Is This the Ultimate Portrait Lens for Sony Photographers?

An 85mm lens with a wide aperture is one of the most popular lenses out there, and the best of them can offer sharp images with smooth, background-melting bokeh. For Sony shooters, one of the top options is the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, and this fantastic video review will show you the type of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. 

Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens. As part of Sony's G Master series, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM offers an array of great features, including:

  • One XA element for reduced astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberrations and increased sharpness
  • Three extra-low dispersion elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and increased clarity 
  • Nano AR Coating for reduced flares and ghosting and increased contrast
  • Super Sonic Wave Motor for quick and quiet autofocus 
  • Customizable focus hold button
  • Declickable aperture for video work
  • Dust- and moisture-sealing for working in bad weather
  • Rounded 11-blade diaphragm for especially smooth bokeh when using a wide aperture

While it inarguably commands a premium price, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM looks to be a premium lens. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost. 

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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5 Comments

Sony 85mm GM "The Ultimate Portrait Lens for Sony" don`t be ridiculous .135mm GM and new Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG DN are far better than 85mm GM in every aspect, also many other brand lenses are easly compete with it

85GM has smoother bokeh and more pleasing rendering overall than both of those lenses. This is why it is so highly regarded for portraiture despite not being as technically sharp. 85GM is more than adequately sharp as is.

I prefer longer lenses so I can be as far away from people as I can. Preferably at home not shooting them at all.

Alex, would you please resume publishing original content again? This constant linking to YouTube videos isn't the high standard you are capable of.

Sigma 85 1.4 DG DN is by far considered better: https://sonyalpha.blog/2020/08/23/sigma-85mm-f1-4-dg-dn-art/