Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II is Awesome BUT…

🔥 The Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II is a fantastic prime lens for photography and video, but there's one unique feature that might be a flaw.

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Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. All my opinions are my own. Sponsors are always acknowledged. Content is not financial or legal advice, but for entertainment purposes only.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:06 Video & Photos Samples
1:22 Specs
1:40 Landscapes
2:03 Rainbow Flare?
2:43 Lee Zavitz's Thoughts
4:19 Focus Breathing Test
5:31 Should You Get It?
6:59 Final Thoughts

[diblaze]

The purpose of a Lens hood is to prevent lens flare when you’re shooting at certain angles to your light source. Doesn’t sound like a flaw to me, just physics.

[matrixlee]

I hate how these aperture numbers and marks are no longer engraved on the ring. Bad place to cut corner.

[ladislavsvencik]

135/1.8 GM does it pretty much simillar with the flare if hood is not used. The hood is to aviod these situation for many lenses. Not sure why its complain because lens hood has been always the reason to avoid these situation.

[paigezilba]

Thanks for this video! What's your opinion on this lens vs the 70-200 GM ii? I'm debating between the 85mm and the 70-200. Not sure which is the better buy.

Also, it was great to meet you at Kando! :)

[DrWasim]

Love the fact that you gave a sincere and honest review. (Not expecting anything else 😊)

[luchishotdat]

I agree, I don’t like using camera straps myself.

[e]

Blaming GM for flaring when you don't use the hood is nuts. If they solved the issue with flaring without the hood. Why would they include one with the lens?

[stevenwaldstein]

I own the version 1 GM and the Canon RF 85/1.2L and I like that the new GM II version is 500 grams lighter and $600 cheaper and fast focusing than Canon. The Nikkor Z 85/1.2 S is also 500-600 grams heavier and $1000 more so I think Sony has made the right decision to stay lighter and cheaper. Enjoy your unique approach to the launch. Thank you and take care.

[gwilliams]

Just use the hood, and stop dissing the lens. The lens is designed to be used best with that hood attached.

[supermanlovers]

I've been waiting for this for years. Now I can retire the Samyang 85mm 1.4 II.

[LMNDZ]

Very cool! .my older 85 1.4GM just gave out on me..this is a much needed upgrade!... Yes 8 years wait is crazy..I dont mind the 1.4...but to nit pick Sony had 8 years to come out with a 1.2!!!..come on!! certainly no excuses for it..im sorry but fine tuning bokeh and slightly sharper and obviously quicker AF..yes thats all good but why couldn't you put that towards the 1.2!!..lol Yes they can put the analytics and sales and price point behind it to answer the question of why they chose 1.4.. but for some of us a 1.2 would be nice and for them to just release a 1.4 II..is kinda disappointing...yes I will pick one up..but if Sigma releases a new 85 1.2..then I might have to certainly rethink about selling this 1.4 II..lol I hope that they will still consider a 1.2 in the future..like the 50mm 1.2/1.4...releases..at least give people an option to choose..lol

[DimanthaW]

Lens hoods are there for a purpose, its part of the lens!

[travissmarion]

Not sure why you think you can't use an ND filter and a lens hood at the same time. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[maxipadthai]

Could be design flaw or manufacturing defect (early production lots). Anyway, that's why we have lens hood for reason.

[perfectposes]

Please advise,
I got my Sony 85 1.4 first version for $2000 cad and my frnd wants to buy it from me for $2000.

Should I sell it and upgrade to Version 2, I'm gonna have to pay $600 cad out of my pocket.

[dannywinget]

Ooh dang don’t love that rainbow flare. Also the same I hate camera straps

[IAmAPhan]

It's definitely user error with using an oversized filter.

[youknowwithMartyKauffman]

Is there going to be a Vlog of your adventures because that would be cool to see?

[BrandonColePhotography]

I dont know what Sony is thinking. This should have been a 1.2 hands down. The 85mm 1.2 is an untapped market for Sony because NOBODY makes a 1.2 for Sony E mount. Not sigma, tamron nobody. This was a complete overlook and trying to compare the sales of the 50mm to estimate what the 85 will do was just dumb. Now when Sigma drops the first 85mm 1.2 for Sony E mount they will regret it . Whoever dropped the 85 1.2 for Sony would've sold like crazy and Sony completely missed the opportunity especially when the Sigma 85 is so close to accuracy of this lens. So dumb. Sigma your up, hopefully they do not make the same mistake. Its just crazy to me how the 85 1.2 is untapped and nobody is gonna come get this money.

[hellofath]

Nice focal length for wide shots but you really have to be far away. 😅