Sony has unveiled the second generation of its G Master prime lenses by introducing an upgrade to a best-selling model.
The Sony brand has introduced the seriously upgraded replacement to its extremely popular 85mm F1.4 GM. This new edition is the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II and it comes with several key improvements.
First, this sequel edition is lighter and more compact than the original FE 85mm F1.4 GM. However, it also delivers superior image quality, better bokeh, improved AF performance, and generally better photo and video performance according to Sony.
Internally, the manufacturer has optimized the new edition of the FE 85mm to include more elements while still managing to be roughly 13% smaller by volume and 20% lighter than its predecessor.
These upgrades include a second XA (extreme aspherical) element for better resolution from edge to edge and better contrast. The improved bokeh of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II -compared to that of its predecessor- is specifically because of this second XA element.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II also includes two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and Sony’s own Nano AR II coating for reduced ghosting and flare. The front element of the lens also has the fairly standard inclusion of a fluorine coating for resistance to dust, skin oil and grime accumulation.
Furthermore, the circular design of the blades in the 11-bladed aperture of the new GM lens makes this model especially ideal for portrait photography because of the low depth of field effect it produces.
These sample photos from Sony showcase some of the new GM II’s qualities:
Other new features of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II include an aperture ring with a Click on/off switch for easy shifting between 1/3-stop increments and click-free, smooth aperture adjustments.
Then there’s also an aperture lock to keep the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s aperture ring from accidentally moving between manual aperture shift and the A setting.
Moreover, Sony has given the new lens two customizable focus hold buttons for keeping focus static when pressed and a linear response manual focus feature that lets users achieve precise and intuitive manual focus easily.
Importantly, the AF performance of the new lens has been beefed up to make this model one very robust and responsive performer with Sony’s own top-shelf full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can deliver still AF shots 3 times faster than the original FE 85mm F1.4 GM, delivers 7x better subject tracking performance and can even handle continuous shooting at up to 120fps when used with Sony’s high-end a9 III.
Sony also claims much better focus breathing control with the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, and compatibility with the breathing compensation inside most of Sony’s own cameras.
These things, along with a superior focus actuator for quiet focusing, make this lens particularly useful for video production uses. The new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II also has a 77mm filter thread and is resistant to both moisture and dust.
Maybe most impressive of all is that Sony has made all of the above additions and improvements with the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II next-generation lens while still managing to reduce its size and weight.
As I mentioned above, the new lens is 13% physically smaller and 20% lighter by weight. These reductions amount to a specific weight of 643g or 22.6oz and dimensions of 107mm x 85mm or 4.2” x 3.3” inches.
The bottom line for the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens is that if you’re a regular user of Sony’s own full-frame cameras, it’s a worthwhile item for your collection of Sony optics. This applies especially if you already own the original FE 85mm F1.4 GM and were making good use of it.
Sony will start shipping its new G-Master FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens during this month and it’s already available on preorder for $1,799.
