Kicking off the second generation of G Master prime lenses, Sony has upgraded one of its most popular portrait prime lenses with the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens. Replacing its eight-year-old predecessor, the sequel is lighter and more compact while delivering higher image quality, smoother bokeh, better autofocus performance, and better overall performance and usability for video shooters.
Internally, Sony has tweaked the optical design to include a few more elements, including a second XA element, to help deliver higher edge-to-edge resolution and contrast. Of course, there’s also the smooth bokeh that is the signature of this lens class. The XA elements promote the superior surface precision that Sony says help produce this beautiful bokeh by suppressing “onion rings” along with color fringing. The circular design of the blades in the 11-blade aperture further benefits the lens’ low depth of field effects that are ideal for portraiture.
The new lens also delivers improved autofocus performance to help match it with Sony’s flagship mirrorless cameras. Capable of delivering stills at up 3x faster than its predecessor, the internal-focusing lens supports continuous shooting at 120fps with the a9 III. The newly incorporated XD linear motor enables the lens to track moving subjects with high precision, with Sony claiming performance as much as seven times better than the original.
These improvements also carry over into video. Focus tracking is precise and smooth at up to 120p, while the new actuator promotes quiet focusing while suppressing focus breathing. The lens also supports in-body breathing compensation in compatible Alpha-series bodies. The linear response manual focus feature ensures accurate and intuitive manual focusing, while lens body includes several tactile controls including a de-clickable aperture ring, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch to further benefit video shooters.
More impressively, Sony has accomplished this suite of improvements while slimming the lens down noticeably, resulting in a body that is 13% smaller and 20% lighter—coming in around 1.4 pounds. The entire construction is dust- and moisture-resistant and a fluorine coating protects against water and oil. Conveniently for owners of the original lens, the 85mm f/1.4 GM II retains the same 77mm filter thread as its predecessor.
FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is set to be a go-to prime for both casual and professional photographers and videographers using Sony E-mount cameras.
Price and availablity
Pre-order the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GMII beginning August 29th 12 PM EST at B&H Photo for $1,798.