Sony E Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM
Sony E

Autofocus
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM

Review

The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is a remarkable lens that has quickly become a favorite among both professional and amateur portrait photographers using Sony E-mount cameras. With its fast aperture, exceptional build quality, and impressive optical performance, this lens is designed to deliver stunning results in a variety of shooting conditions.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is its robust and premium build quality. Constructed with a combination of high-grade aluminum and other durable materials, it feels solid in hand. The lens features a weather-sealed design, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shoots even in challenging weather conditions. Its smooth focus ring and well-placed controls enhance the overall tactile experience, allowing for precise adjustments with minimal effort.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is nothing short of excellent. The lens incorporates advanced elements such as XA (extreme aspherical) and ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which significantly reduce aberrations and enhance sharpness throughout the frame. This translates to incredibly detailed images, even wide open at F1.4. The bokeh produced by this lens is beautiful, creamy, and smooth, making it an ideal choice for isolating your subjects against a soft background.

Autofocus System

Sony's advanced autofocus system is well-represented in the FE 85mm F1.4 GM. The lens features a fast and reliable autofocus system that is both quiet and accurate, making it suitable for a range of shooting scenarios, including portraits, weddings, and events. The inclusion of dual linear motors ensures that you won't miss important moments due to sluggish focusing, which is a notable advantage for those shooting on the fly.

Versatility

While primarily designed for portraiture, the 85mm focal length is versatile enough for various types of photography, including weddings, fashion, and even some landscape shots. The fast F1.4 aperture allows for low-light shooting and provides the capability to achieve a shallow depth of field, which is essential for creative compositions.

Compatibility

Designed for the Sony E mount, this lens integrates seamlessly with Sony's full-frame mirrorless cameras, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. It also works well with crop-sensor models, offering an effective focal length of around 127mm, which can be advantageous for certain types of photography where a tighter composition is desired.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional optical performance with sharp details and beautiful bokeh.
  • Sturdy, weather-sealed construction adds reliability in various conditions.
  • Fast, quiet autofocus system ideal for capturing spontaneous moments.
  • Versatile focal length suitable for multiple photography styles.

Cons

  • The lens is relatively heavy compared to other 85mm lenses in its class, which may be a consideration for travel photographers.
  • Premium features come with a higher price tag, making it less accessible for budget-conscious individuals.

Verdict

Overall, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens stands out as an outstanding choice for portrait and general photography. Its combination of superb optical performance, durable build, and reliable autofocus makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their craft. While it may be on the pricier side and a bit heavier than some of its competitors, the stunning results it delivers easily justify its place in any photographer’s kit. If you're looking for a lens that excels in both performance and quality, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is definitely worth considering.

Technical Specifications

85mm
min focal length
85mm
max focal length
f1.4
max f (min zoom)
f1.4
max f (max zoom)
77mm
Filter diameter
80cm
min focus distance
f16
min. aperture
820g
Weight
11
Elements
8
Groups
108mm
Length
90mm
Diameter
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