Meet the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – a new full-frame E-mount lens from the Japanese camera giant with high resolution, smooth bokeh, and fast autofocus in a compact package. The 76th E-mount lens from Sony succeeds the 8-year-old predecessor, and is suitable for portrait, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II comes with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements to minimize aberrations and deliver sharp, clear images across the frame. It also includes Sony’s Nano AR Coating II technology, which reduces flare and ghosting, and an 11-blade circular aperture that contributes to its soft bokeh characteristics.
Autofocus performance has been significantly enhanced in this model, with the lens achieving up to three times faster focusing speed compared to its predecessor. This improvement is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, as the lens is now capable of keeping up with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, for example.
The lens has also gone through a diet regime, shedding weight down to 642g (a 20% reduction), and being 13% smaller in volume than the previous model; internally, it features an XD linear motor for smooth focus transitions during video recording (and comes with two focus hold buttons), along with focus breathing compensation. A fluorine coating on the front element enables easy cleaning of fingerprints, dust, and oil, while dust and moisture-resistant design ensures reliability in various shooting conditions.
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in Malaysia starting September 2024, with a suggested retail price of RM8,999.
Pokdepinion: A very versatile lens that should be worth the price for professionals that need it.