Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Another hideously expensive Sony G-Master lens arrives in my test lab although they normally produce correspondingly good image quality. Let's check out this flagship portrait lens for the Sony E-mount system.
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
geni.us/SEL8414GM
All pictures taken by me on Sony a7R II and a5100 cameras.
Support me on Patreon! / christopherfrost
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Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Having reviewed your reviews Christopher, I can confidently say that you come highly recommended!
Ha! Nice one. It is true.
finally we’re getting a GM review even though i’ve used this already & it’s amazing i’ll still watch because i like your reviews
Aww, I clicked so fast I read it as the 35mm 1.4 GM. Sony is totally missing out from not sending you that piece of kit. This consumer here (and I dare say others) won’t spend that kind of money unless you recommend it :)
The 35 GM is also very nearly the price of the Sigma 35mm f/1.2, so that'd be a worthy comparison I think.
@@RealRaynedance yeah, i'd go for the sony, why? Size, that sigma is a crazy monster. Maybe worth it for a pro with a really unhealthy addiction to bokeh.
@@bozmundarts2614 True. It does have that and focus distance going for it. I have big hands and do better when the lens is bigger, personally. So the Sigma is more suited to me.
That said, Sigma also just announced their own mirrorless 35mm f/1.4 which is smaller than the f/1.2 and substantially lighter, so maybe its extra length over the GM wouldn't be quite as noticeable. Or maybe it'd be considered a worthy tradeoff for saving $500.
Could not be happier to see a G master lens on here. hoping to see the trinity on here soon. Cheers 😄
Nice, I like reviewers who can justify my eye watering purchase
Chris use AF-C and not AF-S, as its so much faster on Sony bodies
Agreed, especially from third generation and up. But the 85 GM is quite slow, nevertheless. I've tried it on different 3rd gen bodies, the motor isn't of the new variety.
@@HesselFolkertsma yep the 85 GM isn't the fastest lens ever, even on my a7iii.
@Foto4Max true, but even on an a6000 AF-C works surprising faster
Seriously. AF-S is contrast AF only, which is why it hunts both when starting and finishing the focus pull. in AF-C it'll only use the phase detect system.
Does that apply much to the bodies before the a7III and a9? I haven't noticed too much of a difference on my a7III. _A_ difference yes, but not a noteworthy one.
My favorite lens reviews on youtube, thanks again for a job well done
Thank you for blessing us with yet another excellent lens review. Keep it up! :)
ngl, the fact these gm sony lenses are so much cheaper and smaller than the canon rf counterparts (while having absolutely amazing performance still) makes me feel even better about getting a sony full frame.
I'd absolutely love this lens, but its so expensive. I got the samyang 85mm 1.4 and its quite good except it washes the image out when a lot of sun is behind the object. Love it though.
Fantastic job CF. I shoot my portrait with the 90mm macro but wanted to switch to this faster 85mm. Hey Chris, I've just viewed an old Cannon lens review that I found most engaging. I was woundering if you could do some old Sony/Minolta lens review. I consider you "the authority" on all things lenses so it would be cool to have your take on some oldies.
Prefer on 135gm than This,
135 GM is the most perfect lens i've ever seen
I don't think its been as expensive as £1,700 (certainly not in the past year or so). That would place it above the 135mm GM lens, which is about as good as it gets.
Hi Chris. It will be interesting to see how the Sony A mount 135/1.8 Sonnar stacks up against the newer FE 135/1.8 G. Please do consider doing a comparison test on these 2 lenses😊. Thank You.
We want a 10min video about diffraction only.
Thank you very much for an excellent review, Mr Frost! May I ask if there's any chance we might see another video in the future with a comparison between this lens and the Samyang 85mm F/1.4?
The Zeiss Milvus 85 has a wonderful bokeh and is plenty sharp. It’s very good on skin, because it doesn’t punch out every pore. The Otus85 is the opposite and is even sharper than its 55 sibling and has a very 3 Dimensional contrast. Both interesting lenses you might want to check out :-)
I’ve heard people say the autofocus is really loud, like loud enough to put them off using it - is it really that loud?
I think 85mm lenses always have flares.
I have seen a ton of excellent portraits that use flare creatively. Seems to be a feature to me.
Nice video Christopher! IMO...Lens is maybe worth 1k at most!
You should do the updated sharpest 85mm lens ever made video, looking forward to that Chris
I was really waiting for that review!
I am currently using the 90mm macro, but I am considering getting either the 85mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.8 to get some more light on the sensor.
Yet, I am still undecided...
If you want the best 85mm 1.4, get the Sigma DG DN. If you want an 85mm 1.8 have a look at the Viltrox 85mm 1.8 II. The bokeh is much smoother than the strong cat's eyes bokeh of the Sony 85mm 1.8.
@@stefan_becker that Sigma is actually a good idea, i forgot about that one...
