Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II
Announced August 28, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is an exceptional portrait lens that improves upon its predecessor with significantly faster autofocus, reduced weight, and superior edge-to-edge sharpness. It is a top-tier professional optic that delivers refined bokeh and high-contrast image quality, making it a highly recommended upgrade for demanding photographers.
Weighted from 34 reviewer scores
Pros
- Refined bokeh rendering and optical corrections
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality across the frame
- Significantly faster and more reliable autofocus performance
- Improved portability through a lighter and more compact design
- Enhanced physical controls and build quality
Cons
- Optical limitations including vignetting, flare, and focus breathing
- High retail price point
- Physical size and lack of optical stabilization
- Restricted close-focusing capabilities
- Maximum aperture of f/1.4 rather than f/1.2
- Launch price $1,799 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 85mm f/1.4
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 80 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor XD linear motors
- Weight & size 642g · 84.7 x 107.3 mm (3.33 x 4.22 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 34 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 10/10
Should you buy it? Yes. This is a near-perfect lens that does exactly what you want a fast 85mm to do.
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So if you're a brand new customer, and you've got the money to buy a G Master price lens, and you're trying to compare between these two, buy the G Master II, it's that easy.
- OpticalLimits 9.5/10
There are lenses, then there are good lenses, and very rarely, there are exceptional ones - and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is in this last category. It is extremely sharp straight from f/1.4 and that's across the image field and the relevant aperture range.
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If you’re a photographer whose primary interest is portraits, or similar related genres, such as weddings or events, then an 85mm lens is a must. Sony’s new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is an exceptional example.
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Serious photographers, including parents, with portraits, weddings, and events on their to-photograph list should have this lens on their cameras.
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If you want to be able to capture amazing images on the edges (fast moving subjects, low light, etc…), then the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II might just be worth the extra money.
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[T]his lens may be very expensive, but Sony have achieved what they set out to do, essentially make the best 85mm optic in existence, and they pretty much win the prize for that.
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Our summary of the Sony FE 85 mm f/1.4 GM II lens cannot be other than enthusiastic. The instrument is able to provide record-breaking resolution and it combines it with nice out-of-focus areas.
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[Y]ou can get your credit card out now and buy this new version, as your prayers have been answered.
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This lens doesn't disappoint whatsoever; it's the best that Sony can make, and it's one of the best 85mm lenses I've ever used.
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For top performance and hard professional use, the new lens could be the one of choice.
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[T]he much improved Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will meet and even exceed the needs of the most demanding of portrait photographers and videographers alike.
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I have nothing bad to say about it other than it's not a 1.2.
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It’s hard to improve on a lens that’s already so good but I feel that Sony has done a great job in making the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II even more ‘perfect’.
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Photographers who want a short telephoto prime with loads of background-blurring power for portraits, fast focus performance for high-speed action photography, exceptional optical performance, and a carry-friendly design should look no further.
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Optically, physically and operationally, though, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is simply spectacular.
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I think the original was good and I I think this one for me at least is just a little better even now.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The updated AF system and improved technologies in the new lens provide good reasons for portrait photographers to consider upgrading to the new version.
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What you need from an 85 is precision and beautiful fall off, and I think this lens checks every box.
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[T]he FE85mm f1.4 G Master 2 is a welcomed upgrade.
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[T]his is such a stunning lens with very little downsides in my opinion.
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So after 8 years, that is the update to the new 85mm f1.4 and has improved autofocus, better image quality, and it's just overall a nice smaller, lighter lens.
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It's a great lens, and I was able to get some really cool shots, but I don't know. Is it worth it to me?
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I do get the feeling that this is a purchase which many have been looking forward to making for a while, 'cause at long last, the 85 G Master we've all been asking for is finally here.
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Honestly, I love the look of this lens after going through all this footage and there are some major benefits.
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It offers excellent image quality with nearly no chromatic aberration and smooth out-of-focus rendering.
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We're here at Sony Kando 2024 and Sony just announced their brand new Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II and this is probably the best 85mm lens to ever hit the mirrorless camera market.
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I am pleased with my experience and the results achieved in a short period of time, and I find the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II will offer a solid option for working photographers or enthusiasts seeking images with a distinctive look that go beyond the aforementioned zoom lens [...]
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It offers faster autofocus, improved optics, and a more lightweight and user-friendly design.
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The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II combines reduced size and weight with enhanced resolution, improved bokeh, and faster focusing.
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The improved sharpness performance at every stop, especially corner-to-corner sharpness, as well as improved artifact suppression, and significantly better autofocus performance, the Mark II is just a fantastic lens.
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If you're on the fence picking it up, don't be. I think the moment you get into your hands and you start taking photographs with or even video for that matter, you're going to love how this thing performs.
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[T]his is 100% the lens that I have been waiting for in this system.
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Sony has made a beast of a lens and there's a reason why it's been such a popular lens for the last eight years.
