Sony 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens Review

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Sony's long-awaited update to its 85mm F1.4 G Master lens first released in 2016. The 2024 Sony 85mm F1.4 GM II is smaller, lighter, faster and sharper than the previous version and, with its dual linear XF focus motors, offers the best choice for a wide aperture 85 portrait lens with ultra fast focus. It also offers the videographer and lens with less focus breathing and linear response manual focus. This video review takes a look at this new lens alongside other lenses that also offer a better bit of bokeh in order to maximise the figure/ground separation in your images, ensuring your subjects pop.
Album of Ultra High-Definition Images: flic.kr/s/aHBq...
Pre-Order Lens from B&H: bhpho.to/3T3ZYIM
Mark Galer is a Sony Alpha Ambassador for Australia.
Join Mark Galer on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars, 'over 20 downloadable' eBooks + cameras setting (CAMSET) files (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). / markgaler
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Опубликовано:

23 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 119

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 300 to 700-page camera-specific eBooks + Over thirty hours of member-only seminars + cameras settings files + access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler

@cameraprepper7938 27 дней назад

Yes, it is a very good Lens, but I do not need an aperture 1.4 for a 85mm Lens ! So I will keep my excellent ZEISS Batis Sonnar 85mm 1.8 T* which is more light weight. I do wish that Sony will make a high end "GMC" series of compact Lenses, fx aperture 2.0 with at least as good optical image quality as the GM series.

@RodMacQuarrie 24 дня назад

I always turn to you for the best Sony reviews. You never disappoint!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

Thank you - what a nice complement

@PaulHemsworth-y5b 27 дней назад

1.4 is enough, near perfect lens. I'm definitely getting this one.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Yes - I also believe 1.4 is enough

@bryanlovephotography 24 дня назад

Mark, every time Sony releases a lens I come to your channel. Your reviews are so thorough and make practical arguments for lens choices. In terms of the 1.2 vs 1.4…if you know what you’re doing, it doesn’t make a difference. If you want silky bokeh, just take half a step closer at 1.4. People seem to forget the distance between you and subject and subject and background are the other components of depth of field. I’m tired of people just relying on the aperture. If you want the best bokeh, buy the 135 GM and shoot it at minimum focus. I agree with Mark that the weight and size savings are well worth it on this 85. Please keep reviewing the same way. I absolutely love your reviews. Cheers!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

Thanks for the positive feedback …and yes, depth of field is controlled by more than just aperture.

@DCMedien 26 дней назад

I'm happy to see a updated 1.4. The old one was completely outdated, and a 1.2 just isn't worth the extra weight.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

I agree with your comments

@coldmedina 25 дней назад

…says those who are resigned to the fact 1.2 isn’t possible

@DCMedien 25 дней назад

@@coldmedina Or those who doesnt want to carry 2 times the weight for a fraction more light. Same thing why i`m not interested in the 50mm 1.2.

@TaylorTeets 25 дней назад

The sample images in your Flickr album are really impressive. Great showcase of this lens!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 25 дней назад

Thanks a lot!

@KeAiFu 25 дней назад

I am having the Sigma 85/1.4 ART and I am completely satisfied with this lens. No need to pay the double price for GMII. If I want more bokeh, I take my 135/1.8 GM. For light travelling, in Hong Kong in two weeks, I will take the Sony A7CR with Sony 11/1.8, Tamron 20-40/2.8 and the new Samyang V-AF 100/ T2.2.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 25 дней назад

Good for you - but not sure why you would be watching this video review

@coldmedina 25 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I’m sure he or she is Watching due to FOMO. Sounds like FOMO assuaged after watching. Why would you alienate a (potential) subscriber with that comment - because they don’t feel as you do about this new lens? 🤦🏽‍♂️

@KeAiFu 24 дня назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I watch all your videos, very often they contain some helpful information. Anyhow, in this case, the Sigma is good enough for me.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 22 дня назад

I don’t wish to alienate anyone but I can only learn from my viewers if i can better understand why someone would be watching a review of a lens when they freely admit to not wanting to own this type of lens - no matter how good it is. I am also at a point in mg career where I genuinely don’t care how many people subscribe to my channel.

