Sony has announced its new FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II which they are touting as a next-generation full-frame E-Mount lens offering significant resolution, size, and autofocus upgrades.
Key features
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Prime
- 20% Lighter, 13% Smaller than Previous
- XD Linear Motor Autofocus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Iris Lock Switch
- XA and ED Elements
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Fluorine Coating
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
The new version builds on the optical design of its predecessor and incorporates Sony’s latest G Master technologies. This is the 76th E-Mount lens and is designed to take full advantage of the features in Sony’s latest Alpha series full-frame cameras.
The first-generation 85 mm F1.4 lens was one of three lenses in the initial G Master series launch back in 2016.
The refined optical design and advanced elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II are claimed to smooth bokeh and enhance high resolution. The lens offers advanced optics with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements that are designed to effectively suppress aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II also includes Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology, which is said to effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. Alongside, the 11-blade circular aperture of this lens produces the beautiful, soft bokeh that G Master lenses are known for.
The AF capabilities of the next generation FE 85mm F1.4 GM II are claimed to have drastically improved to maximize performance. For stills, the AF is said to be up to three times faster compared to the previous model, allowing users to accurately track moving subjects with high speed. In addition, subject tracking performance has improved by as much as seven times.
Compared to the original 85mm F1.4 G Master, the new lens is about 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume (approx. 642 grams, 22.7 oz). The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, a diameter of 84.7mm (about 3 3/8 in) and a length of 107.3mm (about 4 1/4 in).
Internally, the lens has an XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor with internal focusing, quiet AF and linear response MF (manual focus). Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported.
Externally, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has two customizable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch. There is also an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control button.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture-resistant design provides additional reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Pricing & Availability
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September for $1,798 USD.
