{"id":13715,"date":"2025-01-09T17:21:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T16:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=13715"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:15:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:15:55","slug":"review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Introduction<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13719\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13719\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13719 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_title.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_title.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_title-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_title-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM on Sony A7rII<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Jannik already performed a thorough <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-885-vs-sony-fe-1-485-gm-the-big-shootout\/\">comparison<\/a> between this lens and Sony&#8217;s cheaper FE 85mm 1.8, but a single review was somewhat missing so far. Here it finally is!<br \/>\n<strong>Update 2025:<\/strong> new sample pictures added<\/p>\n<h1>Sample Images<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73521\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73521\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73521\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73519\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73519\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73519\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_2.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73519\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13745\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13745\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13745 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_4-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13745\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13808\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13808\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13808 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_10.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_10-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_10-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13808\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13748\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13748\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13748\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_7.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_7-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13748\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14036\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14036\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14036 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_21.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight uv light ultraviolet\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_21.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_21-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14036\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><em>Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/140854680@N04\/albums\/72157696106869171\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Specifications<\/h1>\n<p>The Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM has the following specifications:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 89 mm<\/li>\n<li>Field of view: 28.6\u00b0 (diagonally)<\/li>\n<li>Length: 107 mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 825g (without hood and caps)<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: 77 mm<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 11 (rounded)<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups: 11\/8<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-65335\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_optical_Diagram.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"325\" height=\"251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_optical_Diagram.png 325w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_optical_Diagram-300x232.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 0.8 m<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Magnification: 1:7.9 (measured)<\/li>\n<li>Mount: Sony-E<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You may also have a look at Sony&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sony.com\/electronics\/camera-lenses\/sel85f14gm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>New this lens costs as much as <strong>$1799\/1699\u20ac<\/strong> and you can get it e.g. from <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2k8LuXk\">amazon.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2kdyY8W\">amazon.de<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/2Izy9Se\">B&amp;H<\/a>. On <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?LH_CAds=&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_fpos=&amp;_fspt=1&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=sony+gm+85mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sadis=&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_ex_kw=&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=sony+gm+85mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.de<\/a> you may also find used ones starting at <strong>$1500\/1300\u20ac<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links).<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Handling \/ Build Quality<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13717\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13717\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13717 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_handling.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_handling.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_handling-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_handling-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The regular readers probably know I wasn&#8217;t happy with the build quality of the Sony FE lenses I tested so far: I just think they feel kinda cheap and especially the focusing rings on e.g. the FE 55mm 1.8 ZA or the FE 35mm 1.4 ZA were barely usable for my needs.<br \/>\nSo as this is the first GM lens I gave a try I was curious to see whether these are a step up from the ZA line and the normal FE lenses.<\/p>\n<p>The rubberized focus ring has okay damping and it works better for me than those of the ZA lenses, especially as it does not matter how fast you turn the focusing ring but only how far.<br \/>\nIt takes 180\u00b0 from the minimum focus distance (0.8 m) to infinity.<br \/>\nWhen you turn your camera off the lens will remember the last focus position and will still be there when you turn the camera on again.<\/p>\n<p>The aperture ring has 1\/3 of a stop click stops (which you can declick by using a lever on the lens) and those are more distinct compared to the FE 35mm 1.4 ZA.<br \/>\nYou can also set the ring to &#8220;A&#8221;(utomatic) and let the camera choose the aperture value or use the camera dial to change the aperture value when it is set to &#8220;A&#8221;.<br \/>\nPersonally I would have preferred if the &#8220;A&#8221; was close to the f\/1.4 and not to f\/16. Who will be using f\/16 on this lens anway?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13716\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13716\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13716 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_detail_buttons.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_detail_buttons.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_detail_buttons-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_detail_buttons-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM programmable button, AF &#8211; MF switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the left side of the lens there is a programmable button (which I think is a great choice to map with Eye-AF) and an AF-MF switch.<\/p>\n<p>The outer casing seems to be made from a high quality polycarbonate and all markings are engraved and filled with paint.