@stevenwaldstein2249 26 дней назад

Another best in class review of the new lens. I have the version one GM but will consider this new 85/1,4 GM II. Right now in my travel bag I’ve paired my Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 with my 24-50/2.8 G and 16-25/2.8 G and A7CR but will look at this for that application well. Thank you and take care.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Zooms are great for convenience but I always travel with a portrait prime

@megamastah 18 дней назад

An interesting setup, thanks.

@Jonathantuba 27 дней назад

Thanks for another awesome review! This is a lens for which I have been waiting. I love the images from my 135 F1.8, but it can feel like a brick to carry when travelling. This new 85 GMii sounds to be a lot more portable and adaptable. I have already placed my order for one.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

The 135 is indeed a spectacular lens but I can nearly get the same '135 F1.8 look' by shooting with this 1.4 in APS-C mode.

@fsi2210 26 дней назад

I feel this is a necessary update for Sony. It brings the 85 to modern GM standards. Having both Sony and Sigma releasing their prime lenses to the standard set, is a win win for everyone on E mount.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Well said

@sh8736 22 дня назад

Interesting review as always. I have the 85mm 1.8 don’t use it a lot so will wait for that to be updated, along with the 90mm macro both over due and upgrade in my opinion!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 21 день назад

the current 85mm F1.8 does not have slow AF like the original 85mm GM so not sure if Sony will update this anytime soon. I would like to see a fast focusing 90mm Macro as well.

@GilbertTang 27 дней назад

Finally. Very happy to see it. I do wish they did the 1.2 after all (which im speculating is part of the “delay”), but I’m very happy to see it get the 1.4 GM treatment like the 50mm.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

I wouldn't want the 1/2 kilo extra weight and I can get the 85mm F1.2 look with the 135 F1.8

@nafnaf0 26 дней назад

Excellent review Mark, thank you for all the details and example photographs. I am still hoping that Sony will come out with a 105mm f1.8 G lens, I think that would be my ideal travel portrait lens. I am using the Sony 85mm f1.8 now.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

I also have the 1.8/85 but will add the 1.4 when I have room in my medium-sized messenger bag

@jonoy4375 24 дня назад

I remember that Mark said before, Sony new 85 GM should stay with 1.4 rather than 1.2, to keep the light weight. Yes, Sony did so.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

Correct - I prefer my lenses to be lighter and smaller whenever possible.

@jamshid987 27 дней назад

Awesome review!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@McFunson 26 дней назад

Thanks Mark. Another comprehensive review as always! Question: what makes you choose the 24-50 over the 20-70 for travel? Would be interested in your experienced opinion and wonder if it's anything more than smaller size, weight and aperture. Thanks PS: I'll stick with my trusty 90 2.8 DGDN for travel portraits 😊

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

I have a tendency to modify my lens and camera choice with every trip I make. I outline my decision-making process in seminars I make available to my Patrons on Patreon.com/markgaler - I am currently working on location with the E 15mm F1.4 G (as you will see on my social media accounts (Facebook and Flickr). This may answer your question.

@BikeVisionScotland 27 дней назад

I also have been waiting for this lens for some years...

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

You and me both :-)

@MatWeb1 9 часов назад

Hey Mark. Thank you a lot for those great videos and tutorials. Traveling to Europe? If you make a stop in Germany, let me know. I could give some tipps for right photo spots or cities you should go to. Best greetings

@AlphaCreativeSkills Час назад

Thanks for your kind offer. I have been travelling the globe for more than four decades so have some experience with organising my travel itineraries.

