Sony announces FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lightweight portrait lens

Angled view of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens without its end caps and lens hood. (Source: Sony.)

This premium, weather-resistant lens combines high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocusing in a compact form factor, while inheriting the best characteristics of the previous model. However, the new lens is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, while also offering up to three times faster autofocusing speeds for stills shots plus seven times better subject tracking. The optical design contains 14 lens elements in 11 groups and includes two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements to suppress common aberrations and deliver high corner-to-corner resolution. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of G Master series. The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which repels moisture and grease and keeps the lens easy to clean.

Smooth movies are guaranteed by the XD linear motor. In addition, focus breathing is minimal and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. The lens has two customisable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch plus an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control to provide optimal shooting flexibility. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal choice for both photography and videography in situations such as studio and location portraiture, wedding, travel and cinematic video. The FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens has a diameter of 84.7 mm and is 107.3 mm long and weighs 642 grams. It accepts 77 mm diameter filters and is supplied with front and end caps plus the cylindrical ALC-SH180 lens hood. It will be available in September at an RRP of AU$3099. Click here for details.