BEST 85MM LENS FOR SONY ALPHA a9 a7R II a7 II a6500 a6300 a6000 

Which 85mm are you rocking on your Sony? or which you are you gonna buy?!

Just rented the Sony 85mm 1.8 and used it on my a6000. Loved it. The bokeh was so much creamier than the 50mm 1.8 I had been using. Needless to say, it is on my to-buy list.

For those who are looking for a short telephoto for the Sony E-system I would suggest having a look at the Sony 90mm f/2,8 Macro. As far as i understand it it's one of the sharpest macro lenses out there, and at 90mm f/2,8 it do "ok" for portraiture-work as well. You'll loose some bokeh and AF-speed (i would guess) but you'll gain 1:1 macro compared to any of these lenses.

The budget option is right for me. I am an amateur who still has gaps in my lens selection (no portrait lens, no wide angle zoom) and the FE 18 will save me money that can be spent on the one GM I will buy (16-35). GREAT no nonsense practical review Jason.

I have the batis with the 6300. Best combo ever.

PS, you only mentioned A7rii and Asii, but A7ii has in body stabilization as well

I bought the Batis 85 before Sony released their versions. I love everything about the Batis, so no regrets.

A7ii has IBIS 😀

The Sony 85mm 1.8 is actually weather sealed, as stated on the producer website!

I currently own both the GM and the Batis... ONLY because I recently started working park time at a camera shop and got the GM at a heavily discounted price. The Batis was bought before I started working there. Let's just say, the price I paid minus Batis when I sell it... I'll end up paying about $100 out of pocket. And that's the main reason why I did it. THAT said, it's going to be hard to let go of the Batis because of the size, especially for travelling. The one thing I don't think you mentioned is... while yes... the GM DOES seem to AF a little bit slower.... you can also hear it... I do ZERO video, so for me, that's not a factor, but for those that do video, and not using an external mic... this may be a deal breaker.

great review I'm going to get the Sony 85 1.8

Just got the Sony 85 1.8mm and I'm loving it. I personally think it's the most bang for your buck! Great review!

Initially I thought this subject has been covered but you threw me a curve and I learned something I didn't know , good job Jason!

Something you didn't mention about the GM vs 1.8 FE, the 1.8 fe is better for studio work when shooting stopped down with strobes. the 1.8 FE will open up to 1.8 when focusing then stop down to desired aperture to shoot, the 1.4 GM won't do this. It's hard to use af at f/8 in low studio light but the 1.8 fe will open up to allow focus.

Just bought the Sony FE 85mm 1.8. I heard only good things about it. Cannot wait!!!

lol idk why i watched this whole video.. I have a canon XD Good video though!

In 2023, if I was to get a 85mm Lens, I would get the Zeiss Sonnar Batis 85mm 1.8, though I will prefer a new version with both aperture ring and button for AF/MF-focus.

The GM skin tones look much better then the Sony 1.8 on that AF test

85mm 1.8 all the way! Best value & form factor

The A7II also has IBIS 😋

Hey Jason! Are you considering making a comparison video about the new Sigma 85mm f1.4 dg dn VS the Batis 85mm f1.8.....Thanks and peace ! :)

GM doesn't justify $1200 difference..........but if definitely justifies a $600 one! Grabbed a lightly used one for $1200. Slower autofocus and a heavier lens but the image quality that comes from that lens is undeniable!

I would go for the Batis cause right in between. The OSS sold me. Thanks Jason for another great video!

I simply cannot decide... Right now, I shoot my A6500 with a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 adapted with an MC-11. I have a limited autofocus capability but, no eye AF which is super for portrait work. I generally use the 85mm wide open for portraits and portraits are the major area of shooting. I most often use this lens in manual mode with focus peeking and it works quite nicely.The Sony f/1.8 lens would bring full autofocus to the table including the eye AF. I'd really like the f/1.4 aperture but simply cannot justify the $1800 price for this lens. There is another player in the game, the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 which is especially interesting due to the f/1.4 aperture and low price tag. Since I work most often with the Canon 85mm in manual focus mode, I am certain that I would be able to handle the Rokinon quite well and since portraits will be my only use for this lens, I think that this might be my choice...

I bought the 85mm 1.8 just yesterday, soo loving it! of course thats what I can afford, still rocks! the g master is just way way too expensive!!

A7II have IBIS ! It was the first FF camera in the world with IBIS

Damn.. I would like the Batis because the Zeiss logo and color-matching with the 25 I have... But that Sony thing just ruined the party because the image quality is nearly identical!!