@JWS-66 24 дня назад

nice review Mark, I am not so on prime lenses...but like your videos and rewiews of new Sony releases.... any news on a 90mm marco II and a version II of the 24-240mm maybe a better G version with a f/5.6 on the long end?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

Thanks -Sony do not share ahead of time what they are working on. The first I know of a new lens is when I open the box a few days or weeks before it is announced

@JWS-66 22 дня назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills maybe Sony reads the comments to youre videos😉

@AlphaCreativeSkills 22 дня назад

I would like to think so but I doubt it

@youuuuuuuuuuutube 7 часов назад

I'd say it's overall the best 85mm lens that you can find. However, the GM1 has a slightly nicer rendering to my eyes, like 10% better. Everything else however is way better in the GM2.

@AlphaCreativeSkills Час назад

I suppose Bokeh is in the eye of the beholder - Sony worked on the original design for this lens to improve the bokeh and reduce the color fringing. This may not be to everyone's taste.

@paulchiu 23 дня назад

MArk, is the new 85 GM II quiet enough for 4K video using the onboard mikes on say, a Sony FX3 or A9 III?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 23 дня назад

yes

@olebjrnhansen5860 26 дней назад

Another great video review; Galers non-excentric and very informative way of presenting Sonys gear is so educative and always a joy to watch. Btw, anybody knows what brand the wrist strap Galer uses in this vid is? It seems to me as a Peak Design, but I cant find it on their home page.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 25 дней назад

I am currently using hand-stitched leather wrist straps from Wotancraft

@olebjrnhansen5860 25 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you very much!

@jonoy4375 24 дня назад

New 85 GM ii looks like a small brother of 135GM, which is almost optically perfect as per every expert.❤ as I already own 85f1.8 85f1.4GM i and 135GM, I don’t want to buy this new 85 GM, until the price drops significantly.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

That may take a few years as demand is likely to be high for a while

@matrixlee6392 26 дней назад

I like how the original version has the aperture numbers and marks engraved on the aperture ring, the mark II only has those printed. Same thing for the shooting mode dial on the newer cameras, I really don't think Sony should cheat it out for GM lenses and premium bodies.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

This GM ll, however, outshines the Mark 1 in every other respect.

@matrixlee6392 25 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills That, I would have to agree, and I will probably buy it still. I was just hoping that there were no such kinds of cut corners for a superb lens like this, and in the future too. Consistency among all of my GM lens is another important thing for an OCD like me but I guess most people would be okay with 5 lenses engraved and 1 lens printed :D

@KevinZJR 26 дней назад

We need a updated 85mm F1.8 that is less than 300g and has 0.20+ magnification ratio.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Yes - I would agree - this, however, is the 85 1.4 GM ll review - what do you think of the photos I was able to capture with this lens?

@AStCG1989 22 дня назад

Will I notice a considerable improvement on an a7iv over and about my GM v1? I find that lens to be very sharp already. I don’t see a huge difference vs my Sony 135 1.8

@AlphaCreativeSkills 22 дня назад

It is sharper, but only noticeable when zoomed in on a 4K monitor - the major benefits (as outlined in this video) is the size and AF speed. I will use this AF speed (as demonstrated in this video review) but not everyone shoots subjects that are moving rapidly.

@aim_qat 24 дня назад

perfect lens, yes 1.4 is enough, and amazing photo shoot ....

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

Thanks for the positive feedback

@luddeh1531 26 дней назад

for 85mm bokeh is important!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Indeed it is …but I am more interested in the figure ground separation

@michaelwilson6584 23 дня назад

What’s the thumb grip on your A7CII/R?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 23 дня назад

It's a Neewer Grip. It is very similar to the SmallRig Design but the silver version for the A7CII/A7CR was overpriced on Amazon in Australia. Both are high quality as I have a black SmallRig grip for my A6700.

