Conclusion

Sony continue to improve and refine their extensive lens range with the launch of the Mark II version of the FE 85mm F1.4GM telephoto lens, literally bringing it up to speed for 2024. 

It is even more expensive than its already pricey predecessor, though, so if you don't need the F1.4 maximum aperture or all the latest bells and whistles, there are a few better-priced alternatives on the market that still deliver great image quality.

As Sony's flagship portrait prime lens, the new 85mm F1.4 GM II has a lot to live up to, and thankfully it doesn't disappoint. If you're looking for the "best" 85mm lens for your Sony A7R V, A7C R or similar high-resolution body, this is the lens to go for.

It delivers outstanding sharpness in the centre of the frame throughout the full aperture and zoom range, and also performs brilliantly at the edges of the frame too, outperforming its already excellent predecessor.

Distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberrations are all very well-controlled and, as you'd expect from this kind of lens, it can create some beautiful bokeh effects when shooting wide-open at f/1.4 thanks to the rounded 11-blade aperture.

It offered fast, very quiet and reliable auto-focusing on the A7S III camera that we tested it with, thanks to the two XD linear motors that have replaced the slower, noisier Ring SSM motor system employed in the original version.

It's also less bulky and substantially lighter than the original, too, with the build quality remaining high despite the move to a hybrid metal and engineered plastic construction.

The addition of an aperture ring complete with Iris Lock and Click switches makes a lot of sense on this kind of lens, although we would have liked the weather-proofing to have been further improved beyond just being dust and moisture resistant.

Overall, if money is no object, then the much improved Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will meet and even exceed the needs of the most demanding of portrait photographers and videographers alike.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	5
Value for money	4.5