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Sony announces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: Smaller, lighter and faster than its predecessor
DPReview News |
Sony has announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens, its second-generation GM-series portrait lens. It replaces the original 85mm F1.4 GM in Sony's lens lineup.
Notably, the original 85mm F1.4 GM lens was one of Sony's three original GM, or 'G Master', lenses introduced in 2016, alongside the 24-70mm F2.8 GM and 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. We had the opportunity to interview a Distinguished Engineer in Sony's Lens Design Department when it launched the G Master series, and it's a valuable read for anyone interested in the process and philosophy behind Sony's GM lenses.
The original 24-70mm F2.8 GM and 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lenses were updated in 2022 and 2023, respectively, so with the new 85mm F1.4 GM II, Sony has finally retired all of its original GM-series optics.
According to Sony, the new lens is optimized for both photo and video applications. It measures 107mm (4.2") by 85mm (3.3") wide, slightly smaller than the original's 108x90mm size and 13% smaller by volume. At 642g (22.6oz), it's about 20% lighter than its predecessor. According to Sony, it uses a hybrid metal and "engineering plastic" design for high durability while maintaining a low weight.
"Notably, the original 85mm F1.4 GM lens was one of Sony's three original GM, or 'G Master', lenses."
Optically, the lens includes two ED (extra-low dispersion) and two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and has an 11-blade circular aperture. It includes Sony's Nano AR II coating to suppress ghosting and flare. The front element has a fluorine coating to resist dust, oil and other contaminants.
Other features include an aperture ring with a Click on/off switch, allowing users to switch between standard 1/3-stop detents or click-less operation for smooth aperture adjustments, and an aperture lock to prevent the ring from accidentally moving between manual aperture selection and the lens' 'A' setting. Two focus hold buttons can maintain focus when pressed and are customizable. Focus can be set to a linear response for precise operation in manual focus mode.
Autofocus is driven by a high-thrust XD linear motor instead of the slower ring-type ultrasonic motor found on its predecessor. Sony claims it will deliver 3x faster AF performance and up to 7x faster subject tracking performance. It also supports continuous shooting at up to 120fps for use with the a9 III.
According to Sony, the lens has minimal focus breathing, a desirable feature when shooting video, and is compatible with the breathing compensation mechanism found on more recent Alpha mirrorless cameras. It includes a 77mm filter thread. Sony says the lens is dust and moisture-resistant.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available beginning in September and has a suggested retail price of $1799.
Sony Electronics Announces the Highly Anticipated FE 85mm F1.4 G Master™ II Lightweight Telephoto Portrait Lens
A Next-Generation Full-Frame E-Mount Lens Offering Significant Resolution, Size, and Autofocus Upgrades
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2024. Sony Electronics introduces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2), a premium lens that delivers high resolution, smooth bokeh, and fast AF (autofocus) in a lightweight and compact body. As a second-generation model, it builds on the optical design of its predecessor and incorporates Sony’s latest G Master™ technologies to enhance overall performance. This is the 76th E-Mount lens and is designed to take full advantage of the features in Sony’s latest Alpha™ series full-frame cameras. As a large-aperture, telephoto prime, this lens is an ideal option for portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
“The first-generation 85 mm F1.4 lens was one of three lenses in the initial G Master series launch back in 2016. Since then, our engineers have refined eight years of lens technology to decrease size and increase performance for our new flagship 85 mm,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are excited to introduce this highly anticipated lens for many photographers and cinematographers in our community.”
High Optical Performance and Beautiful Bokeh
The refined optical design and advanced elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring together smooth bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. The lens offers advanced optics with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements designed to effectively suppress aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II also includes Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology, which effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. Alongside, the 11-blade circular aperture of this lens produces the beautiful, soft bokeh that G Master lenses are known for.
Fast, Precise Autofocus and Subject Tracking
The AF capabilities of the next generation FE 85mm F1.4 GM II have drastically improved to maximize performance for its use cases like portrait photography and cinematic video. For stills, the AF is up to three times faster[i] compared to the previous model[ii], allowing users to accurately track moving subjects with high speed. In addition, subject tracking performance has improved by as much as seven times[ii]. With these improvements, this is a lens that can enable features on Sony’s latest camera bodies, including continuous shooting of up to 120fps[iii] on the Alpha 9 III.
Lightweight Design Without Compromises
Compared to the original 85mm F1.4 G Master, the weight of this next generation is about 20% lighter [iv] and 13% smaller in volume (approx. 642 grams, 22.7 oz), which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm (about 3.03 in), diameter of 84.7mm (about 3 3/8.33 in) and length of 107.3mm (about 4 1/4.22 in).
Ideal for Cinematic Content Creation
The large F1.4 aperture and compact size of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II makes it a fitting lens selection for cinematic movie creation. Internally, the lens has an XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor with internal focusing, quiet AF and linear response MF (manual focus). Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation[v] is supported.
Due to the flexibility offered through Sony’s one-mount E-Mount system, this lens can be used across Sony’s latest mirrorless Alpha cameras, as well as cameras in the Sony Cinema Line, including the Sony BURANO.
Designed to Maximize Operability and Durability
Externally, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has two customizable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch to offer flexible operability. There is also an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control button to provide intuitive control and streamline the creative shooting process.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design[vi] provides additional reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September 2024 for approximately $1,799.99 USD and $2,499.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.
[i] When used on the Alpha 1. Sony tests.
[ii] Compared to the FE 85MM F1.4 GM. Sony tests
[iii] Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the lens used in the AF-C focus mode. Refer to Sony's lens compatibility support page for details.
[iv] Compared to the FE 85MM F1.4 GM. Sony tests.
[v] Please refer to support page; https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/function/compatibility.php?area=jp&lang=en&cs_ref=slct_lang&fnc=1001
[vi] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 85 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Sony E, Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 11 |
| Groups | 14 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 ED elements, 2 XA elements |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.80 m (31.5″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 642 g (1.42 lb) |
| Diameter | 85 mm (3.35″) |
| Length | 107 mm (4.21″) |
