New Sony Lightweight Portrait Lens – FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

Sony has announced 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. This is a second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model, and generously incorporates the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha™ series cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.

“In 2016 we launched our G Master™ lineup and the first generation 85 mm F1.4 lens was one of the three lenses part of that pivotable moment for Sony. Our goal with our G Master line is to design glass that delivers stunning resolution and beautiful bokeh, while incorporating the highest level of technology available at the time, and we are proud to continue that message with the next-generation FE 85mm F1.4 GM II we are announcing today,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing, Sony Europe. “We know how many photographers and videographers rely on the large aperture 85 mm focal length. We are excited to offer an updated version packed with our latest lens technologies, all while maintaining a lightweight lens and extremely compact in size.”

High Optical Performance & Beautiful Bokeh

The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring 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 G Master series.

Fast, Precise, Quiet Autofocus and High Tracking Performance

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximising the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies. For stills, it is up to 3 times fastericompared to the previous modelii, tracking moving subjects with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fpsiiicontinuous shooting, and subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 timesii.

Lightweight and Stylish Design without Compromises

Compared to the current FE 85mm F1.4 GMi, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams, 22.7 oz.) is approximately 20% lighterivand 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 ?77 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 compensationv 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 designvi provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September 2024 for approximately €2,100 EUR at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers.

A product video on the new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II can be viewed here.

For detailed product information about FE 85mm F1.4 GM II please visit here.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new FE 85mm F1.4 GM II and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.

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