Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II for Weddings - Hands-On Review (vs Sony 85/1.4 GM)

The new Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II is here! In this video, I’ll walk you through the key features, compare it to the original GM, and share some stunning wedding photos I captured with it. Plus, I’ll show you how I edited these images using Imagen and my Magicadabra Profile. Don’t miss out on this lens review packed with sample photos and insights!

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👰🏼 📸 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:

MAIN KIT:

FUN LENSES:

SOFTWARE:

ACCESSORIES:

HARDWARE:

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[frankfeng]

8:08 GM1 probably has the smoothest 85 f/1.4 bokeh of all time, which is why it is still so popular despite its shortcomings.

[Mardukface]

I see that at 7:22 the Demagorgon is minimally sharper at the GMII, but either the focal point is different in the two images or the GMI does a better job and focuses more precisely in a larger area, because if I look closely, it is on the roof, the bottom row cube is needle sharp on the GMI, the GMII is obscure, as is the steering wheel too. I wouldn't say "Huge improvement" at all, as it is said in the video. I like GMI better.

[Snerkler]

I've seen several videos now demonstrating how the bokeh on the GM II is not as smooth, and the bokeh balls not as large when compared to both the GM and Sigma DG DN but I've also noticed in every one, when mounted to a tripod therefore camera in the same position the GM II has a wider frame therefore I'm wondering if it's a true 85mm or more like an 82mm or 83mm which cou;d explain the difference in bokeh. Maybe if the shots were framed exactly the same rather than mounted in the same place the bokeh would be more similar? For example if you look at your shots at 8:20 the tower is slightly closer on the GM photo.

[jeroenvdw]

I'm considering this lens since I want a new 85mm for months, been waiting for this lens to come out, but the price is criminal

[phanMjPandj]

Hello magic! Does your previous installation affect the zoom lens? Because the wedding venue I'm in has a very narrow space! I hope you can reply to me. I want to buy the pre-installation package, but I'm hesitant because I'm currently using the zoom lens for my a73 camera. I am currently in Vietnam.

[tschopp]

What is causing the blobs in the bokeh balls at 1:45? Is that dirt on the back of the lens of something internal in the lens?

[davidamiel]

I recently purchased the Sony 85mm 1.4 GM I. There are some interesting points and advantages or improvements of this second version such as better autofocus and sharpness, The previous version is very sharp but for example the 50mm 1.4 and the 70-200 are sharper to my eyes. However there is something special of this GM I lens (The character) the defines it and in an holistic definition it defines the whole image (The whole is more than the sum of its parts). So I guess I would not change into the second version. Perhaps I would buy the 135mm 1.8 if I look for sharpness and better image isolation.

[Sherquant]

Hi Magic, great review once again. Would you be doing a long term review or say after 10k photos using A9III camera?

[DevonLad]

Magic - A really big question... is the sharpness 'clinical', like the 90mm macro, or is there still that lovely softness that I love with the old 85mm?

[jbdlr]

Would it changed your mind of buying this if it was a 1.2? And can you please make another comparison video about this 85mm 1.4 gm ii vs 50mm gm 1.2? Thank you 👍🏽

[Revan]

Hi Maciej. How can I use your Imagen AI talent profile if I already bought your preset like a couple of years ago. I can't figure out where to find it. Is not showcased in the Imagen app or website. Thanks

[cameraprepper]

I have been using the excellent Zeiss Batis Sonnar 85mm 1.8 T* untill now, I did miss an aperture ring and a AF/MF switch, sometimes I could see the missig resolution for my 60 megapixels Cameras, so I bought the new Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II which is a GREAT performing Lens, it has outstanding good optical image quality, it is sharper than the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM which I also have, so I can recommend the new Sony 85mm 1.4 GM II, only downside is that it is heavier than my Zeiss Batis Sonnar 85mm 1.8 T*, but I will wear that weight knowing how good the Sony are !

[josemanuel]

Me encantaría poder ver una comparativa entre este y el z 85 1.2 de nikon

[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 and not that far up. So dumb. Sigma your up, hopefully they do not make the same mistake. It's just crazy to me how the 85 1.2 is untapped and nobody is gonna come get this money. Sigma will make a 1.2 and completely steal the temporary light of the GM II. I will continue to rock my Sigma 85 1.4, until they drop the 1.2

[lamiafarjana]

which lens are you using when you are showing the buttons on the lens?

[adrianlammers]

Any plans to have your preset on AfterShoot as well? 😅

[nickwilliams]

With all of Sonys MKII lenses they are smaller, lighter, faster and sharper than the last one.

[HK-NYC]

silent enough for high speed sports video? Thanks

[JosefFoti]

I would somehow love to love this lens but I have to admit I expected it to be under 600 g and also, in Czech money it's unfortunately more expensive than the old one was. Actually, I'm quite a big fan of the old one, although it's definitely on the heavier side and it's not super comfy to carry it around all day long at a wedding but the somehow vintage Minolta look has something to it. What I'm absolutely sure about though, is that I need to test it and see the results for myself. Maybe I will be more excited after that.

[sikapacapture]

It seems the noise is the only thing that I will wish gone in the old version, else it is pretty okay for me