The Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM is my favorite portrait lens out of the almost 300 lenses I have used so far. Being one of the first GM lenses, it features a comparably slow autofocus and some of the recent competitors offer higher contrast and resolution at f/1.4, so Sony decided to update this lens. Does it still have the bokeh qualities of the first generation 85mm 1.4 while making it smaller and sharper? Let’s find out in this review.
Sample Images
Nikon Zf | Megadap ETZ21Pro | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4 | Ai DenoiseNikon Zf | Megadap ETZ21Pro | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4 | Ai DenoiseSony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4Nikon Zf | Megadap ETZ21Pro | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4Nikon Zf | Megadap ETZ21Pro | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4Nikon Zf | Megadap ETZ21Pro | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM II | f/1.4 | Ai Denoise
In early 2021 Sony released three compact fullframe E-mount lenses and this Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G is the longest of those. While many of the competitors often cut corners with their compact lenses when it comes to build quality, feature set and sometimes also optical quality, Sony decided to go for a different approach here, offering more, but also at a higher price point. Did that pay off? And is there a market for a comparably slow 50mm prime? Let’s find out in this review!
Sample Images
Sony A7III | Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G | f/2.5Sony A7III | Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G | f/8.0Sony A7III | Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G | f/2.5Sony A7III | Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G | f/2.5Sony A7III | Sony FE 50mm 2.5 G | f/2.5
UPDATE 20.12.2024:
Reworked the close-up sharpness section and added both 1:1 and 1:2 magnification test shots for both lenses.
The Laowa FF II TS 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1X lenses are true macro lenses, offering 1:1 magnification along with tilt-shift functionality that enhances control over the focal plane.
While major camera and lens manufacturers like Canon, Sony, Nikon, Leica, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Sigma, and Tamron have largely overlooked this niche in mirrorless cameras, Laowa has stepped up to fill the gap. Their lenses, available in almost all major mounts, feature tilt and shift capabilities that open up new creative possibilities for photographers.
The tilt function allows precise control over the focal plane, enabling photographers to either extend or limit the in-focus area. This makes these lenses perfect for capturing intricate product details or adding selective focus for artistic compositions. With such versatility, Laowa’s lenses offer greater creative control over depth of field, making them a valuable tool for specialised photography needs
Since these two lenses are almost identical in shape, build, and handling, and were released simultaneously, I decided to combine my review of both. This way, I can avoid repeating the same points and provide a direct comparison, so you can see them side by side.
When it comes to standard zoom lenses, Sony offers a lot of interesting options. For those most interested in a wide zoom range the Sony FE 20-70mm 4.0 G might be the most appealing option, but if f/4.0 doesn’t cut it and the 24-70mm 2.8 GM lenses are too big and/or too expensive, Sony also has a solution: this Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G. Can its optical performance keep up with the GM zooms? Let’s find out in this review!
Sample Images
Sony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 50mm | f/2.8 | polarizerSony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 24mm | f/8.0 | polarizerSony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 24mm | f/8.0Sony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 35mm | f/2.8Sony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 24mm | f/8.0Sony A7III | Sony FE 24-50mm 2.8 G | 50mm | f/2.8
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I tested these lenses on a 
You can see this review as a 
Sample images in higher resolution 
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