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Introduction and control points

Yesterday, Sony announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, the newest lens in its G Master (GM) premium lens lineup. Sony’s original 85mm F1.4 GM was one of its first-generation GM lenses introduced in 2016 and is the last lens from the original trio of GM optics to get a Mark II refresh. If you want to see sample photos shot with the lens, make sure to check out our FE 85mm F1.4 GM II sample gallery.

In this view, we can see some of the lens’s primary features, including a physical aperture ring with an ‘A’ setting, which shifts aperture control to the camera, one of two customizable focus hold buttons, and the AF/MF switch.

Other switches

The new 85mm F1.4 lens is 13% smaller by volume than the original model. It measures 107mm (4.2″) by 85mm (3.3″) wide and is about 20% lighter at 642g (22.6oz). That’s enough to be noticeable for applications like wedding photography, which may necessitate carrying it around your neck or over your shoulder for hours at a time.

On this side of the lens, we see the Click Lock switch, which allows users to switch between a clickable aperture ring with 1/3-stop detents or clickless operation, allowing for smooth transitions when doing video work.

Iris lock and Focus hold

A top view of the lens reveals the Iris Lock switch, which prevents the aperture ring from accidentally moving between manual aperture selection and the ‘A’ setting. The second focus hold button, is also visible in this view.

The two focus hold buttons are designed to give easy access, whether you’re shooting in the portrait or landscape orientation. The function assigned to both buttons can be customized, but they always perform the same function as one another.

Optical design

Looking down the barrel of the lens, we can see the physical diameter of the lens’ F1.4 aperture wide open. The lens has a standard 77mm filter thread.

Optically, the lens comprises 14 elements in 11 groups, including two ED (extra-low dispersion) lens elements to improve chromatic aberration and contrast and two XA (extreme aspherical) elements to enhance high resolution and bokeh performance. It includes an 11-blade circular aperture.

According to Sony, the lens exhibits very little focus breathing. It’s also compatible with the breathing compensation feature on more recent Sony camera bodies, which eliminates focus breathing altogether. However, to achieve this, a slight crop of the lens’ field of view is required.

Focus and build

Autofocus is driven by a pair of Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors, which Sony claims will deliver 3x faster AF performance for single AF acquisitions and supports up to 7x faster subject tracking. The Mark II is compatible with the a9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting. In manual focus mode, the focus ring can be set for a linear response, allowing for precise focus in applications like video work or macro photography.

The 85mm F1.4 GM II has a close focusing distance of 0.85m (33.5″) in autofocus mode, and a fraction closer in manual. The front element includes a fluorine coating to help the lens resist oils, such as those found on fingerprints, along with dust and other contaminants. According to Sony, the lens is dust and moisture-resistant.

Lens hood

As one would expect for a lens of this caliber, it comes with a lens hood that can be reversed for storage in your camera bag.

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September 2024. Its suggested retail price is $1799 in the US and $2499 in Canada.

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