Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II: A Comprehensive Review of the Next-Level Portrait Lens
Sony has unveiled its highly anticipated update to the FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master lens, marking a significant leap forward in optical technology and performance. This new iteration, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II, is designed to cater to both photographers and filmmakers, offering a host of improvements over its predecessor. The original 85mm f/1.4 GM was launched in 2016 and quickly became a favorite among professionals for its exceptional image quality and build. However, advancements in lens design and technology have necessitated this update, and Sony has not disappointed. The new lens is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, making it more portable and easier to handle during extended shooting sessions. This reduction in size and weight is particularly beneficial for filmmakers who often work with multiple lenses and need to minimize the load on their equipment.
The optical refinements in the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II are noteworthy. The lens features two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, which work together to reduce aberrations and produce sharp, high-contrast images. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II is also employed to minimize flare and ghosting, even in challenging lighting conditions. The 11-blade circular aperture is designed to create smooth, pleasing bokeh, making this lens ideal for portrait and cinematic work. The autofocus system has been significantly improved, boasting speeds up to three times faster than the original and better subject tracking capabilities. This enhancement is particularly useful for continuous shooting at high frame rates, such as 120fps on the Alpha 9 III. The lens also features an internal focusing mechanism and an XD linear motor for quiet and responsive autofocus, which is crucial for both still photography and video applications.
In terms of build quality, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II maintains the high standards set by Sony’s G Master series. It is constructed from premium materials that ensure durability while keeping the weight down. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant, with a fluorine coating on the front element to repel contaminants and make cleaning easier. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor and travel photography. The lens also includes two customizable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch, providing flexibility and ease of use. The independent aperture ring and linear response manual focus control offer intuitive operation, allowing photographers to make quick adjustments on the fly. These features are particularly appreciated by professional video shooters who require precise exposure management and manual focus control in various shooting conditions.
During field testing in Paris, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II demonstrated exceptional performance. The writer tested the lens in diverse scenarios, including low-light environments and fast-paced events like the summer Olympic games. The autofocus proved to be silent and accurate, capturing sharp images without any missed shots. This level of reliability is crucial for professional photographers who cannot afford to miss critical moments. The de-clickable aperture ring and linear-response manual focus ring were also highlighted as valuable features, enabling efficient exposure management and precise manual focus control in low light situations. The lens’s ability to deliver stunning image quality with soft, beautiful bokeh and sharp detail across the frame was consistently praised throughout the testing period.
One of the standout aspects of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is its versatility. It is well-suited for various types of photography, including portraits, travel, and sports. The lens’s compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for photographers who need to move quickly and capture spontaneous moments. Additionally, the fast autofocus and superior subject tracking capabilities make it ideal for shooting moving subjects, whether in still photography or video. The lens’s minimal focus breathing and support for in-body focus breathing compensation on compatible cameras further enhance its appeal for videographers, ensuring smooth and consistent focus transitions during filming.
Priced at $1,799 USD, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is positioned as a premium prime lens for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest image quality and performance. While it may not be a budget option, the investment is justified by the lens’s advanced features and exceptional build quality. The lens completes Sony’s lineup of f/1.4 primes, offering a distinct balance between bokeh and detail in its images. It is now even more compact and faster than the original, making it a compelling upgrade for those who already own the first-generation 85mm f/1.4 GM. The improvements in autofocus speed, subject tracking, and overall handling make it a worthy addition to any professional’s toolkit.
Some photographers might have hoped for an upgrade to an f/1.2 aperture, but the f/1.4 version remains exceptionally good. The lens exhibits no visible bokeh fringing and performs admirably wide open without compromising image quality. The bokeh effect is pleasing, though there are minor issues with focus breathing and cats-eye bokeh effect. However, these are relatively minor drawbacks considering the overall performance and image quality delivered by the lens. The physical design of the lens is also impressive, maintaining a sleek and professional appearance while incorporating user-friendly features such as the aperture ring, customizable function buttons, and iris lock.
In performance tests, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II showcased exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, even at its widest aperture of f/1.4. This level of sharpness is crucial for portrait photographers who need to capture fine details and textures in their subjects. The lens also excels in minimizing chromatic aberrations, with barely visible longitudinal chromatic aberrations (LOCA) at f/1.4 and almost complete elimination when stopped down. This ensures that images remain clean and free from distracting color fringing, even in high-contrast scenes. The autofocus system’s speed and accuracy were consistently praised, making it an ideal choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or events where timing is critical.
For videographers, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II offers several advantages. The lens’s minimal focus breathing and support for in-body focus breathing compensation on compatible cameras make it a reliable tool for video work. Focus breathing, which causes a noticeable change in framing when adjusting focus, can be a significant issue in video production. Sony’s implementation of focus breathing compensation ensures smooth and stable focus transitions, enhancing the overall quality of video footage. The quiet and responsive autofocus system, driven by the XD linear motor, further contributes to the lens’s suitability for video applications, allowing for seamless focus adjustments without introducing noise or jitter.
The lens’s build quality and weather-sealing also make it a dependable choice for outdoor and travel photography. The dust and moisture-resistant design, combined with the fluorine coating on the front element, ensures that the lens can withstand harsh conditions and remain easy to maintain. This durability is essential for photographers who often shoot in unpredictable environments and need equipment that can keep up with their demands. The lens’s compact size and lightweight construction also make it a practical option for travel, allowing photographers to carry it comfortably for extended periods without fatigue.
Overall, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is a highly impressive lens that addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor while introducing significant improvements in optics, autofocus, and build quality. The lens’s ability to deliver stunning image quality, with sharp detail and beautiful bokeh, makes it a top choice for portrait photographers and filmmakers alike. The enhanced autofocus speed and subject tracking capabilities, combined with the lens’s compact and lightweight design, ensure that it can handle a wide range of shooting scenarios with ease. While the price tag may be steep, the investment is well worth it for professionals who require the best performance and reliability from their equipment.
As Sony continues to update its G Master series to Mark II versions, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II sets a high standard for future releases. The lens’s advanced features and exceptional performance make it a valuable addition to Sony’s lineup of prime lenses, offering photographers and filmmakers a versatile and reliable tool for their creative endeavors. Whether shooting portraits, events, or cinematic projects, the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II delivers outstanding results, making it a worthy upgrade for those who demand the highest quality from their gear. The writer encourages readers to share their thoughts on the new lens and whether they plan to upgrade from the original version, as well as any features they wish Sony had included.