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Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced, Pre-Orders Open Aug 29

Pre-Orders Now Open at B&H Photo:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1849952-REG/sony_fe_85mm_f_1_4_gm.html

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The Ultimate Portrait Prime, Upgraded

Sony's FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens, an upgraded version of its popular portrait prime, now offers faster autofocus, smoother bokeh, and enhanced video capabilities. It delivers G Master sharpness and bokeh, ideal for portraits, events, and shallow depth of field shots.

Improved Optics with Smoother Bokeh

The 85mm f/1.4 GM II enhances edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast by correcting various spherical and chromatic aberrations. The fast f/1.4 aperture allows for shallow depth of field control in low light. Nano AR II Coating reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting for better contrast and color. A rounded 11-blade diaphragm provides pleasing bokeh. Two XA elements reduce "onion ring" bokeh and correct spherical aberrations, while two extra-low dispersion elements minimize chromatic aberrations for clarity and color neutrality.

Faster and More Accurate Autofocus

An XD linear motor delivers significantly faster, quieter, and more precise autofocus than its predecessor's DDSSM system, suitable for both video and stills. The lens supports shooting at up to 120 fps with the Sony a9 III and features internal focusing for snappier performance.

Improved Control and Video Capabilities

The lens is updated for video shooters with precise focus tracking at up to 120p, minimal focus breathing, and support for the Breathing Compensation function. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus, and the aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth, silent aperture changes.

Compact, Lightweight, and Robust Design

Approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller than its predecessor, the 85mm f/1.4 GM II is durable and versatile. It features two programmable focus hold buttons, a focus mode switch, and a hybrid construction of metal and plastic for durability and low weight. The dust- and moisture-resistant design includes rubber gaskets and a fluorine-coated front element for easier cleaning and use in harsh conditions.

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Key Features

Full-Frame f/1.4 to f/16
20% Lighter, 13% Smaller than Previous version
Optical Design 14 Elements in 11 Groups
XD Linear Motor Autofocus
Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
Iris Lock Switch
XA and ED Elements
Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
Fluorine Coating
Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
Filter Size 77 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L) 3.3 x 4.2" / 84.7 x 107.3 mm
Weight 22.6 oz / 642 g

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:10 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Looks nice . No cost posted that I see yet. My bet 1899

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:12 AM

snapsy
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

The MSRP is $1,799 USD

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:13 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Even better . Watched one video and it's a buy. I may rent it first but better than Version 1 which I liked but now the AF looks far better for me and that ws my issue in studio with version 1

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:21 AM

speedmaster20d
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

I am pleasantly surprised at the price. Thought at least $2.5K. Looking forward to using this. I never liked the sharpness and AF of the original for moving subjects hope this one follows on the steps of all recent GM lens updates. If I am not mistaken this is the lightest modern AF 85mm f1.4 lens on the market.

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:25 AM

Goodrich
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

any MTF charts to compare?

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:34 AM

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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

speedmaster20d wrote:
I am pleasantly surprised at the price. Thought at least $2.5K. Looking forward to using this. I never liked the sharpness and AF of the original for moving subjects hope this one follows on the steps of all recent GM lens updates. If I am not mistaken this is by far the lightest AF 85mm f1.4 lens on the market.

The Sigma 85/1.4 is actually very slightly lighter and smaller.

Anyone see a good bokeh comparisons to the original (and Sigma)?

From the few shots I've seen, the Sigma and this 85GMII look to be very similar in terms of rendering characteristics vs. the v1 Sony. Sharp from the outset with good CA control. More optical vignetting/swirl than the original 85GM though. Some people may still prefer the old GM.

New 85GMII will undoubtedly outperform both in fast AF situations. I've used my Sigma 85 to shoot action and it is OK but could be better. If you don't need that faster AF, the Sigma makes a compelling value argument.

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:39 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Update: The pre-orders changed from 10am to 12pm tomorrow. (2 hours later)

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:57 AM

nehemiahphoto
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

grahamgibson wrote:
The Sigma 85/1.4 is actually very slightly lighter and smaller.

Anyone see a good bokeh comparisons to the original (and Sigma)?

From the few shots I've seen, the Sigma and this 85GMII look to be very similar in terms of rendering characteristics vs. the v1 Sony. Sharp from the outset with good CA control. More optical vignetting/swirl than the original 85GM though. Some people may still prefer the old GM.

New 85GMII will undoubtedly outperform both in fast AF situations. I've used my Sigma 85 to shoot action and it is OK but could be better. If you don't need that...Show more →

I have not yet seen any photos, but I feared this would be the case. Maybe Sony should take a design page out of sigma’s book, and release and 85/1.2 option that specifically has more spherical abrasions and less optical vignetting and is still better corrected for CA and flare than v1. Like the Sigma 45/2.8 on roids.

