As I write this, the Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 has been on the market for several months. However, this is the first time I've been able to test it over a period of about 2 weeks. And here are my thoughts.
Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 is undoubtedly the top of the line. Two weeks with this lens flew by very quickly. But I think it was enough to have a formed opinion about it.
"Is this lens better than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN?" was the first question I was asked by a fellow photographer.
I'm afraid my answer can't be straightforward.
The Sigma 85mm is a truly unique lens. There are many 85mm lenses on the market that are far less enticing. Can Sony match the Sigma? It seems to me that it does. But, in my opinion, they are on an equal level.
OK, back to my first look review.
Lens divagations
I don't know if I would be able to choose my favorite focal length. But I am convinced that the 85mm makes me very happy. During the two weeks that I tested this lens, I managed to take 3 photo walks. I did each walk in a different area of Warsaw. I don't like to repeat myself but sometimes you are not able to find something new in your city anymore. That's why I like to test different lenses because I know that the same areas can look different depending on the gear.
Why makes me happy you ask.
Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2
Referring to this particular model, the Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 makes me happy because it's damn fast. Its autofocus is so precise that I couldn't keep up with it with my eyes.
Why is it so important?
First of all, because you can be sure that no situation will pass you by!
Of course, you have to remember to select the camera settings for what you want to achieve. Otherwise, no gear will save the photo automatically.
What's more?
The quality of the photos is really top. Even with maximum cropping, a smile appears on my face as I see all these details in great quality.
The photo is not only of great quality but also sharp all over.
A lens that will work well not only for portraits or street photography. 85mm can be used in many ways. Even in product photography it is an indispensable companion thanks to its juicy depth of field.
I also fell in love with the bokeh effect. The Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 lens combines the advantages of its predecessor with a new optical design, producing a more natural bokeh effect thanks to controlled chromatic aberration. The result is smooth transitions from focus to deep blur at F1.4, all thanks to an 11-blade aperture and 2 XA (extreme aspherical) lenses.
Wait, there is more!
As usual for the G Master series, the build quality is first-class.
Based on the manufacturer's data, there has been a 13% decrease in volume and 20% decrease in weight from the previous edition.
The dust- and moisture-resistant design ensures reliability in bad weather, and a fluorine coating on the front lens protects against debris.
Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 allows the use of 77mm filters.
The minimum focusing distance is 0.85m (AF) / 0.8m (MF).
Summary
At the time of writing this article, the Sony 85mm F1.4 GM2 costs about $1,800. This is definitely a significant amount but in return you get one of the best tools on the market. I would recommend this lens to anyone currently looking for an 85mm or just looking to replace their old equipment. However, there are plenty of different equally good alternatives on the market. If having the G Master logo is key for you then I confirm that relative to its predecessor, the upgrade will be noticeable. Not only on the outside but also on the inside.
Enjoy the video.