Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II - Redefining Portrait Photography

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II: Redefining Portrait Photography

Back in 2016, Sony set a new standard for portrait photography with the launch of the 85mm F1.4 G Master. It quickly became a favourite among professionals and photography enthusiasts alike, earning its place as a must-have lens. Fast forward to today, and Sony has raised the bar yet again with the FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II. This second-generation lens promises to push the boundaries of sharpness, speed, and artistic expression in both stills and video, redefining what’s possible for photographers and filmmakers.

Precision Optics for Supreme Image Quality
Sony's G Master lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical performance, and the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is no exception. The advanced glass elements inside this lens ensure near-perfect image quality across the frame, even when shooting wide open. Edge-to-edge sharpness, clarity, and detail are hallmarks of the Mark II, making it an ideal choice for portrait, fashion, and wedding photography. Whether you're capturing delicate textures or the smallest facial details, the Mark II ensures that every shot is rendered with stunning clarity.

Faster Autofocus, Enhanced Performance
One of the standout improvements in the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is its autofocus performance. Powered by two XD linear motors, the focus system is not only smooth and responsive but also three times faster than the original. This speed is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects, making it perfect for dynamic environments like weddings and events. The lens can handle shooting at up to 120 frames per second when paired with cameras such as the A9 Mark III, ensuring you never miss a decisive moment.

When combined with Sony's subject detection and advanced tracking capabilities, the Mark II excels at maintaining focus, particularly on a subject’s eyes, even when they're moving unpredictably. This precision is vital for portrait photographers who rely on sharpness in every frame.

Gorgeous Bokeh and Artistic Expression
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II features an 11-blade circular aperture, which plays a key role in creating its signature bokeh. The round, creamy out-of-focus areas beautifully separate your subject from the background, producing stunning portraits with soft, dreamy backgrounds. Whether you’re shooting at a shallow depth of field or focusing on intricate close-ups, this lens ensures that your subject pops against the smooth blur of the surroundings.

Lighter, Yet More Robust
Sony has managed to reduce the weight of the Mark II by 20% compared to its predecessor, bringing it down to a more manageable 642g. This reduction makes a noticeable difference for photographers who travel frequently or shoot for extended periods. Despite the lighter design, the lens still feels robust and premium, with a solid build quality that inspires confidence.

Improved Optics for Superior Image Quality
In terms of image quality, the Mark II showcases notable improvements over its predecessor. Chromatic aberration has been significantly reduced, and edge-to-edge sharpness has been enhanced, resulting in better contrast and overall image fidelity. These optical advancements make a difference in everyday shooting scenarios, delivering cleaner, crisper images. Now although not the most exciting images, the photos below are of a brick wall, cropped to 100% on the far left side, and looking closely you can see the better quality around the brick and motar of the image taken on the new mark II.

Designed for Professionals
Every aspect of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has been crafted with professionals in mind. The focus ring is highly responsive and precise, offering fine control over manual focus when necessary. Customisable buttons on the lens barrel provide quick access to frequently used functions, and the declickable aperture ring offers flexibility for both photographers and filmmakers. Photographers can enjoy the tactile feedback of traditional click stops, while filmmakers benefit from smooth, silent aperture adjustments.

A Cinematic Lens for Filmmakers
Sony has minimised focus breathing in the Mark II, which means the frame remains steady when adjusting focus - a crucial feature for filmmakers. This lens is also compatible with Sony’s focus breathing compensation technology, further enhancing its appeal for video work. The result is a lens that provides professional-level cinematic control, allowing for smooth focus transitions and consistent framing throughout your shots.

Built to Last
Durability is a key consideration for any professional lens, and the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is built to withstand the rigours of outdoor and demanding shooting environments. The lens features a dust and moisture-resistant design, ensuring it can handle challenging conditions. Additionally, the front element has been treated with a fluorine coating to repel fingerprints, dirt, and water, keeping your lens clean and performing at its best even after extensive use.

A New Benchmark for Portrait Photography
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II is much more than a simple upgrade—it's a statement. Sony has taken everything that made the original lens great and elevated it to new heights. With cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship, this lens blends exceptional sharpness with artistic expression through its bokeh and shallow depth of field. Whether you’ve been a fan of the original or are exploring this focal length for the first time, it’s clear that the Mark II sets a new benchmark for portrait photography. Sony has once again redefined the possibilities, giving photographers and filmmakers a powerful tool to bring their creative visions to life.

Check out our full video below.