Table of Contents
amazon Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM reviews
Similar to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, Sony FE 85mm F / 1.4 GM is also one of the three members of the high-end G Master series of self-developed first in the market. Like all of their other lenses, the Sony FE 85mm F / 1.4 GM has a very solid design that enhances dust and water resistance.
In Sony’s launch, they said their biggest priority was not just the excellent resolution but also the quality of the bokeh. So, this 85mm F1.4 lens is equipped with up to 11 octaves, which is the highest number of leaves ever made on an Alpha lens.
Experience the Sony FE 85mm F / 1.4 GM
With its 11-way gearbox, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 is sure to deliver a smooth, high-fidelity bokeh. This is an ideal lens for those who enjoy portraiture. Sony 85 F1.4 is coated with an external Nano AR layer, which is important for reducing ghosting and mapped, even with backlit subjects or in similar lighting conditions.
The exterior design of the lens is as simple as the existing lens. It looks very compact but it looks like its weight is not as good as it looks. Since it is made of metal with many layers of glass it is quite heavy. When you hold it, you will see that you are working with a large and bulky piece of glass. This also seems to be a defect of the Sony 85 1.4 GM lens when the user requires a certain physical strength.
The Sony 85 f1.4GM can be used for smooth, quiet video recording with the aperture shutter switch on the lens, which allows the user to rotate freely without fear of noise. Metal rings and rings made of metal have been replaced by plastic and rubber in turn. Some users have expressed dislike for this change because it does not produce the same professionalism as the lens-like metal ring.
Here, if you use a Sony lens, you can easily see that the new lens is completely out of the Carl Zeiss logo, but instead the new G Master logo is very sharp to distinguish with other Sony lens line products. This suggests that, perhaps, in the future, users will be directed to a line of Sony G lenses in the same way that Canon users have the Canon L series.
Advantages of the Sony FE 85mm F / 1.4 GM
Sony’s G Master lenses are engineered with an entirely new technology that marks a breakthrough in today’s lens technology. Lens Sony FE 85mm F / 1.4 GM is a combination of extreme aspherical (XA) and 3 ED lenses (Extra-low-Dispersion) to ensure that the focus area is taken at High resolution while the outside of the subject bokeh effects are harmony into a beautiful soft wallpaper.
Autofocus system
The FE 85mm f1.4 GM features an SSM motorized motor system that provides fast and powerful power to adjust large lenses and bulky focus systems. It is also equipped with two sensors to support good control of the focus system by large and heavy lenses.
Image quality
Test on the Sony A7R Mark II, The advantage of the Sony 85mm f1.4 lens is that the focus is quite fast and accurate. Part of this is by the new SSM motor system inside. With low light conditions when tested on other Sony A7 models, the Sony 85mm 1.4 lens still exhibits impressive autofocus capabilities.
where can you get a Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM online
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens: Buy it now
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens (SD Card Bundle): Buy it now
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM Lens, Filter, and Card Bundle – Includes Lens, 77mm UV, Polarizer, FLD Deluxe Filter Kit, 32GB SDHC Memory Card, Lens Cap Keeper, and LCD/Lens Cleaning Pen and Microfiber Cloth: Buy it now
Optical Performance
Sharpness
The sharpness of the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is outstanding, living up to the high standards of the G Master series. Even wide open at f/1.4, the lens delivers incredible sharpness, particularly in the center. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 yields even sharper results, with edge-to-edge clarity that is remarkable for a lens of this type. This sharpness is maintained throughout the aperture range, making it an excellent choice for high-resolution sensors where detail capture is critical.
Bokeh
One of the standout features of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is its bokeh. The nine-blade circular diaphragm contributes to producing a smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances subject isolation and background separation. The transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas is gradual and pleasing to the eye, which is ideal for portraiture where the quality of the background blur can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of the image.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Chromatic aberration is well-controlled in this lens, especially for a fast aperture prime. Longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), often seen as color fringing in out-of-focus areas, is minimal and easily corrected in post-processing if necessary. Lateral chromatic aberration (LaCA), which appears at the edges of the frame, is also negligible.
