fredmiranda.com

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | Sony Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1 2 3 … 6

8 … 23 24 end

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

h00ligan
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

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

Does he post out of cam shots? The few times I�ve tried to sit through his reviews he shows developed work iirc

LBJ2 wrote:
85GM vII Images by Mark Galer:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/markgaler/albums/72177720319855730/

Aug 30, 2024 at 07:26 PM

j4nu
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #2 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Hey @Fred Miranda,
I have a quick question, are you planning to review this lens?

I'm thinking of giving GM I a try, but to be honest your review would probably be the only one which would show the differences in rendering clearly... Looking at current crop of yt videos, I'm still not sure if GM I is considerably better when it comes to portraits (not action portratis

) .

Aug 31, 2024 at 06:35 AM

Goodrich
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #3 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

@BastianK is the strongest advocate of the Mk 1�s rendering.

Aug 31, 2024 at 10:20 AM

swldstn
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.7 #4 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

GHarris wrote:
It was something along those lines, yes. I had it remembered as the opposite, almost: I thought the lens (and a few others of Sony's at the time, but only a few) was always focussing at the shooting aperture, regardless of the lighting conditions or whether the lens could see well enough to focus stopped-down. This was especially affecting studio shooting which, even with modelling lights, still isn't bright lighting (the aperture being set for how much brighter things will be when the flash fires, of course, but in the meantime an f/8 aperture or whatever is starved of light).

I...Show more →

If it was a AF system issue in the body then perhaps a modern day body like an A7R5 may show a different result when using it on both the GM 1 and GM II in a modern head to head comparison. A reviewer or two have done some head to head comparisons I think. There was a version 02 for the original version in 2017 from what I can tell as well.

Aug 31, 2024 at 07:07 PM

swldstn
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.7 #5 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

It�s interesting to see people�s opinions on how the newer vs. older GM an ZA lenses compare to each other. I realize I�ve owned them all assuming the list is made up of the 35/1.4 ZA, 50/1.4 ZA, 24/1.4 GM, 35/1.4 GM, 50/1.2 GM, 50/1.4 GM, 85/1.4 GM, and the 135/1.8 GM. For me with each one I�ve appreciated the plus�s and lived with the minus�s of each and I think that will be the same for the 85/1.4 GM II. With the GM II versions of the holy trinity each and every one of those was a step up worth taking. It sounds like some are uncertain about the 85/1.4 GM II. I guess because of its reduced weight and improved AF and motor design I�m willing to take the risk even though I don�t shoot video.

What I�d like to know is how do people think it competes with 85mm lenses from Canon and Nikon even though it�s not F/1.2. Should we hold out for another year and see if Sony can actually make an f/1.2 or just live with smaller, lighter, and cheaper f/1.4. While I love to shoot portraits I think I can get along with the GM II and use my 50/1.2 GM and 135/1.8 GM to round it out. Just my opinion.

Aug 31, 2024 at 09:47 PM

NJPhotographer
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #6 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

For me, this 85/1.4 GM II looks perfect for weddings & portraits. I won't wait for an f/1.2 because it will be much bigger & heavier and ~ $1,000 more, while offering only 1/3 stop more light. I feel that f/1.4 is the sweet spot for light gathering, autofocus speed, bokeh, size, weight & price. On top of that, this GM II offers exceptional sharpness and good ergonomics.

Aug 31, 2024 at 10:46 PM

j4nu
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

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

Forgot to mention that before, but it would be nice if Sony prohibited early reviewers from posting EFCS photos of fast lenses...
2024 and Sony still hasn't figured this out

.

Edited on Sep 01, 2024 at 04:40 PM · View previous versions

Sep 01, 2024 at 01:27 PM

Fboss
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #8 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

j4nu wrote:
Forgot to mention that before, but it would be nice if Sony prohibited early reviewers from posting EFCS photos of fast lenses...
2024 and Sony still hasn't figure this out

.