<\/p>\n<p>The hood also features higher than usual build quality with a rubberized front bumper and felt&nbsp;on the inside to counteract stray light. Furthermore there is also a button which you have to press to remove the hood, which is usually only found on higher grade tele lenses.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13721\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13721\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13721 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_hood-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_hood-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_hood-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_Gmaster_hood-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM with hood mounted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>All in all I am quite happy with the build quality of this lens, only the absence of a distance scale bothers me quite a bit. Canon with e.g. the 1.2\/85 and 1.8\/200 and also Sony themselves with the 2.8\/90 macro have shown that focus-by-wire and a physical distance scale do not exclude each other.<\/p>\n<h1>Autofocus<\/h1>\n<p>I haven&#8217;t used many of the higher grade native FE lenses with AF. The eye-AF really works quite well, but the lens is rather slow focusing (I tested on A7rII). I had quite some trouble getting decent in focus shots of a fast moving child.<\/p>\n<h1>Vignetting<\/h1>\n<p><strong>light falloff<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13737 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/vignetting_sony_85mm_1.4_GM.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"750\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/vignetting_sony_85mm_1.4_GM.jpg 750w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/vignetting_sony_85mm_1.4_GM-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Wide open there is light falloff of roughly 2.2 EV, stopped down to f\/2.0 this improves to 1.5 EV, stopped down to f\/2.8 it is 1.2 EV and further improves to 0.5 EV at f\/8.0. These values are comparable to the competition in this class. You can either correct this in Lightroom or directly in camera.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31059\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31059\" style=\"width: 1026px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31059\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Sony_85mm_1.4_GM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1026\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Sony_85mm_1.4_GM.png 1026w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Sony_85mm_1.4_GM-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Sony_85mm_1.4_GM-800x597.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Sony_85mm_1.4_GM-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31059\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>It is recommended to have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/vignetting-graphs-explained\/\">this article<\/a> first to get an idea how this brightness graph works.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>optical vignetting<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What is really special about this lens and what sets it apart from the competition is the very low amount of optical vignetting. Without going too much into technical details optical vignetting leads to the truncation of light circles towards the borders of the frame.<br \/>\nIn the center of the frame almost every lens will render a perfect circle, but only lenses with very low optical vignetting will keep this shape in the corners.<br \/>\nSo in the following comparison we move from the center (left) to the extreme corner (right) and see how the shape of the light circle changes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-1-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-73197\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">GM 85mm f\/1.4@f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">GM 85mm f\/1.4@f\/2.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Loxia 85mm f\/2.4@f\/2.4<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-1-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-73197\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane1-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13738 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_1.4-300x60.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_1.4-768x155.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13739 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_2.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_2.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_2.4-300x60.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_gm_85_1.4_2.4-768x155.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13740 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_loxia_85_2.4_2.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_loxia_85_2.4_2.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_loxia_85_2.4_2.4-300x60.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bokeh_loxia_85_2.4_2.4-768x155.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Already wide open the GM shows only very moderate optical vignetting and stopped down to f\/2.4 only in the extreme corners there is a very slight truncation.<br \/>\nThe Loxia 85mm 2.4 on the other hand shows quite a lot optical vignetting, a price that has to be paid for the small diameter lens barrel.<\/p>\n<p><em>This comparison was done at 0.9 m focus distance, you may get slightly different results at other distances.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Sharpness<\/h1>\n<p><em>infinity<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13823 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"2482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm-97x300.jpg 97w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm-768x2383.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm-413x1280.jpg 413w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The lens shows impressive resolution figures. Already wide open the across frame performance is quite good with no midzone dip and despite the slight glow very usable. Already at f\/1.7 most of the glow is gone as you can see in Jannik&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/carl-zeiss-tele-tessar-zm-t-4-85-a-detailed-review\/\">comparison to the FE 85mm 1.8<\/a>.<br \/>\nStopped down to f\/2.0 the slight glow is gone. Peak performance is reached at around f\/4.0, but already f\/2.8 looks really good.<br \/>\nStopped down to f\/5.6 and further you will definetly start to see the effects of diffraction when looking closely, and in the case of this comparison also the influence of heat haze.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Compared to:<\/strong> Zeiss Loxia 85mm 2.4<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13828 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_loxia85mm_2.4_2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"1720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_loxia85mm_2.4_2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_loxia85mm_2.4_2-1-140x300.jpg 140w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_loxia85mm_2.4_2-1-768x1651.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Sharpness_loxia85mm_2.4_2-1-595x1280.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/rolling-review-zeiss-loxia-85mm-2-4\/\">Zeiss Loxia 85mm 2.4<\/a> is a very high resolving lens at infinity. Already wide open it shows impressive performance across the whole frame.<br \/>\nAt f\/2.8 I see the GM slightly ahead, but the differences are so small, with different samples of these 2 lenses the outcome might be different. At f\/4.0 and stopped down further it is barely possible for me to see a difference.<\/p>\n<p><em>When I compared <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-zeiss-loxia-planar-250-t\/\">Zeiss Loxia 50mm 2.0<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-855-za-sonnar-t-review\/\">Sony FE 55mm 1.8 ZA<\/a> I noticed quite obvious differences in color rendering, Zeiss <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/rolling-review-zeiss-loxia-85mm-2-4\/\">Loxia 85mm 2.4<\/a> and Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM on the other hand are very close in that regard.