability to produce stunning shallow depth-of-field effects, making it ideal for portraiture and other creative applications.
Superior Autofocus and Video Capabilities
Autofocus performance has seen a substantial upgrade in the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II. The lens is now capable of delivering stills up to three times faster than its predecessor. This is made possible by the inclusion of Sony’s XD linear motor, which allows for precise tracking of moving subjects. The lens can support continuous shooting at 120fps when paired with cameras like the Sony a9 III, offering up to seven times better performance compared to the original.
These autofocus improvements extend to video shooting as well. The lens offers precise focus tracking at up to 120p, while the new actuator ensures quiet operation and reduces focus breathing—a critical feature for professional video work. Additionally, the lens supports in-body breathing compensation with compatible Alpha-series cameras, providing more control and flexibility for videographers. Manual focusing has also been enhanced with a linear response feature, ensuring accurate and intuitive adjustments.
Compact Design and Durability
Despite these improvements, Sony has managed to reduce the size and weight of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II. The lens is now 13% smaller and 20% lighter, weighing approximately 1.4 pounds. The construction is dust- and moisture-resistant, with a fluorine coating that protects against water and oil. For those upgrading from the original version, the lens retains the same 77mm filter thread, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories.
Overall, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is poised to be a go-to prime lens for both casual and professional photographers and videographers using Sony E-mount cameras. Its blend of cutting-edge optical performance, advanced autofocus, and enhanced video capabilities make it a versatile tool for a wide range of creative applications. Whether you’re capturing portraits, events, or cinematic video, this lens offers the precision and quality that the G Master line is known for.