@lucschoonjans4540 26 дней назад

I have the 135mm f/1.8 that I seldom use for my portrait photography because I have to back up too far, but I absolutely love this lens. Now I have to decide whether adding the 85 mkII or trading the 135mm for the4 new 85mm (fist world problem, I know :-))

@nafnaf0 26 дней назад

Yep, the 135mm f1.8 is an incredible lens, but it is a beast and for portraits I find I just have to back up too much. Personally I have been hoping for a 105mm f1.8 G for a long time

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

I also own the 1.8/135 but if I had to choose one it would be this smaller 1.4/85

@lucschoonjans4540 25 дней назад

@@nafnaf0Agree on the 105mm f/1.8

@jonoy4375 24 дня назад

For the form factor, Sigma 85 is marginally shorter and feels less front heavy, and easier to carry around.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

The weight is evenly balanced in the 85 GM2 - neither front or rear heavy

@AStCG1989 22 дня назад

I was just about to say how would you know and could see Mark answered

@vincentbaldwin5842 24 дня назад

I.2 would be over kill for me.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 24 дня назад

I agree

@jujuxl 27 дней назад

Finally !!!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

A little overdue but finally it is here :-)

@nickwilliams7867 22 дня назад

Are Sony painting themselves into a corner. With some of my GM glass it's hard to think how Sony will ever make me upgrade. 35gm, 24-70GMII 70-200GMII and I will get this one as well, all amazing close to perfect. What could a 24-70GMIII offer that my two does not?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 21 день назад

Sony’s MK 2 lenses were needed to keep up with cameras such as the A1 and A9lll - I don’t see Sony creating MK lll lenses until such time that the current lenses fall short again. Sony can instead turn their attention to innovative designs such as the FE 70-200 F4 Macro G2 or the 20-70 F4 G, i.e., lenses nobody asked for but sell well anyway.

@olafb.6112 27 дней назад

Why only 20 FPS with the A1? Can't the lens reach 30 FPS with the A1?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

The A1 can do 30fps without AF tracking and 20fps with AF tracking

@PhotoTrekr 27 дней назад

Welcome replacement for the original 85mm GM.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

Long Overdue but this brings it into line with all the other GM primes now that it has fast AF

@PhotoTrekr 27 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills The 135mm GM might be the best lens I've ever used. But, if they could make a smaller lighter version, that would be welcome too.

@0verflown 26 дней назад

Quite disappointed in this one. I'll stick with my Sigma, and would probably buy it again. Image quality is near identical, but Sigma is still the winner in size and weight which matters more than AF speed and burst to me. Also it seems that the GM II is a bit shorter in focal length or not a true 85mm if you compare it to the Mark 1 or Sigma. Btw Mark, have you switched your 20-70 G to the 24-50 G as the preferred travel lens?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

I am traveling with neither the 24-50 or 20-70 on this trip. I discuss my trips in detail on my Patreon support channel.

@0verflown 26 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkillsoh, I thought you said you’re bringing the 85 Mk2 and 24-50 on a trip at the end of your video here (?)

@AlphaCreativeSkills 22 дня назад

I changed my mind at ghe last ninute and decided to pack an A6700 with an even smaller lens as well as the A7Cll with 85mm GM2. This reduces the amount of lens changing if i can just switch bodies instead.

@WS-bk7uu 26 дней назад

I do like how your reviews focus on how a lens fits into the E Mount ecosystem, how it looks, feels and weighs and what it's like to shoot in the field. All the pixel peeping videos get boring!

@AlphaCreativeSkills 26 дней назад

Thanks - check out the link to my album of ultra high-definition examples in the info section below the video (now over 140 images). I am continuing my extended shooting with this lens - one that will extend way beyond the timeframe most reviewers will have with this lens.

@cameraprepper7938 27 дней назад

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

I also own an 85mm F1.8 and 90mm F2.8 - I would like to see Sony expand their small G series primes to include a portrait focal length.

@cameraprepper7938 27 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills A Sony Lens like the Sigma 90mm 2.8, just without the distortion will be really nice ! I do not like the 24, 40, 50mm G series Lenses, to many compromises for me.

@Bobsmithabc 27 дней назад

Should have been 1.2 like their 50mm.

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

Add half a kilo + US $1,000 and it would likely have been possible ..but maybe not a hugely popular lens.

@Bobsmithabc 27 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills maybe they will roll one out later. Canon and Nikon have 85 1.2.