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>close (0.80m, 1:7.9)<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-2-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-41117\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-2-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-41117\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane2-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13762 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13763 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13764 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13766 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13766 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.8m_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>At minimum focus distance there is some slight &#8220;glow&#8221; (spherical aberration) wide open which is mostly gone at f\/2.0. The image sharpens up at f\/2.8 quite a lot.<\/p>\n<p><em>Because of focus shift (see corresponding section) I refocused for every shot.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>close (0.43m, 1:3.0) with 16mm <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/extension-tubes-for-fullframe-e-mount-cameras\/\">Kenko extension tube<\/a><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-3-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-59996\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-3-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-59996\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane3-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13767 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13768 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13769 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13770 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13771 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close mfd\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_close_0.43m_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The lens does not come with a great minimum focus distance so I wanted to see how it works with a <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/extension-tubes-for-fullframe-e-mount-cameras\/\">Kenko 16mm extension tube<\/a>. When using this tube instead of a maxmium magnification of 1:7.9 you can now get down to 1:3.0.<br \/>\nThe image quality suffers quite a bit and at f\/1.4 the image is really soft. Already at f\/2.0 we are in the usable territory and at f\/4.0 it starts to look really good in the center.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13895\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13895\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13895 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_17-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_17-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_17-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_17-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13895\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/2.0 | 16mm extension tube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There is also quite some field curvature when using the extension tube but remember this lens was never intended to be used at these distances by the designers.<\/p>\n<p><em>Because of focus shift (see corresponding section) I refocused for every shot.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Flare resistance<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13819\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13819\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13819 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_flare_1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_flare_1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_flare_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_flare_1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13819\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Flare resistance is actually pretty good, most of the time you can just shoot directly into the sun and you will neither have problems with a huge loss of contrast nor ghosting.<br \/>\nOnly with the sun close to the corner of the frame you you will encounter issues, as is quite common with tele lenses.<br \/>\nThe hood is quite big but unfortunately in these critical situations it doesn&#8217;t always help, as can be seen below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-4-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-93128\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">no hood<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">hood<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">no hood - shielded with hand<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-4-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-93128\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane4-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13818 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_no_hood.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_no_hood.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_no_hood-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_no_hood-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13817 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hood.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hood.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hood-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hood-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13816 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hand.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hand.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_flare_hand-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Coma<\/h2>\n<p>Wide open there is a bit of coma visible. At f\/2.0 there are still slight traces left, if you stop down to f\/2.8 they are mostly gone.<br \/>\nThis performance is comparable to other modern 85mm 1.4 lenses, only the Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art will probably show a better performance.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-5-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-80246\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-5-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-80246\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane5-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13777 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_1.4_corner.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness coma star milkyway stars astrophotohtsphy astro\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_1.4_corner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_1.4_corner-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_1.4_corner-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13778 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness coma star milkyway stars astrophotohtsphy astro\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.0-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.0-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13779 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness coma star milkyway stars astrophotohtsphy astro\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.8-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_2.8-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13780 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness coma star milkyway stars astrophotohtsphy astro\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_4.0-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_4.0-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13781 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness coma star milkyway stars astrophotohtsphy astro\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_5.6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_coma_5.6-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>100% crops from extreme corner, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Distortion<\/h2>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-6-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-21223\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-6-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-21223\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane6-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13815 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_uncorrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13814 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_gm_85_1.4_distorion_corrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The lens shows slight pincushion distortion which is easily corrected in camera or in post.