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

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


I got the GM II yesterday and was able to try it out a bit and compare it to the Sigma DN.

Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II:
+ cooler / more neutral
+ better feel of the body
+ Fits better with other GM lenses

+- Minimally sharper (not always noticeable), center not at all, edge is noticeable at 100%
+- AF possibly a tick faster, but no tracking test
+- Wider angle, more like 82-83mm compared to the Sigma

- AF mechanically audible when it focuses, that something moves inside, not as nice a feeling as with the 50 1.4 GM or 35 1.4 GM or 24 1.4 GM
- noticeably longer from the housing
- Much more expensive


Sigma 85mm 1.4 DN
+ much cheaper
- much warmer
- sharp edge on the body



Bokehballs I tried to compare, but even a comparison on the tripod at the same distance is difficult. Since the Sigma always has more telephoto and therefore the bokeh looks bigger and therefore more cropping. But I didn't find that the GM II stood out particularly well.




Sep 12, 2024 at 04:27 AM
j4nu
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p.11 #2 · p.11 #2 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Donbioh wrote:
I got the GM II yesterday and was able to try it out a bit and compare it to the Sigma DN.

Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II:
+ cooler / more neutral
+ better feel of the body
+ Fits better with other GM lenses

+- Minimally sharper (not always noticeable), center not at all, edge is noticeable at 100%
+- AF possibly a tick faster, but no tracking test
+- Wider angle, more like 82-83mm compared to the Sigma

- AF mechanically audible when it focuses, that something moves inside, not as nice a feeling as with the 50 1.4 GM or 35 1.4 GM
...Show more

Thank you!
I think this is more or less what was expected, but I also think in action you should see a major improvement in AF.
I wonder if it makes sense to check with others the AF motor sound, if your copy is normal...



Sep 12, 2024 at 05:57 AM
Donbioh
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p.11 #3 · p.11 #3 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


j4nu wrote:
I wonder if it makes sense to check with others the AF motor sound, if your copy is normal...



No, I think this sound is normal. The GM I was much louder.

The noise, or rather the noticeable mechanical movement, is normal for the glass. You can really feel the movement in your hand. This is not the case with the Sigma 85.

I also think that the 85 GM II will cut a good figure when I'm shooting sports indoors today. But so far I've also got on very well with the Sigma 85 in this discipline. I always had sharp pictures in continuous fire at 10 frames/second. In this respect, I don't yet know whether the Sony GM II is worthwhile for me at all, especially with the disadvantages of the longer lens, slightly more grams and the unpleasant sound when focusing.




Sep 12, 2024 at 06:00 AM
Steve Spencer
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p.11 #4 · p.11 #4 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


robert614 wrote:
Beautiful photos! Glad you’re still putting the current version to good use

I think the mark II may surprise a lot of people.

In focus to out of focus transition zones look to be very smooth in the examples I’ve seen. Perhaps better than the original. And mid distance out of focus areas look to be very smooth as well.

Bokeh balls may have a little more cats eye towards the edge. But lack of any soap bubbles and chromatic aberration in the balls themselves is a good trade off IMO

I’m actually pretty optimistic about the Mark II



With regard to transition from in focus to out of focus, what we can count on is that transition will occur over a shorter distance than with the original (i.e., the transition will be more abrupt). That is because the new version has almost no spherical aberrations, whereas wide open version 1 still had some spherical aberrations and those aberrations extends the transition zone. Now whether you like that transition zone to be short and abrupt or longer is a matter of preference. Some like the shorter more abrupt transition zone (Peter Karbe, Leica's chief optical designer for one likes the abrupt transition zone) but some people like the longer transition zone (and as Peter Karbe notes one lens that has that is the Leica 75 lux that some people adore). Personally, I like the longer transition zone, so for my tastes I prefer the transition of the Version 1 lens, but there will be plenty of people that prefer the Version II lens, but I wouldn't call the transition smooth. In fact, I would call it abrupt which can add punch to the image.

With regard to resolution, there is no question the Version II has higher resolution than Version I and that will be useful for some applications, but a higher resolution camera makes every lens higher resolution. The higher resolution camera will see more gain with a higher resolution lens, but every lens will gain resolution with a higher resolution camera. It simply is not that case that any lens doesn't have enough resolution for a high resolution camera, but it is true you will take more advantage of the high resolution sensor with Version II of this lens than you would with Version I.