For the a6500 I think the 85mm 1.8 would be ideal as the weight is less, cost less and IQ close enough to the others. With the Zhiyun Crane II lighter lenses work better.

Thanks. Great review. Been dilemma to spend of 1.4 or 1.8. So far the best review. Will definitely go for 1.8 and save up a bit the money to get another lens for extra use. Thanks :) Love from Malaysia

I have the new cheaper 85 f1.8 and it's amazing. Amazing value too.

I have and I love the Sony 85mm f/1.8 which I picked up, used in minty condition. for $350 USD... If I did not own that lens, I'd be doing some serious looking at the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 lens...

Just got the 85mm f/1.8 and it kills it on my a9. First lens I got for the camera.

Great video! The result is that I think I will go for the Batis.

After hours of reading and watching reviews I ordered the Sony 85 1.8 last night for my crop bodies.

Great video, Jason! I have the Batis! Awesome lens

Jason, you're videos are great dude. Nice work! The Sony 1.8 is probably up my ally, the G with declick is pretty amazing ,but damn it's $$$ for what I need it for. Thanks!

I’m wondering, if the lens used for product shots, would make batis a better option because of the lens stabilization even on a A7iii

if you don't mind manual focus, you can get the Rokinon 85mm 1.4 for $240.

Great Video. I think my next lens will be the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8. I just sold my 24-70 GM. it was way too heavy and I wasn't comfortable with it.

I used to own the Batis, then replaced it with the GM master. In my opinion, the Batis is sharper and has more contrast wide open. It's also lighter and renders distinct colors. However, the bokeh can look busy at SOME situations. It's an excellent lens really. I also had the Loxia 85mm and it beats the other 85's in almost every category other than the bokeh. It's an excellent option for MF shooter. I never used the 85mm f1.8 by Sony and don't find it's color rendition very appealing. It doesn't feel as "classy" as the Batis or the GM.

Don't have a Sony camera* yet, being an amateur yet i require the aperture ring only the G-master has. Next to price however size and weight are absolute no-go's. Also i do like 105 and 100mm more My choice would probably be the 0) Voigtländer macro Apo-Lanthar 110/2.5 1) Loawa Smooth Trans Focus 105/2.0 2) Samyang 100/2.8 macro 3) Laowa 100/2.8 ultra macro apo 4) Walimex 85/1.4 or 1.5 5) Zeiss Loxia 85/2.4 6) Voigtländer macro Apo-Lanthar 65/2.0 7) Laowa 60/2.8 ultra macro 2:1 (but i do have a Minolta 300si, a Pentax d-slr and a whole bunch of Pentax lenses and film cameras).

Thank you for the video! I'm look for a lens that works well with the A7s ii in a broad range of conditions. You helped me narrow down my options in this very comprehensive video.

Thanks for the info. Jason! Keep up the good work!

Very good summary. Thanks

I agree - it is GREAT on an A6500 body!

a7III / Batis 85mm f1.8 my set up i love it :D

Hey Jason i realy would like to see this video again with the Samyang 85 in compair Greetings from germany Thies

Thanks for this one! So good !! Enjoyed this

Another nice review Jason!

Much respect for your video! Really appreciated all the info!

Great video dude!..Would love to get the Zeiss cause of the weather sealing and the color rendering of the Zeiss glass has something about it that makes the images look but since the Sony 85 is cheaper I had to get cause of the price..maybe some day I'll pick out the Zeiss ..the GM size and slower focus kills it for me ...

I fiund the batis warmer as well, i just love it.

Jason! My good sir, you stated that the a7ii does not have IBIS when in actuality it does :).

Great video! As always!

Someday I will buy the Zeiss Batis 😍 not today... i will wait for it to get affordable 😅 loved the video. 😁

I'm just switching over to Sony with the a6500. I don't have the GM or Zeiss, but the Sony 85mm 1.8 destroys. In fact, your earlier videos helped me decide on it, and I'm glad. It's my favorite lens so far. @jasonvong could you do a video on back button eye auto focus, specifically for the a6500. I set the AE button to eye autofocus, but it seems as though I need to hold it to make it work. Suggestions?

Actually the Sony FE 85 F1.8 does have weather sealing

A correction to your sayings. The a7 II has IBIS.