This is indeed very annoying. They have added AI and lots of features but some reason can't implement a simple one with a basic if/then/else case . (EFCS -> full mechanical or electronic when shutter speed is faster than some value)

Sep 01, 2024 at 03:18 PM

SNJOps
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #9 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

swldstn wrote:
It�s interesting to see people�s opinions on how the newer vs. older GM an ZA lenses compare to each other. I realize I�ve owned them all assuming the list is made up of the 35/1.4 ZA, 50/1.4 ZA, 24/1.4 GM, 35/1.4 GM, 50/1.2 GM, 50/1.4 GM, 85/1.4 GM, and the 135/1.8 GM. For me with each one I�ve appreciated the plus�s and lived with the minus�s of each and I think that will be the same for the 85/1.4 GM II. With the GM II versions of the holy trinity each and every one of those was a step up...Show more →

My own personal thoughts based on youtube comparisons, some brief some more detailed.

35mm - Distagon vs GM
The GM is better in every measurable way and noticeably so. Some may prefer rendering of the Zeiss if they have a good copy

50mm - Planar vs f1.2 GM vs f1.4 GM
The Planar still holds up very very well against its GM siblings. Has TONS of 3D pop and possibly more than the GMs but isn't quite as sharp and had slightly busier Bokeh. This lens is very under rated and still worth buying.

85mm GM vs MKII
I used to own the original and sold it because the AF performance was slow and loud sometimes. It was very soft wide open and noticeably so especially on 61mp. It does however have absolutely gorgeous rendering but its too soft for my taste. The MKII looks to be better in every single way bar it perhaps doesn't render quite as nicely as the MK1 yet its still capable of producing beautiful images. The Sigma Art can't be ignored and for many this is the lens to get but not for me. Its colours don't match my GM glass and its rendering while not bad does nothing for me personally. Highly subjective I know.

Sep 01, 2024 at 05:12 PM

BastianK
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #10 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Goodrich wrote:
@BastianK@ is the strongest advocate of the Mk 1�s rendering.
If a reader sends me one there will of course be a comparison.
But I am not spending two grand on buying the MK II myself.
I really couldn't care less if it was any sharper than the MK I,
with the latest lenses I have to reduce clarity and structure anyway to get a pleasing look for portraits.
As I don't shoot sports I also don't care about improved AF speed, not even once I missed a shot during a wedding or portrait shoot because of the MK I's slow AF.

Sep 02, 2024 at 12:48 AM

Alan Parker
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #11 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

I applied for a review copy, I might get one to try soon

Sep 02, 2024 at 02:33 AM

Stoffer
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #12 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

I do sometimes regret selling the 85 GM, the best rendering lens I ever had. For me the minimum focus distance was the biggest downside, I often wanted to get just a bit closer than what was possible but the might just be the nature of a 85mm, the utility was a bit narrow.

Sep 02, 2024 at 01:21 PM

Dj R
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.7 #13 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Stoffer wrote:
I do sometimes regret selling the 85 GM, the best rendering lens I ever had. For me the minimum focus distance was the biggest downside, I often wanted to get just a bit closer than what was possible but the might just be the nature of a 85mm, the utility was a bit narrow.

The GM II appears to be slightly shorter than a true 85 (and the I), but yes you may be better off with a 50, for your style.

The II has the resolution and AF fire power that 90% of us want for the new big MP bodies. It�s that simple, all.
The other 10% can be happy with the results of the I.

Looking back over the past 15 years, shooting 50/85 1.2 canon rf and ef, 50 1.2 gm, 85 1.4 gm I, 35/50 1.4 za, 58 1.4g, 105 1.4e, etc�.. I took my favorite portrait ever with the 85 gm I, it is absolutely magic for static subjects. And 85 is the best portrait length for me.

But I shoot a lot of sport, kids, and weddings� and subsequently would prefer more firepower, hence my thrill for the upcoming release.

Is the Nikon 58 fun for portraits, yes. Does it possess the resolution and AF power, that I desire, no. Same for the 85 GM I. It�s a pretty unique offering, excellent rendering, decent but not great resolution, subpar AF ability. Could any of us make it work, sure. Does anyone have a gun to your head to �upgrade�, no.

So why all the negativity? Will Sony eventually give us a $2500 painterly portrait lens, yes, someday. But that is not going to sell as well as how the 35/50/135 GM lineup has. That is not what the majority are asking for!

Bottom line:
You can look at everything on the market�.
Nothing beats a 35 1.4 GM & 85 1.4 GM II combo when it comes down to resolution, AF power, rendering, feature set, size/weight factor, on one of the top Sony bodies right now, absolutely magic for a working photog. You can never please everyone. However, without a doubt, Sony did the right thing with this offering.

