Sony has announced the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II ($1,798). The company’s upgraded portrait lens replaces its 8-year-old predecessor with a lighter and more compact form factor. But it still delivers crisp, clear images with pleasing bokeh and a rounded 11-blade aperture.
According to the company, the new 85mm f/1.4 GM II is 20% lighter than the original and 13% smaller. This is going to make a lot of photographers very happy – especially those shooting on location. Despite its smaller stature, its autofocus has been sped up and quietened.
Sony FE 85mm F/1.4 GM II – Faster and sharper
Sony says the new FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens delivers high resolution, smooth bokeh, and fast autofocus. And it does this in a lighter and smaller package than its predecessor, the original Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM ($1,798). It builds on its predecessor with Sony’s latest GM tech.
It’s the 76th lens in the Sony E mount series, and Sony has designed it to take advantage of the features and performance of its latest cameras. Sony says their engineers have spent the last eight years refining the original lens to produce their new 85mm flagship lens.
It has smooth bokeh with sharper features where it counts, thanks to the refined optical design. It’s element design and coating is designed to eliminate aberration, and with a focal length of 85mm, it’s an ideal portrait lens. And thanks to its f/1.4 aperture, you can get that shallow depth of field you know you want.
Of course, that wide, bright f/1.4 aperture also makes it easier to shoot in low light, as well.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 II Specs
Focal Length 85mm
Maximum Aperture f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16
Lens MountSony FE
Format CompatibilityFull-Frame
Angle of View19°
Minimum Focus Distance0.85m (AF), 0.80m (MF)
Optical Design14 Elements in 11 Groups
Diaphragm Blades11, Rounded
Focus TypeAutofocus
Image StabilizationNo
Filter Size77mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)84.7 x 107.3 mm
Weight642g
Price and Availability
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 II lens is available to pre-order now for $1,798. Shipping is scheduled to begin in September.
