p.3 #3 · Would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in November 2023?
I'm started to think Sony has been testing the new 85f1.4 GM II, but is reluctant to release it due to feedback from the field.
This lens has been rumored for so long, with such insistence, that I actually believe it exists. But I'm thinking: with the Sigma already so good, and potentially bokeh which will not be as good given the lens is supposed to be smaller, Sony may realize they won't be able to charge more than $2K with this new 85f1.4 GM II, and thus get some push back to release the lens.
p.3 #4 · Would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in November 2023?
Okay, I will adapt that question to in September 2024.
I see the new GM II. While I like smaller lenses, I am not fully convinced by the new GM II version. Im a hobbyist who would use the 85mm for Portrait mainly if not only.
I also have the Batis 85 (then for travel and other subjects?).
So would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in September 2023? Or would you rather take the new one now (or save some money for a while in order to do so?)
p.3 #5 · Would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in November 2023?
Stefan, it depends on the price, I would say. I am sure that Sony will reduce the official price of the GM I, if they have not done so but who knows by how much. But one thing for sure, there will be more copies of the GM I offered for sale now. That will drive the price down in the pre-owned market, at least in theory. As I mentioned previously, I would still consider buying a used but a proven good copy of the GM I even now, fully knowing that a successor has been announced and will be available soon.
Sep 09, 2024 at 08:20 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.3 #6 · Would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in November 2023?
zeitlos wrote:
Okay, I will adapt that question to in September 2024.
I see the new GM II. While I like smaller lenses, I am not fully convinced by the new GM II version. Im a hobbyist who would use the 85mm for Portrait mainly if not only.
I also have the Batis 85 (then for travel and other subjects?).
So would you still buy a new Sony 85 1.4 GM in September 2023? Or would you rather take the new one now (or save some money for a while in order to do so?)
I just reacquired a 85 GM I, from an established FM member this week. I am in much the same position that you are and I actually prefer the first version for my purposes. I regretted selling it and I am happy that I am getting a new copy. Of course other people who have different goals might very well feel differently. I also prefer my Sony/Zeiss 135 f/1.8 A mount with an LA-EA5 adapter to the 135 GM, and I think I am being consistent in my preferences. So, it depends on what you want. If you want to shoot a lot of fast action and you want the sharpest lens possible, then get the 85 GM II, but if you can live with the limitation of the first version, which I can, and you prefer its rendering, which I do, then the first version is a really good option and there should be good used copies available at fairly reasonable prices.
