Sony will release the G Master FE 85mm F1.4 GM II large-aperture standard prime lens on September 20th, 2024. The price listed in Japan is around 300,000 yen, approximately $2,100. With a focal length of 85mm and an aperture of F1.4 this is a a 35mm full-frame compatible Sony Alpha E-mount lens.
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is the first successor in eight years since the “FE 85mm F1.4 GM,” which was released on April 28, 2016. The I-type was highly regarded by many creators as a classic portrait lens, but this time, while refining the resolution and bokeh that were the strengths of the I-type, it has also made great strides in overcoming the issues of autofocus performance, weight, and size, making it a flawless new, top-of-the-line portrait lens.
Uncompromising optical performance
The key evolution is the addition of an extra high-grade aspherical XA lens, for a total of two. The effective arrangement of the elements has been devised to minimize various aberrations. The onion ring and ring line bokeh seen in the I-type has been improved to achieve a more natural and smooth bokeh.
Like the I-type, it is equipped with two ED glass elements, which suppresses the occurrence of purple fringing and blurring. The Nano AR coating has also evolved to “II”. It is said to more effectively suppress flare and ghosting.
High speed, high accuracy, high tracking and quiet AF performance
The focusing speed is up to three times faster than the I-type. AF tracking to the subject has been further improved, achieving up to 7 times faster than the previous model. It also supports the α9 III’s high-speed continuous shooting of 120 frames per second. Video recording, which was a bottleneck with the I-type, is now supported at 120 fps. Smoother autofocusing is now possible.
The evolution of actuators is said to have contributed to the significant improvement in autofocus. The I-type used a rotary actuator called “Ring Drive SSM,” which had the highest driving force at the time, to move the huge and heavy lens group for focusing. The disadvantage was that vibration and a slight noise were generated when autofocusing. Also, since it was a rotary actuator rather than a linear actuator, the operating efficiency was reduced.
In the II model, the structure has been changed to a direct-acting XD linear motor, which makes it possible to achieve quieter, smoother and faster autofocus.
Video performance that meets the needs of video production
It has autofocus, is faster, and quieter. The I-type was not very suitable for video shooting due to the noise it made when it was in operation. There doesn’t seem to have been much awareness of using an 85mm prime lens for video shooting, but the II-type has evolved to the point where it can be used without any problems when shooting video.
Compact and lightweight design
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 weighs about 180g, a 20% reduction in mass of 80g. The weight is now 642g, and the volume is about 13% smaller. There is no change in length, but the diameter is shorter.
The filter diameter remains the same at 77mm, but the base has been slimmed down. Previously, the actuator and base were equipped with a Ring Drive SSM, but by changing to a direct-acting XD Linear, the volume of the base has been further reduced.
The I-type had a protruding base that could sometimes interfere with gripping, but by slimming down this part, operability has been improved.
Operability and reliability in any environment
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 comes equipped with an iris lock function. This function prevents the aperture from being changed accidentally while shooting. The lens surface is coated with fluorine. This coating makes it difficult for fingerprints, dust, water droplets, oil, and mud to adhere to it, and can be easily removed if they do adhere. In addition, while there was only one focus hold button in the previous model, another one has been added, making the II model a total of two.
The included round hood has also been improved. A new round hood that is slightly longer than the I-type is included.