<\/p>\n<h1>Bokeh<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73522\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73522\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73522\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_5.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_5-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73522\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When Sony announced this lens they made quite a fuss about 2 things: the new extreme aspherical (XA) lens element and the 11 aperture blades.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13809\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13809\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13809 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_11.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_11-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_11-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13809\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Many of Sony&#8217;s former lenses (as well as a few from other manufacturers) that use aspherical elements will show distracting onion ring like structures in light highlights in the background. The <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-855-za-sonnar-t-review\/\">Sony FE 55mm 1.8 ZA<\/a>, the FE 35mm 1.4 ZA and the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-zeiss-batis-18mm-2-8\/\">Zeiss Batis 18mm 2.8<\/a> are very good examples for this behavior.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13812\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13812\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13812\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_14.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_14.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_14-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13812\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There have been a few examples that show onion ring like structures with the FE 85mm 1.4 GM, but nowhere near to the degree you see with the aforementioned lenses. I had to look very hard to find any, even though I was really looking for them. It seems this XA element really makes a difference.<\/p>\n<p>The 11 aperture blades are meant to keep the shape of highlights close to a circle when you stop down, but as most people buy this lens to use it at the maximum aperture they will barely notice a difference compared to other fast 85mm lenses when used wide open. But let us check how things look when you stop the lens down:<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-7-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-77851\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-7-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-77851\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane7-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13830 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13831 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13832 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_bokeh_sample_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>To be honest I see little improvement over the better lenses with 9 rounded aperture blades. For example the Nikon AF-S 105mm 2.8G VR and also the new Canon EF 85mm 1.4 L IS are better at keeping the light circles round despite only 9 rounded aperture blades. Still, not a bad performance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73523\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73523\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73523\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73523\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It is actually hard to find fault with the bokeh of this lens. The low mechanical vignetting also leads to nicer bokeh in the corners compared to the competition.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13892\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13892\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13892\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_16.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_16-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_16-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13892\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-855-za-sonnar-t-review\/\">FE 55mm 1.8 ZA<\/a> I was very unhappy with the bokeh when taking full body portrait shots with more challenging backgrounds (foliage). The FE 85mm 1.4 GM plays in a whole different league and always gave me likable results in such scenarios:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14121\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14121\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14121\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09244.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight \" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09244.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09244-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09244-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14121\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14120\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14120\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14120\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09157.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight \" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09157.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09157-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09157-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14120\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13935\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13935\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13935 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_20.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_20.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_20-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_20-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13935\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7s | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Sunstars<\/h1>\n<p>With 11 rounded aperture blades it is next to impossible to get any obvious sunstars with this lens.<br \/>\nIf you look at the whole scene you will barely notice sunstars at all:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13877\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13877\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13877\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13877\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Only if you look at a 100% crop from the 42mp file you can actually see a few:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13878\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13878\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13878\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars_100crop.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars_100crop.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars_100crop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_GM_sunstars_100crop-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13878\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/11 | 100% crop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Chromatic aberration<\/h1>\n<p><strong>lateral<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There is an embedded profile which corrects for lateral CA which cannot be easily disabled. I still checked by taking a few shots without electronic contact between camera and lens and could still barely find any lateral CA. Great performance!<\/p>\n<p><strong>longitudinal<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13756\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13756\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13756 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13756\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4 | 50% crop, minimum focus distance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There is a bit green behind and magenta in front of the focal plane visible at the minimum focus distance. Compared to most other 85mm f\/1.4 lenses this is aberration is corrected quite well, although at these distances the problem is somewhat masked by spherical aberration when shooting at wider apertures.