The Bokeh Machine: A Review of the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens

A 135mm lens is a popular alternative focal length to the classic 85mm when it comes to portraits. Sony's 135mm f/1.8 looks like one of the best of the bunch, and this excellent video review takes a look at the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens. The 135mm f/1.8 GM is an impressive lens, coming with a variety of features, including:

  • One XA element for reduced spherical aberrations, astigmatism, and coma
  • Two extra-low dispersion elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and increased clarity
  • Nano AR Coating for reduced flares and ghosting and increased contrast
  • XD Linear Motor system for quick and quiet autofocus performance 
  • Declickable aperture for video work
  • Dust- and moisture-sealed design 
  • Fluorine coating for resistance to dust and fingertips
  • Rounded 11-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh

Of course, as fantastic a performer as the 135mm f/1.8 GM is, the one major drawback is its hefty price, which sits above $2,000. It is worth also checking out the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art, which offers similarly good performance, but at the more affordable price of $1,399. Still, the Sony does offer a few advantages over the Sigma; check out the video above for Frost's full thoughts on the lens.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

I just bought this lens last week. Truly spectacular is all I can say. And a boon for sh!itty photographers like me.

This lens is definitely on my bucket list.

I have this lens. I love it. It's one of my favorite. I'm just not able to use it very often.

It's freakishly sharp on my A7R 4.