@chefjaap1 25 дней назад

I prefer the better build of my sigma 85mm f1.4 dg dn art. Sony GM's are way too much plastic

@AlphaCreativeSkills 25 дней назад

Note sure that I agree with your assessment of the build quality of a GM lens. If metal is more important than bokeh, speed of autofocus and optical sharpness then stick with the heavy metal. Just remember that no lens bounces when dropped -even the metal ones.

@KeepingThisTech 27 дней назад

1st

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

Thanks for your support :-)

@BrandonColePhotography 27 дней назад

I dont know what Sony is thinking. This should have been a 1.2 hands down. The 85mm 1.2 is an untapped market for Sony because NOBODY makes a 1.2 for Sony E mount. Not sigma , tamron nobody. This was a complete overlook and trying to compare the sales of the 50mm to estimate what the 85 will do was just dumb. Now when Sigma drops the first 85mm 1.2 for Sony E mount they will regret it . Whoever dropped the 85 1.2 for Sony would've sold like crazy and Sony completely missed the opportunity especially when the Sigma 85 is so close to accuracy of this lens and not that far up. So dumb. Sigma your up, hopefully they do not make the same mistake. It's just crazy to me how the 85 1.2 is untapped and nobody is gonna come get this money. Sigma will make a 1.2 and completely steal the temporary light of the GM II. I will continue to rock my Sigma 85 1.4, until they drop the 1.2

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

I wouldn't purchase an 85mm 1.2 as I prefer lighter lenses and 1/3 stop is not significant at the 85mm focal length.

@jbdlr13 26 дней назад

⁠@@AlphaCreativeSkillscan you please explain why it wouldn’t be significant with this focal length?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 22 дня назад

The depth of field difference for 1/3 stop at this focal length is barely noticeable - perhaps the difference between moving 6 inches closer to your sitter for a head and shoulders portrait. It’s a little more noticeable at the shorter focal lengths but still only half a step difference at the 50mm focal length - I attempted to show the difference in my 50mm F1.4 review where I compared if to the 1.2 GM.

@p.t.ngwolo1003 21 день назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkillsthat’s 1/2 a stop not a 1/3.

@MoLetalis 20 дней назад

@@p.t.ngwolo10032/3 stops lol

@hikertrashfilms 27 дней назад

This lens should have been released two years ago, it’s still outclassed by the Sigma in terms of weight & nearly double the cost. They couldn’t make a f/1.2 because of the 46mm E-Mount, so they elected to build a video-centric 85 Prime, as opposed to a portrait photographer 85 Prime, which Nikon & Canon offers. They can make a 24 f/1.2 Prime with Quad-XD motors & shock the world once again in 2025 in conjunction with the α1ii announcement. Does Sony have the courage to still innovate?

@AlphaCreativeSkills 27 дней назад

The weight is so close as not to make a difference. It does offer better manual focus and less focus breathing than the Sigma but it can also keep up at 120fps shooting Raw stills on an A9III - so it is very much a stills lens as well.

@chrisshawcross7033 27 дней назад

Buy the sigma then

@hikertrashfilms 27 дней назад

@@AlphaCreativeSkills it's definitely better, but is it double the cost better, if you don't own a stack? Yes & no. It is 100% the best videocentric 85 Prime for full frame ever released, with minimal focus breathing and silent dual-XD motors, something Nikon & Canon's f/1.2 options don't offer...along with tremendous weight savings for portability and extended shooting. It is an excellent lens, but it should of been released in March of 2023, not Fall of 2024

@hikertrashfilms 27 дней назад

@@chrisshawcross7033 I'm not interested in an 85, I have the 50GM f/1.2 & 135GM for my α1.

@DrWurzeli 27 дней назад

@@hikertrashfilms are you copy+pasting your comment under every release video..? The E-Mount does not limit an 85mm to f/1.4 as people have explained to you on other videos. Sony even explained this in 2019 (!) during the a6400 release where they showed the theoretical limits of the mounts diameter and flange focal distance (it is f/0.63). this lens offers some quality of life improvements over the first version and the sigma lens. this is a simple budget question. if you have it, you buy the sony. if you dont, the open mount has your back with the sigma as well.