Cheers

Edited on Sep 04, 2024 at 09:06 AM · View previous versions

Sep 04, 2024 at 01:20 AM

j4nu
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #14 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

A brief comparison to the Sigma.

Sep 04, 2024 at 03:12 AM

Charlie N
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #15 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

BastianK wrote:
If a reader sends me one there will of course be a comparison.
But I am not spending two grand on buying the MK II myself.
I really couldn't care less if it was any sharper than the MK I,
with the latest lenses I have to reduce clarity and structure anyway to get a pleasing look for portraits.
As I don't shoot sports I also don't care about improved AF speed, not even once I missed a shot during a wedding or portrait shoot because of the MK I's slow AF.

I'm betting smaller and lighter would be really nice, 150g+ is significant

Sep 04, 2024 at 01:32 PM

KarmaKramer
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #16 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

I�m ok with clinically perfect. Can�t drop 3k to replace it. No body I shoot for would notice the diff.

Jazzgear296 wrote:
I regretfully replaced my Sony GM 85 v1 with the Sigma. No real mojo to the Sigma, just a clinically perfect image. I never really had the alleged focus issues others have reported, maybe I had a unicorn � unfortunately I became the victim of GAS from influencers. I will definitely be dropping the sigma eventually and either picking up a v1 85 if the price plummets used or new, or the new gm II after it�s been out a while and the price drops a bit.

Sep 04, 2024 at 07:14 PM

BastianK
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #17 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Charlie N wrote:
I'm betting smaller and lighter would be really nice, 150g+ is significant
Smaller/Lighter is always welcome and this is an area where Sony really excels lately.
I don't use this lens for travel though, only planned portrait shootings and weddings and such,
and here 150g weight savings are not worth spending 1k+ for making the change.

They had to lower the weight to compete with the Sigma though, that was inevitable.

Sep 05, 2024 at 01:33 AM

Dj R
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.7 #18 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Weight and size usually kept me away from sigma. But I did try, in the past. But that isn�t an issue in this case.

However�.

Is sigma glass going to take advantage of ALL of the Sony AF abilities.

Is sigma glass guaranteed to work as well, after future firmware updates?

I realize I sound like an OEM glass snob. But those are my concerns, and why I prefer OEM glass. Especially on Sony, who traditionally seems to have more advanced tech and update ability (because of $) in general.

Sep 05, 2024 at 06:35 AM

GHarris
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #19 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

Dj R wrote:
Is sigma glass going to take advantage of ALL of the Sony AF abilities.

Is sigma glass guaranteed to work as well, after future firmware updates?

1) Not in this case - the Sigma 85 does not focus as well as a GM lens. Not particularly because it's Sigma, it's just the design specifics of this one lens, what focus motors it uses, etc. It comes down to the details of the exact lens, in the end, not the brand. To rule out third-party lenses on as broad and rich a lens market as the E-mount is to cut yourself off from a heck of a lot of nice options.

2) That was an old trend a decade++ ago with third-party lenses and DSLRs. "New camera / firmware breaks old lens" isn't really a thing any more. The only exception to this that I know of was a manual-focus lens line, the Zeiss Loxia, and the manual-focus-magnification behaviour with certain newest bodies. Honestly it's not a reason to refuse to buy a Sigma (or whoever) lens nowadays. But the specific merits (or not) of the exact lens you're considering, might be.

Anyway, good on Sony for making this new GM II. People who want a perfectly-swift-focussing laser-lens can buy it, and people who want a character lens can buy the GM1, or whatever of the third-party offerings they find interesting. I still feel kinda happy with my Batis 85 but I know that might make me a minority

Sep 05, 2024 at 07:10 AM

zeitlos
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.7 #20 · Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II Announced�Pre-Orders Now Open!

I�m hoping for a �real world� comparison between MK1 and MK2.
So identical portraits shot with both lenses. Just to see if the rendering of the Mk1 version really is so unique and therefore better.

Sep 05, 2024 at 08:50 AM

1 2 3 … 6 7 8 … 23 24 end
FM Forums \| Sony Forum \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 … 6 7 8 … 23 24 end