Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens

Sony has refined its renowned portrait lens with the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II, offering a more compact design alongside enhanced autofocus speed and improved bokeh smoothness. This prime lens delivers exceptional G Master-level sharpness and rendering, making it ideal for capturing both still images and video in portraiture, events, and other scenarios that benefit from a shallow depth of field.

Improved Optics with Smoother Bokeh

Sony advances G Master performance with the 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens by enhancing edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast through meticulous correction of spherical and chromatic aberrations. Its bright f/1.4 aperture excels in low-light situations and allows precise control over focus for shallow depth of field effects. The Nano AR II coating minimizes reflections, flare, and ghosting, boosting contrast and color accuracy in challenging lighting. Featuring an 11-blade rounded diaphragm, the lens produces smooth bokeh, while two XA elements with high-precision surfaces reduce "onion ring" bokeh and effectively control astigmatism, field curvature, and coma. Additionally, two extra-low dispersion elements suppress chromatic aberration and color fringing for enhanced image clarity and neutral color reproduction.

Faster and More Accurate Autofocus

The autofocus system employs an XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor, delivering significantly enhanced focusing speed, precision, and quietness compared to the previous DDSSM mechanism. This advancement ensures smooth, accurate AF performance suitable for both video and still photography. The accelerated autofocus is especially effective when tracking fast-moving subjects and supports continuous shooting up to 120 fps in combination with the Sony a9 III mirrorless camera. Additionally, the internal focusing design contributes to faster, more responsive focus adjustments.

Improved Control and Video Capabilities

Reflecting the evolving demands of both photographers and videographers, this lens incorporates features tailored to video production. It offers precise and fluid focus tracking even at high frame rates up to 120p. Focus breathing is significantly reduced, complemented by compatibility with Breathing Compensation on certain Cine-line and Alpha cameras. The Linear Response manual focus system ensures intuitive and responsive control, while the physical aperture ring can be de-clicked to enable silent, smooth aperture adjustments ideal for video recording.

Compact, Lightweight, and Robust Design

Weighing approximately 20% less and measuring 13% smaller than its predecessor, the 85mm f/1.4 GM II offers a durable and lightweight design suited for diverse shooting scenarios. It features two programmable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch for streamlined focus management. The hybrid construction combines metal and plastic elements to balance robustness with reduced weight. Designed for challenging environments, the lens includes dust- and moisture-resistant sealing with rubber gaskets on all seams and a sealed mount. Additionally, the front element’s fluorine coating resists water, oil, and grime, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.