But I guess it would be sold out everywhere here in austria, like all the awesome sigma lenses
I sense a video for “Sharpest 85mm lenses ever made” (please)
Pls review Sony 16 35 GM big thanks
Here's a gap for you to plug Chris... THE NEW SIGMA 50MM DG DN LENS! I KNOW YOU HAVE INFORMATION.
Why does everyone keep asking me about this LOL. I wish I had information about it, I can't wait for it! But I haven't heard anything yet.
@@christopherfrost So that's the game you want to play. Fine. I'll ask twice as much now.
I’d love to see a comparison with both 85mm sigma , Tamron and veltrox
hmm the cats eyes as a negative? this lens has just about the best overall bokeh shape of any 85 i’ve seen.. meaning rounder and less cat eyed than the competition. rendering and bokeh on this lens are top tier. sharpness wide open is a little soft. i enjoy watching these reviews but i can say from experience on this lens that this review is inaccurate on the above mentioned points
No offense, but I'm going to take a wild guess and say that I've probably tested this lens a lot more thoroughly than you have
no offense taken, apologies for perhaps coming across harshly with my disagreements in your review.
i like your channel and your work and have watched many of your reviews. i think your an important contributor to the world of lens reviews.
You should check out the vintage Super Multi Coated Takumar 85mm f1.8
Koinonia - Decent fellowship with the camera body; thank you for the review.
Hi Christopher, great review as every time, if you have to choose between Sony GM 85 F1.4 and Sigma 85 F1.4 DG DN which one you prefer
Same question.
Have you reviewed the Laowa 105mm F2 STF or the Sony 105mm f2.8 STF? I'd love to see a direct comparison between those two.
You neglected the 85mm f1.4 Minolta/Sony A lens with the LA-EA5 AF adapter
Shame about the aps-c results at f1.4. 🙄I'll have to stick with the zeiss milvus 85mm which is a mite better there.
Brilliant review. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and opinion, so if you have to choose prime lenses of GM series which one will be your top choice? Thank you
Have you tried reviewing the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 Mark1? It has a software update that lens it stop all the way down to F1.6 and I think that's quite remarkable
He’s reviewed the Viltrox, it was recommended. However, the Sony Gmaster and the Viltrox are in different leagues. I love my Viltrox for $400 but this lens is $1800 for a reason.
Great review. As usually. What camera and lenses do you use to make this movie?
Like your Honest reviews!
I mean u would expect it not to have any flaws
17-70mm Tamron for Sony APS-C review please!
Can you please test Tokina 16-28 opera for canon ef.
I'm looking to buy, but don't seem to find reviews from renowned youtubers.
Nice review you can pick up this lens for a much more reasonable price second hand.
Can you do a review of the old sigma 85mm 1.4?
Christopher, if I may give you a suggestion. When showing clickless aperture switching, it would be better to use either auto ISO or aperture priority. For that specific clip, I don't think anyone would mind a shutterspeed that isn't 'correct'.
Hideously expensive sums up the review for me.
Aside from pros, and the uber wealthy, realistically, who can afford this lens?
Equally, how many shooters can extract the full image quality of this and other similarly expensive lens?
Very few to my mind.
In the chicago land area a ton of hobby photographers have this lens
@@kremdela3517 Must be a wealthy area.
Presume they all come from the South Side of Chicago- along with Jim Croce's Leroy Brown - if you haven't heard of him, just do a Google search.
@@robertcudlipp3426 haha definitely not from the south side, everyone is scattered all over including into the burbs
The best review in the world . Thank you. Btw is it Bible with the original language ? (Longitudinal colour fringing)
He showed the New Testament in Koine Greek, which is part of the New Testament's original language. The Old Testament was written in Aramaic and Biblical Hebrew (which is a dialect of Aramaic). Hope this helps.
Hello, love your reviews
Can you suggest me a best macro lense and camera for diamond photography. That can give me a natural color It will help me alot. I am thinking to get Canon eosm50 + laowa 65mm.
Correction Christopher, 82 mm filter thread not 77mm.
No, it's 77mm. Check online if you don't believe me.
@@christopherfrost My local camera store had 82mm listed on their website but apparently that was incorrect.
Is there any reason to buy this over the new sigma 85mm f1.4 DG DN??
Nothing bro sigma completely kills this one
Yes and no... If you're shooting mostly at f1.4, the GM has more gentle rendering. Lenses not just about sharpness. The GM is a superb portrait lens with excellent color and bokeh. I'm surprised that Chris didn't find it's bokeh spectacular. It's one of the best lenses in this regard. As you stop down, the GM loses its bokeh advantage over the Sigma. The GM's main problem is the autofocus motor. Probably we will see a Mark ii that will update the focus motor. Other than that, it's an awesome lens and I like its images more than the Sigma, which I currently have
@@YasserSultan very good point.... I also own the sigma DGDN and im actually considering returning it. there is some strange / horrible vignetting (not even sure it is vignetting because its worse at higher f stops) and it is really prominent when shooting something with a clear sky in the background. it happens to me at like f4 and higher and is especially noticeable when you underexpose. do you notice anything like that ?