Finally there is the matter of AF. It appears that the Version II of this lens has fantastically fast AF that will totally keep up with the 120 fps of the A9 III. The first version of the lens was not a complete slouch with AF. In my experience it was at least as good as the Sigma 85 f/1.4 DG DN. It was accurate and could do 15 fps and it could track well at those slower fps. Still if you have cameras with amazing AF like the A1 and the A9 series and especially the new A9 III, then your top lenses should be able to keep up with those cameras and the Version I simply could not. So for AF alone a new version of this lens was needed.

All this means that for some people like me who shoot an A7r V, that does not have the fps of the A1 or A9 series and who prefers the bokeh of the Version I lens, and who is happy with the resolution of that lens the Version 1 will be a great lens. That said it is clear to me why a lot of folks are going to prefer Version II and Sony needed an update of this lens. Version II looks like a really nice upgrade that a lot of people will like and this revision created a lens that is much in the same style and look of the other GM lenses.



Sep 12, 2024 at 06:09 AM
robert614
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p.11 #5 · p.11 #5 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Donbioh wrote:
I got the GM II yesterday and was able to try it out a bit and compare it to the Sigma DN.

Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II:
+ cooler / more neutral
+ better feel of the body
+ Fits better with other GM lenses

+- Minimally sharper (not always noticeable), center not at all, edge is noticeable at 100%
+- AF possibly a tick faster, but no tracking test
+- Wider angle, more like 82-83mm compared to the Sigma

- AF mechanically audible when it focuses, that something moves inside, not as nice a feeling as with the 50 1.4 GM or 35 1.4 GM
...Show more

Thx for your initial impressions!



Sep 12, 2024 at 09:05 AM
zeitlos
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p.11 #6 · p.11 #6 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Dj R wrote:
no sign of it shipping before release date, from what I am hearing


In Germany, first copies were sold on Monday.



Sep 12, 2024 at 09:13 AM
Donbioh
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p.11 #7 · p.11 #7 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!




zeitlos wrote:
In Germany, first copies were sold on Monday.



Saturday (7.9.)



Sep 12, 2024 at 09:17 AM
zeitlos
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p.11 #8 · p.11 #8 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Donbioh wrote:
Saturday (7.9.)


Even cooler



Sep 12, 2024 at 09:44 AM
pierrep69
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p.11 #9 · p.11 #9 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Really hesitating between this one and the Sigma. I already have 135GM, 50f1.4GM and 70-200f2.8GM though, so it’s really more GAS than need.


Sep 12, 2024 at 01:19 PM
zeitlos
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p.11 #10 · p.11 #10 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


I’m hoping for a comparison between the Sigma and the GM II.


Sep 12, 2024 at 01:57 PM
 


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


pierrep69 wrote:
Really hesitating between this one and the Sigma. I already have 135GM, 50f1.4GM and 70-200f2.8GM though, so it’s really more GAS than need.


I recommend the Samyang (Mark II).



Sep 12, 2024 at 02:32 PM
wind30
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p.11 #12 · p.11 #12 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Donbioh wrote:
I got the GM II yesterday and was able to try it out a bit and compare it to the Sigma DN.

Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II:
+ cooler / more neutral
+ better feel of the body
+ Fits better with other GM lenses

+- Minimally sharper (not always noticeable), center not at all, edge is noticeable at 100%
+- AF possibly a tick faster, but no tracking test
+- Wider angle, more like 82-83mm compared to the Sigma

- AF mechanically audible when it focuses, that something moves inside, not as nice a feeling as with the 50 1.4 GM or 35 1.4 GM
...Show more

Thanks for the comparison, I think many many sigma owners are wondering how much better is the new gm. The 85mm dg dn really is a very good lens for the price. I kept it for many years even though I sold a lot of 135mm lens as it’s so cheap and good. The only thing I hate about the sigma is the stupid lens hood….





Sep 12, 2024 at 08:43 PM
swldstn
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p.11 #13 · p.11 #13 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Well, for now I’m sitting tight with my Version 1. I had pre-ordered the GM II but decided to cancel it until it’s been in the hands of more users since I’m really in no rush. That and the $1799 price tag have convinced me to wait. I’m not sure there is any other Sony lens coming down the road I’m interested in, at least any that I know about.

Follow up question. While not an f/1.2 has anyone seen an article or review comparing it to the Canon RF 85/1.2 L. I actually own that but want the lighter weight of the Sony. Any one know how the AF speed of the RF L compares to the new GM II?

