Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II arrived in 2024 as the second version of Sony's fast portrait prime. It fits Sony E full-frame cameras, and its single 85mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture define its role.

That combination suits portrait photographers above all. The 85mm length keeps a natural perspective at a comfortable working distance, and the f/1.4 aperture handles busy backgrounds and dim venues. The trade-off is the fixed framing: you compose by moving, not by zooming.

Sony lists this lens as currently in production. That makes it the current model rather than an earlier one.

The lens weighs 1 lb 6.6 oz (642 g) and measures 4.22 in (107.3 mm) long and 3.33 in (84.7 mm) wide. Its front thread takes 77mm screw-in filters, so any filter you buy must match that thread. A polariser or ND filter for outdoor portrait work attaches directly.

On a full-frame Sony E body, 85mm frames head-and-shoulder portraits from a comfortable distance. That distance keeps faces looking natural and gives you room to direct a subject. A little more distance frames half-body portraits too. From across a room it can catch candid moments without intruding. It focuses as close as 2.8 ft (85 cm) if you want a tighter view.

The f/1.4 maximum aperture throws backgrounds well out of focus, so a subject stands apart from street scenes, gardens or venue clutter. Depth of field wide open is very thin, so placing focus on the eyes matters. Stopping down a little deepens the plane of focus when you want more of the face sharp.

The same aperture also admits plenty of light. That keeps shutter speeds usable indoors and after sunset, useful for wedding receptions and evening events.

Eleven aperture blades help keep out-of-focus highlights smooth and round when you stop down. For portraits with lamps or fairy lights behind the subject, that shapes the background pleasantly.

This lens has no built-in stabilization. In good light the f/1.4 aperture keeps shutter speeds fast, so the missing stabilization is less of a problem. In dim conditions, any steadiness must come from your camera body, a support, or your own hands. Our features score is 52 out of 100.

Weather sealing covers the lens against dust and moisture. That suits outdoor portrait sessions and location work, where dust, sand and spray are part of the day.

A fluorine coating on the front element helps water and oil slide off. Splashes and fingerprints wipe away more easily, which helps when you work outdoors or handle the lens between shots.

Two aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, faults that can curve straight edges and soften detail. Two low-dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, which shows as coloured fringes along high-contrast edges such as backlit hair.

The lens also focuses internally, so the barrel does not extend as you focus. Nothing pushes toward your subject, which is handy for close portrait work.