The long-awaited update to Sony's 85mm f/1.4 G Master lens is finally here, but are the updated optics, build, and performance worthy of an upgrade? Let's delve into the reasons why, for me, that answer is a resounding yes.
Build Quality
Sony's G Master series of lenses have always been associated with excellent build quality, and the new FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is no exception. It's significantly more lightweight than the original 85GM, while still feeling solid and compact in the hand.
Here are some of the highlights of the 85mm f/1.4 GM II's build quality:
- Dust and moisture resistant
- 20% lighter than the original 85mm f/1.4 GM
- 14 optical elements in 11 groups
- 2 XA (Extreme Aspherical) lens elements
- 2 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens elements
- 11-blade circular aperture for soft bokeh
- Nano AR coating to eliminate flare and ghosting
- 2x XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors for fast, smooth, and silent autofocus in photo and video. Supports 120 FPS burst and 4K 120P
- De-clickable aperture ring with iris lock
- 2x customizable focus hold buttons
Performance
The Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II is built with performance in mind, with premium performance across its entire spectrum of build and design. It features precision optics that are engineered for soft and stunning bokeh while providing sharp and detailed rendering across the entire image frame.
Sony has also included two of its latest ultra-fast XD linear focusing motors, which provide silent and blazing-fast performance when combined with their latest high-speed autofocusing bodies like the a9 III, a1, and a7C R.
When compared to the original Sony 85mm F1.4 GM, the 85mm GM II has been updated to provide 3x faster AF speed in stills and a 7x improvement in subject tracking for video.
I recently took it with me to Paris for the summer Olympic Games, where I shot it in a number of different environments. I really enjoyed how silent and accurate the autofocus was. I had no issues with missed shots while shooting in low light at an upscale private gala fashion show.
Focus was precise, and I was able to shoot a lot of high frame-rate bursts without making any noise.
Two other important features of the Sony 85mm GM II for me as a hybrid shooter in Paris were the de-clickable aperture ring and the linear-response manual focus ring. These were essential features for me to have as a professional video shooter on location because they allowed me to efficiently manage my exposures in run-and-gun situations, while also giving me precise manual focus control when I needed to manually rack focus in low light.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the new 85mm f/1.4 G Master II in Paris. The image quality was spectacular, the build quality premium, and the performance was improved by leaps and bounds over my original 85GM.
Conclusion
Priced at $1,799 USD, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is a premium prime lens for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest levels of performance.
As the 76th Sony E-mount lens, it completes Sony's updated lineup of f/1.4 primes, alongside the FE 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm f/1.4 GM lenses.
It renders gorgeous bokeh and colors, delivering images that have a distinct balance between the perfect amount of fall-off and detail.
To top it all off, it's now significantly faster and even more compact, making it the ideal telephoto prime for portraits, travel, sports, wildlife, weddings, and more.
Photographers and videographers who demand a high-quality, versatile lens that's capable of delivering exceptional image quality should look no further than the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II.
Its compact size, lightweight build, and blazing-fast autofocus make it an ideal choice for creators who need a premium 85mm lens that performs at the highest levels in both stills and video.
What are your thoughts about the new Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II? Will you be upgrading from your original 85GM? Were there any particular features or upgrades that you wished Sony would have included?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Images used with permission of Reza L Malayeri