If you’re looking to plug the gap in your Sony lens reviews, could you do the 24-70mm f/2.8 g lens? Unless you’ve gone it somewhere and I can’t find it 😂
One day, yes :-)
I really hope Nikon send you the Z 50mm f1.2 S!
These videos are absolutely invaluable for prospective buyers.
I read that sigma 56mm F1.4 aps-c lens on full frame (with no crop) has not that much vignetting. Can you make a video on that? Maybe at bigger f2.8 or f5.6 will it have even less vignetting?
I've tested that already
@@christopherfrost Can't find that on your sigma 56mm review
I’d love something like this on my eos m50 :/
I rented this lens the other day. When I uploaded the photos, I found out that full-body shots between 1.4 and 2.2 were out of focus, mainly from the chest down, with the head mostly the only thing in focus. Is this common when trying to shoot wide open for a full body shot? Even for some close-up portrait shots, the head would be nice and sharp, but down towards the chest, it gets blurry.
I rented the lens and no longer have it, and while using the lens during the shoot, I didn't go higher than 2.2. Any thoughts?
That's normal. If you're shooting with an 85mm on a full-frame camera from fairly close, if you want their chest in focus you should shoot at at least f4.0.
If you shoot at f1.4 close-up, like an upper body shot, and get the eyes perfectly in focus, even the nose and ears will be out of focus. It has a nice effect though, since it really draws the viewer to look at the eyes, and it has a kind of dreamy effect.
Note also that this has nothing to do with the lens. All 85mms will perform exactly the same in terms of what is in or out of focus.
What would you say the best Sony lens is for bokeh?
Should i get 85mm f1.4 gm or Sigma 85mm dg dn art ? Can someone help please!
What is the reason the lens performance can be worse when testing full frame lenses on APS-C? Shouldn't the perfomance be the same considering it's just projecting the same image circle on a smaller sensor? Theoretically the corner performance should be even better on APS-C because it's cropping out the edges of the full frame image circle, but even the corners are sometimes worse on APS-C when testing full frame lenses... I don't understand why this is, can someone explain this for me without getting too technical?
The reason is because in general the pixel density of APS-C cameras is higher. The A7r II he uses is 42mp and in APS-C mode it's 18mp, but the a5xxx and a6xxx series cameras use a 24mp sensor, meaning it has more pixels per square millimeter on the sensor. The smaller the pixels the more aberrations and defects show as they are fixed physical aspects of the lens. If he tested using an A7R IV and say an a6400 the center sharpness and contrast results would be nearly identical.
@@TechnoBabble Got it, thanks
Interesting, thought this was considered as one of the best bokeh lenses out there. Which lenses that you have tested in the range 50-135mm have the smoothest bokeh?
Yeah I've heard that too
Guess it comes down to taste?
Compared to the RF 85mm f/1.2, this lens seems to be a bargin
Grabbed one for 900 🥰🥰
Christopher I have a question. Is focus breathing better, worse or the same at lower apertures than higher?
Same at all apertures, but much easier to visibly see at higher numbered f-stops.
Same (at least it should be)
@@JamesClark1991 Is there another way of seeing, other than visibly? And are you sure you meant that focus breathing was more noticeable at _higher numbered_ f-stops, when you were correct in saying that it's the same at all apertures?
@@christopherfrost thanks
Do you prefer the newer Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DN FE over the Sony GM?
0:36 Is it just me or the glass photo looks super soft
Just super shallow DOF
I think sigma is better
I dont
6:10 a korean book??
Sure
Second
Love the Greek Bible! You get a subscribe for that! I have one too! John 1:1
first
Damn boy! You are fast! Congrats.
@@diegorivera2711 lol Friday you know
i hope the religious inserts are kept to a minimum. otherwise it’s a fun channel.
I'm allowed to put anything I like in :-) just for that, I'll be putting in more :-)
@@christopherfrost *mic drop*
Please stop saying eye watering, the RF 85 1.2 is literally twice the price with hardly any advantages.
Ridiculous review in all honestly, simply due to your comments on the seeming overpriced nature of this, what would you call the RF 85 1.2 DS? The value of a house?
Not quite truth. The ff image at 1.4 has some ghosting and in the corners you can see color fringing on the overlap of black ink. And no its not my copy of the lens, you can see it in the video and the crop sensor results just confirm that. When this lens was released it was an absolute killer, but nowadays i believe its the second most overrated Sony lens ever made, straight after 70-200gm. Reputation of these two lenses carries them much further than their performance (not just image quality. The overall performance)
RF 1.2 please
I have rented it several times and have never been impressed with it, I think it is overpriced and just average.