Edited on Sep 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM · View previous versions



Sep 15, 2024 at 10:22 AM
GMPhotography
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p.11 #14 · p.11 #14 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Yea I may rent it come January gig or if something comes up before that. My feeling I will now get the AF speed I need more than anything and of course its more modern in optical and such. I agree on any report right now as I don't trust any of these reviews at all. Mark Galer images peaked my interest enough and that's all I really need to know.


Sep 15, 2024 at 10:32 AM
zeitlos
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p.11 #15 · p.11 #15 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


I‘m surprised that we haven‘t seen any sample pictures on this forum (or maybe even elsewhere?) from actual users. Of course, some are still waiting for their copies, but some have already received it (however, not that many I suppose)


Sep 15, 2024 at 11:02 AM
nehemiahphoto
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p.11 #16 · p.11 #16 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


if some YouTuber wants views, they should do an intelligent ABC comparison with between three and six sample photos at different distances between the Sigma, v1 and v2.


Sep 15, 2024 at 11:05 AM
Donbioh
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p.11 #17 · p.11 #17 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


I have a lot of test photos from the Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II, but all private portraits of the children that I can't show.

So far, I don't find it as outstanding as the price might suggest.

The AF is not so accurate in conjunction with the A7 IV that every image is crisp on the eye. I photographed a child's portrait from the side earlier, AF was on the eye according to the camera and it wasn't sharp. Same situation with the Sigma 85 DN, eye was sharp.

In this respect, the Sigma still has a chance of winning against the Sony for me. A direct comparison - without moving the tripod - fails because the Sigma is slightly longer and the Sony slightly shorter in terms of focal length. In this respect, the images and the bokeh always look nicer at the same distance and the Sigma produces visibly larger bokeh balls. Both lenses also have similar bokeh balls at the edges, which are oval (cat's eyes).

But what bothers me most about the Sigma is the sharp edge on the lens, where the hand sits between the grip and the body. It's just so incredibly sharp. With the A7 III this was a horror, but since the A7 IV it's possible because the grip is larger.

But with the Sony 85 GM II, the body feels really nice.

And another thing I notice is that the vignette is barely visible or even non-existent on the Sony, whereas on the Sigma it's very dark in the corners and edges in direct comparison.

Otherwise, the Sony is not as warm in color and the Sigma is very warm. I actually like the warm image of the Sigma better. But I usually only have GM lenses and I think they are all a bit cooler and overall the Sony GM II would probably be better if you only have GM lenses. The post-processing in RAW is worth it.



Sep 15, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Hodie
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p.11 #18 · p.11 #18 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


zeitlos wrote:
I‘m surprised that we haven‘t seen any sample pictures on this forum (or maybe even elsewhere?) from actual users. Of course, some are still waiting for their copies, but some have already received it (however, not that many I suppose)


I'm still waiting for mine. I won't expect it until the end of the month or even early October. I got mine from a smaller dealer (tax free), so I will have to wait. Will be pairing it with the A7CII and A9III, using the former for portraits and the latter for indoor sports (fencing).



Sep 15, 2024 at 12:50 PM
pierrep69
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p.11 #19 · p.11 #19 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


I'm not that surprised the 85 GM II feels a bit underwhelming compared to the Sigma which is crazy good for half the price. Sigma has been improving so much these past years that they truly compete with Sony.

To be fair, I also think the lenses have gotten so good that we can only expect marginal improvements (when I see Tony Northrup zooming into 240MP shots at 400%, I'm seriously thinking we've reached a point where one can safely take pictures with almost any lens).



Sep 16, 2024 at 12:25 AM
philip_pj
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p.11 #20 · p.11 #20 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced—Pre-Orders Now Open!


Yes, it's true that 'we've reached a point where one can safely take pictures with almost any lens', if you refer to mainstream commercial lenses.

These producers are purchasing technical image quality at the expense of lens complexity - the older GM 85mm had 11 elements, but the GM 85/1.4 reaches out to 14 elements, and competitor Sigma's 85mm has 15 elements. Are 18 and 20 element wedding lenses far off? These are hitherto unheard of lens counts, before the current era.

But you can sense some restiveness in the comments regarding their aesthetic qualities. But horses for courses here, these are excellent event lenses, though they may not meet with the growing segment of users that are looking for something more memorable, in smaller packaging.

It used to be that all Canon users wanted the L lens at their preferred focal length, but now all the major makers are forging new lens market niches with an entirely different set of priorities. It's a nod to the backlash of sorts that is growing out there in the enthusiast demographic. Interesting times.



Sep 16, 2024 at 01:26 AM
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