Have you tried Viltrox’s 85mm? I wanna see an updated comparison along with these lenses

Time to redo the comparison with new Samyang af 85mm 1.4

Just used my new Viltrox 85mm 1.8 AF ❤️

I am trying to decide between these 3 lenses right now and I'm really struggling to decide. Has your opinion on these 3 lenses changed at all over the past couple of years? Leaning more towards the Batis atm!

I have Sigma Art 85mm f1.4, for my A7R3. Love it.

I Have the 85mm 1.4 GM coming i hope i am not regretting it.i am going to use it with A7r2

I got the Sony 85mm 1.8 for my a7r2 and it’s literally the sharpest lens I’ve ever owned

Thank you sooo much for this! Can you give me your best recommendation for the best 35mm & best 50mm or that's in the middle like the Batis 85mm? I'm more into filming and video and looking for that trio ! I'll definitely remember your link to buy the batis for sure :D

superb video!

85 on the a crop is the best!

Quite well put!

Why not the Sony FE 55mm 1.8? It could be a good 85mm on the crop sensor I guess!

Thank you. This really helped! I was torn between the g master and Zeiss. Looks like the Zeiss will complement my shooting more - landscapes, portraits, traveling in harsh environments.

Damn...Now i'm really conflicted. I sold my A7RII and 55mm Zeiss to get the A9. I have an 85 GM that I got for an insane price, but you got me thinking maybe i should sell it and get my 55 back..lmao. Dammittttt idk what to do.

Is it compartable to sony a6300 ...?

Another very good review.

Now Samyang have an 85mm f1.4 for Sony and it's very good (much better than their 50mm). Now Sony shooters have 4 85mm lenses to choose from so that makes the decision even harder. I wish someone would make an affordable 70-200 though.

is it me or there is purple at 8:40? from the sony 85mm 1.8?

Who is a buyer for the Zeiss over the Sony but yet is not going to spring for a newer Sony body with built-in stabilization?

Good, good video!

Which would be better? The Sony 85 1.8 or the 90 2.8? I'm deciding and unsure because Im planning to use it to video miniature cooking.

Cats eye bokeh is indeed dealbreaker

Thanks and exactly what I need right now. Which one is the best for video autofocus?

My camera bag recently fell from a height of about 2 feet from my car seat to the driveway. As a result, my adapted Canon 85mm f/1.8 can no longer be manually focused. I'll be in the market for a native 85mm lens but I don't want something that can break so easily as my Canon lens did. While the Sony f/1.8 seems to be a no brainer, the low price relative to the others makes me doubt the build quality in relation to the others. I'd like something that can take a beating! Concerning the 85mm lenses above, can anyone comment on their ruggedness?

The best 85mm is the Nikkor 85mm 1.4 ai-s. Manual focus , greatest 85mm ever.

thank you J. now lets see battle of 50's :)

Currently have a S2 and a 28 f2. Debating on the Sony 85/1.8 orrrrr a tamron 28-75 2.8 🧐

Door video. I’m using the A7RIII does it have IBS? I’ve been eyeing this lens. Should I get the 85 when I have the 35mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.8.? Or should I focus on another lens? I mostly shoot cars, but I’m expanding my photography into street and portrait photography.

Great review 👌

ty for the presentation.

DOPE AS FUGGGGGGGGGGGG HAHAHAHA! subscribed bro keep up the awesome work.

85GM - DOPE AS FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

The 85 mm G master makes so much noise when autofocusing on video, why no one has say anything about this? And the ghosting is hard on that lense as well.

I bought 90mm some days ago. Do I need 85mm for portrait. So should I buy 85mm

I’m about to buy a Sony and deciding which one to get. I thought I had one picked out, a pre-owned A7ii on eBay with only 5150 shutter count and a year left on its warranty. And then, based on Your video and another review, I was going to get the Sony 85mm f/1.8, BUT, then I heard You say that the A7ii doesn’t have image stabilization. The specs show that it does. So I’m a bit confused. Can You please clarify? Really will appreciate. Holding off until I hear back. Thx 👍

Awesome review

85 1.8 is actually weather sealed

I have the Sony 85mm 1.8 I love it, but I don't like the magenta dominant. Anybody else has this problem and how to you overcome it?

GM In house. I know the title is 85mm, but being a portrait lens where or how does the 100 GM fit into this mix?

Which Flash are you using? Which one would you recommend for shooting portrait? I've been shooting only with natural light so far.

great vid, love my batts 85 but 1 thing the a7ii has IBIS

Nice ending ✌🏽