Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens Officially Announced
Sony has officially announced the long-anticipated FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens (SEL85F14GM2), a significant upgrade to one of its most beloved portrait lenses. This second-generation lens comes with a range of enhancements, including a lighter and more compact design, improved autofocus (AF) performance, and an upgraded optical structure, making it an appealing choice for photographers and videographers alike.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens: $1,798 at B&H, Adorama.
The Ultimate Portrait Prime, Upgraded
The new FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is a refined version of Sony’s classic portrait lens, now featuring faster autofocus, smoother bokeh, and video-friendly updates. It continues to deliver G Master’s renowned sharpness and pleasing bokeh, making it ideal for portrait, event, and other shallow depth-of-field applications in both still photography and video. The lens is designed to cater to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts, offering exceptional image quality across a wide range of uses.
Key Upgrades and Enhanced Optical Design
Replacing its eight-year-old predecessor, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II introduces significant improvements. Internally, the lens incorporates a refined optical design, including additional elements like a second extreme aspherical (XA) element. These elements enhance edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast, while also contributing to the signature smooth bokeh that distinguishes this lens class. The XA elements minimize imperfections like “onion ring” bokeh and chromatic aberrations, ensuring a clean and professional look in every shot. The lens’s 11-blade circular aperture further enhances its shallow depth-of-field effects, which are especially appealing for portrait photographers.
Superior Autofocus and Video Capabilities
The autofocus performance of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II has been significantly boosted, aligning with Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera capabilities. It delivers stills up to three times faster than its predecessor and supports high-speed continuous shooting up to 120fps when paired with cameras like the a9 III. The newly incorporated XD linear motor allows the lens to track moving subjects with remarkable precision, boasting performance up to seven times better than the original model.
Video shooters will also appreciate the upgrades. The lens provides precise focus tracking at up to 120p, aided by a new actuator that ensures quiet operation and minimizes focus breathing. The in-body breathing compensation, available in compatible Alpha-series bodies, further refines the lens’s video performance. For manual focus enthusiasts, the linear response manual focus feature delivers intuitive and accurate control. Additionally, the lens body includes several tactile controls such as a de-clickable aperture ring, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch, enhancing its versatility for videography.
Lighter, Smaller, and More Durable
Despite its enhanced capabilities, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is lighter and more compact than its predecessor—13% smaller and 20% lighter, weighing approximately 1.4 pounds. The lens is built to withstand challenging shooting conditions, featuring dust and moisture resistance and a fluorine coating that protects against water and oil. Conveniently, it retains the same 77mm filter thread as the original lens, making it easier for current users to transition.
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II positions itself as an essential tool for both professional and casual photographers and videographers using Sony E-mount cameras. With its blend of advanced optics, superior autofocus, and refined build, it sets a new benchmark for portrait prime lenses. What are your thoughts on this impressive upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!