CameraReview
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
UNSCORED
Sony · 85 mm · f/1.4 · Sony E mount

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

From $1,948 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Announcement dateAug 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Ultra-fast dual XD linear motor autofocus with 3x speed improvement and 120fps tracking capability
+Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and resolution at all apertures, especially wide open at F1.4
+Beautifully smooth bokeh with 11-blade circular aperture and minimal onion-ring effect
+20% lighter and 13% smaller than predecessor while maintaining superior optical quality
+Comprehensive weather sealing with fluorine-coated front element and dust/moisture resistance
+Advanced video features including minimal focus breathing and breathing compensation support
Worth Knowing
Premium price point at $1,799 limits accessibility for budget-conscious photographers
Relatively high minimum focus distance of 0.85m (2.79ft) limits close-up capabilities
Modest maximum magnification of 0.12x makes it unsuitable for macro work
No optical image stabilization (relies on in-body IBIS in Sony Alpha cameras)

General

Brand
Sony
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Aug 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II delivers high resolution, smooth bokeh, and fast AF in a lightweight and compact body. It features more advanced optics, improved autofocus performance, better aberration control and is 20% lighter than the original lens. The lens features two Sony XD linear AF motors providing virtually instantaneous autofocus and is the only 85mm lens capable of focus tracking at up to 120 FPS. It's a clear step up in image quality from its predecessor, though whether you need that is down to personal preference.

Optical

Minimum Aperture
F16
Optical Formula
14 elements in 11 groups
Special Elements
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 2 ED (extra-low dispersion)
Coatings
Nano AR II coating, fluorine coating on front element

Autofocus

Motor Type
2 XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors
AF Speed
Up to 3x faster than previous model
Tracking Speed
Up to 7x faster, capable of 120 fps tracking
Focus Type
Internal focusing (IF)
Manual Focus
Linear response MF

Build

Material
Hybrid metal and engineering plastic construction

Features

Maximum Magnification
0.12x
Focus Breathing
Minimal, supports breathing compensation
Controls
2 customizable focus hold buttons, AF/MF switch, de-clickable aperture ring, iris lock
Video Features
Smooth focus tracking at up to 120fps, Real-time Recognition AF support
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes

Performance

Retail Price
$1,799 USD

Optics

Min focal length
85 mm
Max focal length
85 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
85 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
1.4
Max aperture zoom
1.4
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
11020
Autofocus mode
Yes
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
85 cm01500

Physical

Lens weight
642 g
Lens diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
84.7 mm
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
107.3 mm
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
77 mm
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E