Sony has officially announced the long-anticipated FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens (SEL85F14GM2), an upgraded version of its popular portrait prime lens. This new iteration is lighter, features enhanced autofocus performance, and boasts an improved optical design, making it a top choice for photographers and videographers alike.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens: $1,798 at B&H, Adorama.
Key Features
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Prime
- 20% Lighter, 13% Smaller than Previous
- XD Linear Motor Autofocus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Iris Lock Switch
- XA and ED Elements
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Fluorine Coating
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
The Ultimate Portrait Prime, Reimagined
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens is an upgraded version of one of Sony’s most beloved portrait lenses. Sleeker and more compact, it brings significant improvements, including faster autofocus, smoother bokeh, and features tailored for video creators. Retaining the hallmark G Master image quality, this lens delivers stunning sharpness and bokeh, making it ideal for portrait, event, and other shallow depth-of-field photography and videography.
Marking the beginning of the second generation of Sony’s G Master prime lenses, this update replaces the original 85mm f/1.4, which was launched eight years ago. The new lens is lighter and more compact while offering superior optical performance, smoother bokeh, and better autofocus capabilities, enhancing overall usability, especially for video applications.
Enhanced Optics and Smoother Bokeh
Internally, the optical design has been refined to include additional elements, such as a second XA (extreme aspherical) element. These elements enhance edge-to-edge resolution and contrast, and they contribute to the smooth bokeh that defines this lens class. The XA elements also reduce unwanted artifacts like “onion ring” bokeh and color fringing. An 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the shallow depth-of-field effects, making it ideal for portrait photography.
Next-Level Autofocus Performance
The upgraded autofocus system is designed to pair seamlessly with Sony’s flagship mirrorless cameras, delivering still images up to three times faster than the original version. With its internal focusing mechanism, the lens supports continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with cameras like the a9 III. The newly incorporated XD linear motor dramatically improves focus tracking of moving subjects, with Sony claiming a sevenfold improvement over the original model.
These autofocus enhancements extend into video use as well. The lens offers precise and smooth focus tracking at up to 120p, aided by a new actuator that keeps focusing quiet and minimizes focus breathing. The lens is also compatible with in-body breathing compensation in select Alpha-series cameras. Additionally, the linear response manual focus feature provides accurate and intuitive manual control, while the lens body includes helpful controls such as a de-clickable aperture ring, iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch.
Lighter, Tougher, and Ready for Action
Sony has managed to implement all these improvements while making the lens 13% smaller and 20% lighter than its predecessor, bringing the weight down to approximately 1.4 pounds. The lens is dust- and moisture-resistant, with a fluorine coating that guards against water and oil. Importantly, it retains the 77mm filter thread of the original, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories.
Overall, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II positions itself as an essential prime lens for both casual and professional photographers and videographers using Sony E-mount cameras. With its blend of advanced optics, improved autofocus, and a lighter build, this lens sets a new benchmark for portrait primes. What do you think of Sony’s latest offering? Share your thoughts below!
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