Distortion is virtually non-existent, a characteristic that is particularly beneficial for portraiture as it maintains natural proportions and avoids the need for corrective post-processing.
Vignetting and Flare
At f/1.4, there is noticeable vignetting, but this is to be expected with a fast prime lens. However, it can add to the aesthetic of certain images by drawing the viewer’s eye towards the center. Stopping down to f/2 or smaller significantly reduces the vignetting.
Flare and ghosting are well-controlled thanks to Sony’s Nano AR coating, which minimizes reflections and maintains contrast even when shooting against bright light sources. This makes the lens capable of handling challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit portraits, without significant loss of image quality.
Autofocus Performance
Speed and Accuracy
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is equipped with a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system, which provides fast, accurate, and silent autofocus. This is particularly useful for both stills and video, where noise from the focusing motor can be distracting. The autofocus system is quick enough to track moving subjects effectively, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, including weddings and events.
Eye AF
One of the key features of Sony mirrorless cameras is Eye AF, and the FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens takes full advantage of this technology. Eye AF works exceptionally well with this lens, locking onto and tracking the subject’s eye with high precision. This feature is a game-changer for portrait photographers, ensuring sharp focus on the eyes, which is critical for compelling portraits.
Practical Use and Versatility
Portrait Photography
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is primarily designed as a portrait lens, and it excels in this role. The focal length of 85mm is ideal for flattering portraiture, providing a natural perspective without the distortion seen in wider lenses. The wide f/1.4 aperture allows for stunning background blur, making the subject stand out sharply against a beautifully defocused background.
Low Light Performance
Thanks to its wide f/1.4 aperture, the lens performs admirably in low-light conditions. It gathers a significant amount of light, allowing for lower ISO settings and faster shutter speeds in dimly lit environments. This makes it a great option for indoor events, evening shoots, and other scenarios where lighting is less than ideal.
Other Applications
While the lens is a portrait specialist, its versatility extends to other areas as well. It can be used effectively for street photography, capturing candid moments with great detail and subject isolation. The lens’s sharpness and bokeh also make it a good choice for product photography, where isolating the subject from the background is often desired.
Comparison with Competitors
Sony FE 85mm F1.8
Sony also offers a more affordable 85mm f/1.8 lens, which is a compelling option for photographers on a budget. While the f/1.8 version is lighter and less expensive, it doesn’t quite match the optical performance, build quality, or bokeh of the f/1.4 GM. For professional work or enthusiasts seeking the absolute best in image quality, the extra investment in the G Master lens is justified.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens is another popular choice among portrait photographers. It offers excellent sharpness and bokeh, often at a lower price point than the Sony GM. However, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM has the advantage of being natively designed for Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring full compatibility and better autofocus performance. Additionally, the build quality and weather sealing of the Sony lens are superior, making it a more reliable choice for professional use.
Value for Money
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is undeniably expensive, but it offers exceptional value for money when considering its performance, build quality, and versatility. For professional photographers, the investment is worthwhile, given the lens’s ability to consistently deliver outstanding results. For enthusiasts, the decision may come down to budget and specific needs, but those who can afford it will find the lens to be a worthwhile addition to their kit.
Conclusion
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens is a remarkable piece of engineering that lives up to the high expectations set by the G Master series. It offers superb sharpness, stunning bokeh, and reliable performance across a variety of shooting scenarios. Its build quality and weather sealing ensure it can handle the rigors of professional use, while its autofocus system is both fast and accurate, particularly when combined with Sony’s Eye AF technology.
While the lens is a significant investment, it provides exceptional value for money for those who demand the best in optical performance and build quality. Whether you’re a professional portrait photographer, a wedding photographer, or an enthusiast seeking the ultimate portrait lens, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is an outstanding choice that will not disappoint.