Portrait photography has reached peak level performance in recent years, everyone was certain we had seen the best of it. Then, Sony, true to its nature of pushing boundaries, comes along and teases a new technology that will bring portraits to a higher level of brilliance.
Known for using technology and creativity to examine and express emotions and stories, Sony announces the launch of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2), a premium lens offering a supreme blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body.
The highly anticipated lightweight portrait lens is the second version of this lens and is available in the Philippines in selected Sony Centers and authorized dealers. Plus, Sony Philippines is also offering an early bird promo for the go-getters. For every SEL85F14GM2 unit sold, the customer is entitled to receive one (1) free Peak Design Slide worth Php 4,990 until September 30.
When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha™ series cameras, this second-generation lens is an ideal option for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video. The results are stunning, sharp images that allow stories to be expressed in a more cinematic way—a perfect representation of Sony’s ethos, Kando. (Kando is Japanese word that roughly translates to “the power of emotions.”)
Renowned portrait and wedding photographer and Sony Alpha Professional Jiggie Alejandrino had the chance to try out the lens and was all praises. On one of his Instagram posts about the lens, he says, “Everybody loves bokeh, and yes from this dream lens, the bokeh is, well, dreamy. Just look at that: no sharp edges or any color fringing, which results in a buttery smooth bokeh. This lens also has a max aperture of 1.4, an aperture ring that I love for those quick aperture changes, and a customisable button, too.”
Alejandrino adds, “I think that if a lens had a cheat code, this would be it. It would be very difficult to take a photo using this lens.”
High Optical Performance & Beautiful Bokeh
The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II brings together appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality.
Moreover, 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 the G Master series.
Fast, Precise, Quiet Autofocus and High Tracking Performance The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximizing the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies. For stills, it is up to 3 times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times.
Lightweight and Stylish Design without Compromises
Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams, 22.7 oz.) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, diameter of 84.7 mm (about 3-3/8 in) and length of 107.3 mm (about 4-1/4 in).
Effective Cinematic Creation Features
For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customisable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offer flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting demands.
Crafted for Durability
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