It would also have the added benefit of not having a very redundant lens like a GM 50/1.2 vs 1.4 situation. Fuji and Cannon have tried to do this, like having extra softening like an APD. Would cost more R and D and production though so won’t happen. It’s fun to dream though.

Edited on Aug 28, 2024 at 12:12 PM · View previous versions

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:58 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Article from B&H Explora:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/videos/photography/sony-unveils-the-85mm-f14-gm-ii

Price is confirmed:

Aug 28, 2024 at 11:59 AM

robert614
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Looks pretty nice!

A little more cats eye in the bokeh towards the periphery than the version 1. But it doesn’t look too busy or swirly in the samples I’ve seen thus far.

I think I gonna order one

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:01 PM

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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:04 PM

LBJ2
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

GMPhotography wrote:
Even better . Watched one video and it's a buy. I may rent it first but better than Version 1 which I liked but now the AF looks far better for me and that ws my issue in studio with version 1

I'm still happy with one of Sony's few character lenses, the original GM 85. But looks like ver II comes with improvements across the board, to include even better bokeh something the original was known for. Tempting for me to try and compare.

OTOH, I'd rather hold out for a GM 85 F1.2...but at this point not even a whisper.

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:10 PM

NJPhotographer
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Looks great! I do not want an 85/1.2.

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:18 PM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

robert614 wrote:
Looks pretty nice!

A little more cats eye in the bokeh towards the periphery than the version 1. But it doesn’t look too busy or swirly in the samples I’ve seen thus far.

I think I gonna order one

The bokeh shouldn't be swirly. Swirly needs both vignetting and spherical aberrations. Since they lower spherical aberrations I don't think we will see much swirl. We will likely see very abrupt focus transitions that are a little busy, however, and we will see cat's eye shaped bokeh balls extend further from the periphery.

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:33 PM

Stoffer
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Looks like it has very nice bokeh, but I will be surprised if it’s offering the same unique look and rendering as the old version. I hope to see a proper comparison by someone.

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:37 PM

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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

nehemiahphoto wrote:
I have not yet seen any photos, but I feared this would be the case. Maybe Sony should take a design page out of sigma’s book, and release and 85/1.2 option that specifically has more spherical abrasions and less optical vignetting and is still better corrected for CA and flare than v1. Like the Sigma 45/2.8 on roids.

It would also have the added benefit of not having a very redundant lens like a GM 50/1.2 vs 1.4 situation. Fuji and Cannon have tried to do this, like having extra softening like an APD. Would cost more R and D and...Show more →

They wouldn't need to add apodization to the lens, they could just design an 85 f/1.2 that has a bigger diameter and that they keep short, then they could allow some remaining spherical aberrations but include several (I would like to see 5 or more) ED or anomalous partial dispersion (a different type of APD) elements. That ought to get them closer to low vignetting, low CA, with softer bokeh and a good focus transition. They should be able to do that and keep the fast AF as well. I think the Nikon 135 f/1.8 Plena could be a bit of model for the look they might aim for with an 85 f/1.2 and that lens could have something like a $2,400 price tag and lay down claims as the ultimate portrait lens. I don't know if Sony will do that, but I would love to see them try.

Aug 28, 2024 at 12:43 PM

NJPhotographer
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

According to reviews by Dustin Abbott and Chris Frost, the 85 GM II has almost no distortion. And resolution at 1.4 is excellent even into the corners.

Aug 28, 2024 at 01:08 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

nehemiahphoto wrote:
I have not yet seen any photos, but I feared this would be the case. Maybe Sony should take a design page out of sigma’s book, and release and 85/1.2 option that specifically has more spherical abrasions and less optical vignetting and is still better corrected for CA and flare than v1. Like the Sigma 45/2.8 on roids.

It would also have the added benefit of not having a very redundant lens like a GM 50/1.2 vs 1.4 situation. Fuji and Cannon have tried to do this, like having extra softening like an APD. Would cost more R and D and...Show more →

I hope Sony hasn’t overcorrected for spherical aberration in the new model, as a bit of aberration can sometimes enhance portrait aesthetics. I’m also curious about how much the rendering has improved, as it was a key strength of this lens, and hope there haven’t been any dramatic changes in that regard.

I appreciate the savings in weight, size, and the faster linear motors, but the 85mm f/1.4 GM remains a classic for its portrait quality. In my opinion,, higher resolution and contrast aren’t always ideal for a lens specifically designed and marketed for portraits...

Aug 28, 2024 at 01:39 PM

speedmaster20d
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!

Aug 28, 2024 at 01:52 PM

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