Introduction
Sony recently released a video featuring Director Shen Yujie and DOP Jian Liwei, who filmed the manufacturing of fur sledding in the Kazakh region of Xinjiang, China. For this shoot, they used the Sony BURANO, FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, and other G Master lenses. The team relied heavily on the AI Subject Recognition AF and the electronic Variable ND Filter.
Behind the Scenes
There is a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video available that provides additional details about the shoot.
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: New Features
Introduction of the Lens
Earlier this week, Sony announced its new FE 85mm F1.4 G Master II. This next-generation full-frame E-Mount lens offers significant upgrades in resolution, size, and autofocus capabilities.
Key Features
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Prime
- 20% Lighter, 13% Smaller than Previous Model
- XD Linear Motor Autofocus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Iris Lock Switch
- XA and ED Elements
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Fluorine Coating
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
This new version builds on the optical design of its predecessor and incorporates Sony’s latest G Master technologies. It is the 76th E-Mount lens and is designed to leverage the features in Sony’s latest Alpha series full-frame cameras.
Optical Enhancements
The refined optical design and advanced elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II aim to smooth bokeh and enhance high resolution. The lens includes two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements to suppress aberrations, offering corner-to-corner resolution and rendering for outstanding image quality.
Additionally, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II technology is used to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in clear, crisp images. The 11-blade circular aperture produces the beautiful, soft bokeh that G Master lenses are known for.
Autofocus Capabilities
The autofocus (AF) capabilities of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II have seen significant improvements. For still photography, the AF is reportedly three times faster than the previous model, enabling accurate tracking of moving subjects at high speeds. Additionally, subject tracking performance has improved by up to seven times.
Size and Weight
Compared to the original 85mm F1.4 G Master lens, the new version is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume. It weighs around 642 grams (22.7 oz), with a filter diameter of φ77 mm, a diameter of 84.7 mm (approximately 3 3/8 inches), and a length of 107.3 mm (approximately 4 1/4 inches).
Internal and External Design
Internal Features
Internally, the lens is equipped with an XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor for internal focusing, offering quiet AF and linear response manual focus (MF). Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported.
External Features
Externally, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II includes two customizable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch. There is also an independent aperture ring and a Linear Response MF focus control button.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants. The dust and moisture-resistant design provides additional reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September for $1,798 USD.
Conclusion
Sony’s latest offerings, including the Sony BURANO camera and the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens, demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing technology and improving user experience. The new G Master lens, with its enhanced optical design, faster autofocus, and reduced size and weight, is set to be a valuable addition to any photographer’s or videographer’s toolkit. For those looking to capture high-quality images with precision and ease, these new Sony products are worth considering.
