Sony has introduced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2), a major replace to their common portrait lens that’s set to draw each photographers and filmmakers. This second-generation mannequin, scheduled for launch in September 2024, brings substantial enhancements in dimension, weight, and efficiency that might make it a flexible possibility for Sony E-mount customers. Learn on to be taught extra.After another “Mark II” variations of their common G Grasp lenses in recent times, Sony has moved on to improve their common 85mm portrait lens. Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II – lighter and smallerAs the 76th (!) E-mount lens in Sony’s lineup, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is designed to leverage the capabilities of Sony’s newest Alpha collection full-frame cameras. Weighing roughly 642 grams (22.7 oz) and measuring 84.7mm in diameter and 107.3mm in size, the brand new lens is about 20% lighter and 13% smaller in quantity in comparison with its predecessor. This discount in dimension and weight is a welcome change for filmmakers who usually work with a number of lenses within the discipline or on lengthy shoots.The brand new Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens. Picture credit score: SonyLess aberrations, supposedly sharper, much less flares and ghostingOptically, Sony has refined the lens design to reinforce total efficiency. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II incorporates two XA (excessive aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) components, which ought to successfully suppress aberrations and ship sharp, high-resolution pictures from nook to nook. The lens additionally options Sony’s Nano AR Coating II expertise, geared toward decreasing flare and ghosting – an important issue for sustaining picture high quality in difficult lighting situations.The 11-blade round aperture is designed to provide the sleek bokeh that G Grasp lenses are identified for, which might be significantly interesting for portrait and cinematic work. The lens has a filter diameter of 77mm, sustaining compatibility with frequent filter techniques.AF claimed to be 3 occasions quicker, quieter, much less focus breathingFor video work, some of the notable enhancements is within the autofocus system. Sony claims that the AF velocity is as much as 3 times quicker than the earlier mannequin, with topic monitoring efficiency improved by as a lot as seven occasions. This enhancement might allow options like steady taking pictures at as much as 120fps on the Alpha 9 III, although precise efficiency might fluctuate relying on the digital camera physique and taking pictures situations.The lens’s cinematic potential is additional enhanced by its inner focusing mechanism and using an XD (excessive dynamic) linear motor, which Sony claims gives quiet AF operation and linear response handbook focus. Focus respiration is alleged to be minimal, and the lens helps in-body focus respiration compensation on appropriate cameras.Aperture ring, linear response MF focus controlOn the outside, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II presents two customizable focus maintain buttons and an AF/MF change for versatile operation. It additionally options an impartial aperture ring, which is a really helpful addition, and linear response MF focus management, which ought to present intuitive management throughout shoots.The aperture ring will be declicked with a change on the brand new Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens. Picture credit score: SonyDust and moisture-resistant designThe lens’s sturdiness has been thought of, with a mud and moisture-resistant design. The entrance ingredient contains a fluorine coating to repel fingerprints, mud, and different contaminants – a small however probably time-saving characteristic for busy shoots.The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is just not your common price range prime …Priced at $1,799.99 USD and $2,499.99 CAD, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II isn’t a price range possibility. Nevertheless, for filmmakers invested within the Sony ecosystem depending on quick AF in a portrait lens, this lens might show to be a flexible instrument able to delivering high-quality outcomes throughout a spread of taking pictures situations.As at all times, we at CineD may have a hands-on with this lens to confirm Sony’s claims and see the way it performs in real-world filming conditions. We’ll be significantly all for testing its AF efficiency, bokeh high quality, and the way properly it handles focus inhaling video purposes. Keep tuned for extra. What do you concentrate on Sony’s newest addition to their lens lineup? Is that this a lens you’d take into account including to your arsenal regardless of the comparatively excessive worth level for such a lens?
