Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Overview

The Ultimate Portrait Prime, Upgraded

Sony has revamped its most popular portrait lens with the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II. This updated version features enhanced autofocus, smoother bokeh, and improved video-friendly functionality. Maintaining top-tier G Master sharpness and image quality, this lens is perfect for portrait, event, and shallow depth-of-field photography, making it equally suited for both stills and video.

Improved optics with smoother bokeh

Sony has refined the 85mm f/1.4 GM II’s optical performance, enhancing sharpness and contrast by correcting various spherical and chromatic aberrations.

Fast f/1.4 The maximum aperture helps with low-light shooting and provides exceptional control over focus, especially with shallow depth-of-field techniques.

Nano AR II Coating: Reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color in bright light.

The 11-Blade Rounded Diaphragm contributes to a smooth and pleasing bokeh in selective focus applications.

Two XA Elements are necessary to minimize “onion ring” bokeh and effectively control astigmatism, field curvature, and spherical aberrations.

Extra-Low Dispersion Elements: Reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and color fidelity.

Faster and more accurate autofocus

The lens features an XD linear motor, offering significantly better autofocus performance than the previous model’s DDSSM system. It delivers faster, quieter, and more precise AF for both stills and video.

Fast AF Performance: Optimized for fast-moving subjects, it supports shooting up to 120 fps with the Sony A9 III.

Internal focusing ensures faster and more responsive focusing.

Improved control and video capabilities

Designed with video creators in mind, the lens includes features that enhance video shooting quality.

Precise Focus Tracking: Works smoothly, even at 120p frame rates.

Minimized Focus Breathing: This feature supports Sony’s breathing compensation function in select cameras.

The Linear Response MF provides intuitive and natural manual focus control.

De-Clickable Aperture Ring: Ideal for silent, smooth aperture changes, particularly in video production.

Compact, lightweight, and robust designs

The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller than the original version, combining durability with portability.

For intuitive control, there are two programmable Focus Hold Buttons and a Focus Mode Switch.

Hybrid Construction: Balances metal and plastic for a rugged yet lightweight build.

Weather-Resistant Design: Includes dust and moisture protection with rubber gaskets and a sealed lens mount for harsh conditions.

The fluorine coating on the front element helps repel water, oil, and contaminants, making cleaning easier.

What’s in the Box

• Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens
• Sony ALC-F77S 77mm Front Lens Cap
• Sony ALC-R1EM Rear Lens Cap
• Sony ALC-SH150 Lens Hood
• Padded Lens Case
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on specifications and performance, please refer to the product manual or visit Sony’s website.

FAQs for Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

1. What improvements does the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II offer compared to the original model?

The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II boasts a number of enhancements.

• An XD linear motor enables faster and more precise autofocus.
• Improved edge-to-edge sharpness and bokeh quality.
• The design is 20% lighter and 13% smaller.
• The device boasts enhanced video functionality that includes focus breathing reduction and a de-clickable aperture ring.

2. Is this lens suitable for video shooting?

Indeed, the design of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II prioritizes video users. It includes features like:

• Minimization of focused breathing.
• Select Sony cameras are compatible with the breathing compensation function.
• The de-clickable aperture ring ensures smooth and silent aperture transitions.
• Even at high frame rates up to 120p, the autofocus is fast and precise.

3. How does the autofocus system perform?

The lens uses an XD linear motor for autofocus, which is significantly faster, quieter, and more precise than the DDSSM system in the previous model. It is ideal for fast-moving subjects and can support shooting up to 120 fps when paired with the Sony a9 III camera.

4. What optical elements contribute to improved image quality?

• Two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements minimize spherical aberrations, delivering smooth bokeh without “onion rings.”
• Two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for better clarity and color accuracy.
• An 11-blade rounded diaphragm enhances bokeh quality.

5. Is this lens weather-sealed?

Indeed, the design of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II ensures its resistance to dust and moisture. It features rubber gaskets at critical points and a sealed lens mount for reliable performance in harsh conditions.

6. Can I use manual focus easily with this lens?

Yes, the lens includes Linear Response MF, which provides natural and intuitive manual focus control. This feature is especially beneficial for precise focusing in both photography and videography.

7. What makes the bokeh smoother with this lens?

The combination of 11 rounded aperture blades, XA elements, and improved optical design helps create smoother and more aesthetically pleasing bokeh. It also effectively controls “onion ring” bokeh, enhancing the quality of out-of-focus areas.

9. How does this lens perform in low light?

With a rapid f/1.4 maximum aperture, the lens performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. This wide aperture also allows for greater control over depth of field, making it ideal for portrait and event photography in dim environments.

10. Is the lens heavier than similar lenses?

The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II weighs approximately 20% less than its predecessor. Its compact, lightweight design makes it a highly portable option without sacrificing durability.

11. Can I use this lens with APS-C Sony cameras?

Yes, the lens is compatible with APS-C Sony mirrorless cameras, but it will have an equivalent focal length of around 127.5mm due to the crop factor. This makes it ideal for tighter portraits and telephoto applications.

12. What camera models are fully compatible with the lens’ advanced video functions?

The lens is compatible with select Sony Alpha and Cine-line cameras that support advanced features like breathing compensation. Check your camera’s specifications to ensure full compatibility.

13. What type of photography is this lens best suited for?

This lens is ideal for:

• Portraits: The focal length and wide aperture of this lens create flattering subject separation.
• Event photography: The rapid autofocus and low-light performance excel in dynamic environments.

Video: Features like focus breathing reduction and smooth aperture transitions make it perfect for professional video work.