Sony’s New 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens Is Lighter, Smaller, and Much Faster

Aug 28, 2024

A black camera lens with a wide front glass element. The lens features a red "G" logo, focus mode switch labeled "AF/MF," and aperture ring with marked f-stops. The lens mount is labeled "E mount.

Continuing its pattern of significantly updating its G Master lens lineup, Sony has unveiled the FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master Mark II portrait prime. The lens promises a lighter design, improved image quality, and swifter autofocus.

Completing Sony’s refresh of its f/1.4 G Master prime lenses, joining the updated “II” versions of the 24mm f/1.4 GM, 16-35mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and 70-200mm f/2.8, the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II is designed for discerning photographers and videographers who require high-quality performance across the board and a professional grade build quality and design.

A black Sony Alpha a7R IV mirrorless digital camera with a large attached lens, featuring various control buttons and a textured grip on the right side. The lens is prominently displayed, showing a wide aperture ring.

The 85mm f/1.4 GM II has also been a highly requested release, per Sony, as the original 85mm f/1.4, while optically impressive, was released when Sony’s autofocus technology wasn’t quite up to snuff. The original lens sported a Supersonic Wave Motor (SSM), a holdover piece of tech from the company’s A-mount DSLR system. The new version sports an XD Linear Motor for autofocus, Sony’s latest technology.

The upgraded autofocus technology promises up to three times faster autofocus performance and seven times better tracking performance, which is a significant upgrade in an industry where improvements are typically measured in increments like “10%” or, on rare occasions, “twice as good.” Unsurprisingly, the new 85mm f/1.4 GM II is compatible with the Sony a9 III’s 120 frames per second drive mode with full autofocus.

A black Sony camera lens is shown from the side. It has various control switches labeled "IRIS LOCK," "CLICK," and "ON/OFF." The detailed structure of the lens, including the focus and zoom rings, as well as the lens mount, is visible.

The lens can focus as close as 0.85 meters (2.8 feet) when using autofocus and 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) in manual focus mode. The maximum magnification is 0.12x, the same as the original 85mm GM.

Like other “GM II” lenses, the 85mm f/1.4 GM II has received an aesthetic facelift, too. As is now par for the course, the GM II version is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II weighs 642 grams (22.7 ounces), a 20% weight reduction compared to its predecessor. The new lens is 13% smaller, too, measuring 107.3 millimeters (4.2 inches) long. Sony says it achieved this slimming by thoroughly reviewing and adjusting exterior materials and optical design.

A person holding a Sony camera with both hands, preparing to take a photo. The camera has a large lens and a wrist strap with the Sony logo visible. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the camera and hands.

Speaking of optics, the lens has 14 elements across 11 groups, including a pair of extreme aspherical (XA) elements, a trademark of G Master lenses, and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. The XA elements suppress overall aberrations, while the ED elements work to reduce chromatic aberration. The lens has a Nano AR II coating to subdue flare and ghosting.

Compared to the original 85mm f/1.4 GM, the Mark II lens has three additional elements and groups. It also has an extra XA element and one piece of ED glass.

Bokeh is a significant focus for Sony’s G Master lineup. The new 85mm f/1.4 has an 11-bladed circular aperture diaphragm, promising soft bokeh. Thanks to strict optical manufacturing standards, the lens should also deliver a very clean bokeh, free from things like onion ring distortions.

A person holding a DSLR camera attached to a gimbal stabilizer. The camera has an extended lens and a flip-out screen. The background is blurred, drawing focus to the camera and gimbal setup. The person is seen partially, dressed in a dark shirt.

As for operability, the weather-resistant lens has a linear response focusing ring, which promises excellent response and precise control over focus. The lens also includes a dedicated, lockable aperture ring, an inclusion welcomed by photo and video users alike. Users can also switch between clicked and smooth aperture ring operation. The lens also includes a pair of customizable focus hold buttons, a feature typical of GM II lenses.

Sample Images

Branches of a tree with small white blossoms and green leaves, bathed in soft, diffused light. The background is a blur of similar branches, creating a dreamy, ethereal effect.

A tree with fresh green leaves extends into the frame with a backdrop of a modern office building featuring a glass façade. The image captures the contrast between the natural foliage and the geometric architecture.

A man with a trimmed beard and short hair is thoughtfully resting his chin on his hand. He is wearing a maroon jacket with button details and a dark turtleneck. The background is dimly lit with circular bokeh lights.

A woman with fair skin and dark hair lies in a field of flowers, with her face turned upwards and one hand resting gently on her cheek. She is wearing a white, lacy outfit and has a thoughtful expression. The background is soft and blurred, highlighting her serene presence.

A young person with medium-length brown hair and bangs gazes into the camera while holding delicate white flowers close to their face. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the subject's serene expression and the fine details of the flowers.

A woman wearing a light-colored dress and a matching scarf walks through a lush green forest. Her dress flows gently as she moves, and she appears peaceful and content. The background is filled with dense foliage, creating a serene natural setting.

Sunlight filters through a dense canopy of green leaves, creating a starburst effect as it shines through a narrow gap. The leaves appear lush and vibrant, forming a beautiful natural pattern against the light.

A close-up view of green leaves on tree branches, with a blurred, blue-toned background that appears to be a modern glass building. The leaves are fresh and vivid, indicating a spring or early summer scene. The composition is bright and airy.

A person with long curly hair sits on a wooden chair, resting their head on their hand. They are wearing a beige shirt over a light-colored t-shirt. The background is a plain dark gray. The person has a calm and thoughtful expression.

A woman with curly hair is sitting indoors, looking to the right. She is dressed in a beige outfit and appears to be in a calm and contemplative mood. The background is softly blurred, featuring a lamp and an abstract artwork.

A close-up side profile of a person with brown hair and bangs, looking pensive. The background is out of focus with warm, dim lighting, creating a moody atmosphere. The person is wearing small hoop earrings.

A close-up shot of a person with curly dark hair looking down. The lighting is soft, casting gentle shadows on the face. The background is blurred, drawing attention to the contemplative expression and the details of the person's hair and skin.

A man wearing a blue sports jersey is captured mid-motion with water droplets splashing around him. The background is slightly out of focus, highlighting the dynamic moment of the water spray.

A woman stands in shallow water with rocks in the background, wearing a flowing, blue and orange dress that drapes into the water. The sky is overcast, creating a serene and moody atmosphere. She gazes confidently at the camera, holding part of her dress.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II will be available for the same price as its predecessor: $1,799 ($2,599 CAD). Preorders start tomorrow and the lens is expected to ship this fall.

Image credits: Sony

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