Sony Announces the Highly Anticipated FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: Lightweight Portrait Lens
Sony unveils the second generation of its acclaimed 85mm F1.4 G Master lens, featuring improved autofocus performance, reduced weight, and enhanced optical quality for professional portrait photography.
April 22, 2025 — Sony today introduces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, the highly anticipated lightweight portrait lens. This lens features a standard focal length of 85mm and combines an open aperture of F1.4 with high resolution comparable to that of a prime lens. This allows for a wide range of scenarios with just one lens for various situations and subjects.
As part of Sony's renowned G Master™ series, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II offers an exceptional combination of high resolution and stunning bokeh, enhancing the imaging results for professionals using the Sony Alpha camera system.
"The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II marks a pivotal milestone in Sony's commitment to pushing creative possibilities," said Yann Salmon-Legagneur, Head of Marketing, Imaging Products and Solutions, Sony Europe. "By delivering a lightweight design with F1.4 aperture, this lens offers Sony Alpha users with an all-in-one solution that comparable to multiple prime lenses. This innovation expands the versatility professionals need to capture remarkable imagery in both photography and video."
Exceptional Image Quality and Smooth F1.4 Bokeh
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II's internal optical design plays a crucial role in producing its exceptional image quality. By integrating two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, and three ED elements, the lens effectively suppresses aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast imagery across the entire frame.
Additionally, the floating focusing system enables a minimum focusing distance of 0.85m and a maximum magnification of 0.12 for detailed shooting.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II's F1.4 aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh, making it an ideal choice for portrait, wedding, and event photographers aiming to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field. A newly developed 11-blade circular aperture further enhances the signature G Master bokeh. When shooting videos, the lens delivers stunning cinematic results and exceptional clarity.
In addition, Sony's proprietary "Nano AR Coating II," applied uniformly across the entire lens surface, significantly reduces ghosting and flare even in backlit conditions, delivering clear and crisp imagery.
Lightweight Design and Compact Form
Measuring at approximately 88 mm in length and weighing approximately 547g, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II offers remarkable portability considering its impressive combination of wide aperture and professional features. This lens is ideal for both handheld and gimbal use with its featured lightweight design that maintains the lens's balance despite its professional capabilities.
With its practical design, this lens serves as a versatile, all-in-one solution for those seeking a professional portrait lens with F1.4 aperture.
Fast and Precise Autofocus Performance
Equipped with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and Sony's advanced control algorithms, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus (AF). This high-performance AF system is compatible with Sony's Alpha 9 III, supporting continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking.
With a fast AF system and a versatile 85mm focal length, the lens excels at capturing portraits, weddings and events.
Cinematic Video Production
Designed with filmmakers in mind, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II minimises focus breathing and is compatible with Sony's Breathing Compensation feature on select Alpha cameras. Linear Response MF ensures intuitive manual focus control, while the lens's lightweight design maintains stability even while mounted on gimbals.
Additionally, the XD linear motors operate quietly to prevent unwanted noise from being captured during recording.
Built for durability, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II features a robust dust- and moisture-resistant design. A fluorine coating on the front element repels contaminants, making it easy to clean and ensuring the lens remains in top condition even in challenging environments.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available at the beginning of June 2025 for £2,299 / €2,699.
A product video on the new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/example
For detailed product information about FE 85mm F1.4 GM II please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses/sel85f14gm2