Lens ReviewMorten Byskov - 5050 TravelogMarch 25, 2026Sony A7 V sample images, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II review, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II sample images, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II sample photos, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II samples, Sony A7 V and FE 85mm f/1.4 GM IIComment

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Review

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II on the Sony A7V — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

Sony’s Updated FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is a Solid Option

I think many photographers choose to cover the 85mm focal length with a zoom lens. It could be a 70-200mm, 24-105mm, or even 24-70mm, where you settle for 70mm on the long end. The zoom options are virtually endless, but if you haven’t tried a fixed 85mm lens, I warmly recommend it.

My first 85mm lens was the Contax-Zeiss 85mm f/1.4. When autofocus became mainstream, I had the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8, later the EF 85mm f/1.2L II, which to this day remains my favorite.

In the era of mirrorless cameras, I’ve used the Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 for a while and have also tested lenses such as the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S.

I feel this gives me a good base going into this review of the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II. Let’s see what came out of it.

Sony A7v and FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

Introduction

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II was released at the end of August 2024 as a successor to the 85mm f/1.4 GM version 1. The main attraction of the new version II lens is its lower weight, less bulk, and optical improvements.

I have not tried the first version, so I cannot draw comparisons. What I can say is the fact that I appreciated the compact nature of this new 85mm GM II version. I will get into the details in the following paragraph.

At the time this review was posted, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II retailed for $2,048.00 or $2,499.95 in Canada. The former FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is still available, currently priced at $1,498.00 or $1,799.00 in Canada.

Friends gathered at English Bay Beach on a winter day in Vancouver. — English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II @ f/1.4

Handling and Build Quality

The new 85mm GM II lens has lost weight and now weighs 22.6 oz (642 g). With the former lens at 1.8 lb (820 g), that is a significant 21% lighter.

When lenses approach 1 kg or more, I find them bothersome to carry for extended periods. Such was the case with the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S, which weighs 2.6 lb (1160 g) and is bulkier than even the version 1 Sony lens. I realize I am comparing an f/1.2 lens to an f/1.4 lens.

Although the two lenses have the same 77mm filter size, the new lens is less chunky and a tad shorter, and I found the handling and balance with the Sony A7 V very good.

The lower weight and less bulk translate into a lens I would not be worried to bring on a trip or to take hiking. The added aperture ring is a bonus, and you can de-click it for video use.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II mounted on a Sony A7 V — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

Portrait example from a Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II — Second Beach, Vancouver, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II @ f/1.4

In Action

Autofocus speed was sufficiently fast for the type of photos you see in this review, and it didn’t give me any reason to believe it couldn’t handle more taxing situations.

The size and weight of the Sony 85mm f/1.4 felt very similar to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art that I tested last year. I tested the Sigma on my Leica SL2-S, which made for a heavier overall setup. The Sony A7 V and FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II felt more mobile and a tad easier to lug around.

The f/1.4 lenses are a sweet spot for me. I find the 85mm f/1.2 lenses from Nikon and Canon too heavy, bulky, and expensive for my taste.

The f/1.8 lenses, while lighter and more portable, will not always create quite the same look as an f/1.4 lens if you are a bokeh aficionado or like to separate your topic from the background.

The Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

Image Quality

I had the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II for about a week, and, of course, that's not long enough to fully appreciate its strengths or perhaps find weaknesses.

I had the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II for years and used it to create some of my all-time favorite 85mm photos. I know I voiced my dislike for f/1.2 lenses above, but keep in mind, they may deliver images as no other 85mm lens can.

If you are willing to pay for and carry them, for example, in a portrait studio situation, it may be easier to live with those drawbacks.

After my limited use, for sheer image quality, sharpness, color rendering, and bokeh, I’d say the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II stacks up very well and is near the top of what I have tried.

The images are plenty sharp, and the bokeh and transition are very smooth.

Boat at Steveston Harbour, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Sony A7V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II. — Steveston, Sony A7 V, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II @ f/1.4

It’s a Wrap

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a strong rival to the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II and is more affordable at $1,319.00, compared to $2,048.00 for the Sony lens (save 36%). Image quality is also similar, but I would give the edge to the Sony lens.

Consider also the latest Sigma 85mm f/1.2 DG Art, which we should see in September 2026. At this point, we know it will have a slightly larger 82mm filter size, but the price, weight, and other specs of this lens are still unknown.

I am pleased with my experience and the results achieved in a short period of time, and I find the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II will offer a solid option for working photographers or enthusiasts seeking images with a distinctive look that go beyond the aforementioned zoom lens options.

Please see more sample images below

The Sone FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II on the Sony A7 V — Sony A7 V and Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Sony A7 V - B&H Photo
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II - B&H Photo

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