<\/p>\n<p>Classic loCA are corrected rather well nevertheless, especially compared to lenses like the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-855-za-sonnar-t-review\/\">FE 55mm 1.8 ZA<\/a>. Stephen did this fountain test of the GM 85mm 1.4 for his <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sony-fe-100-f-2-8-stf-gm-oss-lens\/\">FE 100mm 2.8 STF GM<\/a> review:<\/p>\n<div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-8-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-95519\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-5\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-8-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-95519\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane8-0\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13611\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2496.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2496.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2496-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2496-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-1\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13612\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2497.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2497.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2497-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2497-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-2\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13613\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2498.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2498.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2498-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2498-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-3\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13614\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2499.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2499.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2499-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2499-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-4\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13615\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2500.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2500.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2500-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2500-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-5\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13616\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2501.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2501.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2501-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Phillipreeve-2501-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Purple fringing is surprisingly almost a non issue, most fast lenses would show severe purple outlining on the overexposed parts of the hands, but on this lens I can barely spot any:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13889\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13889\" style=\"width: 799px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13889 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_pf_100.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_pf_100.jpg 799w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_pf_100-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_pf_100-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4 | 100% crop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For an 85mm f\/1.4 lens this is a very good performance.<\/p>\n<h1>Focus shift<\/h1>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-9-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-78677\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/1.4<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8 refocused<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-9-review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm-78677\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane9-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13756 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_1.4-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13757 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13760 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8_refocused-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review focus shift sharpness close\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8_refocused-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8_refocused-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_focus_shift_2.8_refocused-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>50% crops, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>When stopping down the plane of optimal focus shifts to the back, so you have to focus a bit closer for best performance. I recommend focusing at working aperture with this lens to get best results. At close distances even at f\/4.0 the difference is still noticeable.<\/p>\n<h1>Alternatives<\/h1>\n<p><em><strong>Sony FE 85mm 1.8:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nJannik already published a <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/sony-fe-1-885-vs-sony-fe-1-485-gm-the-big-shootout\/\">thorough comparison<\/a> to the GM some time ago, so best have a look at this one when you are deciding between these two.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Zeiss Batis 85mm 1.8:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nI haven&#8217;t used this lens myself yet. I think it has a hard time as for some more money you get the GM and for much less you get the normal FE.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nWeight of this lens is significantly higher and it is also bigger. Apparently the image quality at f\/1.4 is also visibly better as is the coma correction. Mechanical vignetting seems to be worse though. From what I have heard with the MC-11 adapter you now get almost native lens like AF performance. Bokeh is also different, depends on your personal taste which you like more.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Zeiss Loxia 85mm 2.4:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nThe Loxia is really compact but not particularly light, so the GM is &#8220;only&#8221; 230g heavier. Both will give you very contrasty images with high resolution. For pure landscape use I still prefer the Loxia for sunstars, smaller size, precise manual focus and even better flare resistance, but I was also very happy with the GM for my landscape photography.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>legacy 85mm 1.4 lenses:<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nThese are usually worse in terms of image quality at wider aperture values especially regarding correction of longitudinal CA. Same goes for flare resistance and mechanical vignetting. But obviously these are also significantly cheaper.<\/p>\n<h1>Conclusion<\/h1>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">very nice bokeh <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">good across frame sharpness and contrast already at f\/1.4<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">correction of longitudinal and lateral CA<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">build quality<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>size\/weight<\/li>\n<li>distortion<\/li>\n<li>light falloff<\/li>\n<li>flare resistance<\/li>\n<li>coma correction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">slow AF<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>I haven&#8217;t been overly happy with the lenses from ZA and the normal line of FE lenses I tried so far. In my eyes all of them had at least one fatal flaw which made me stay away from them.<br \/>\nThis lens on the other hand is the first Sony lens where I think there is actually a tangible advantage over the competition, not just a higher price tag.<br \/>\nThe build quality is a clear step up from the older ones and the engineers managed to mostly get rid of the dreadful onion ring bokeh. At the same time they managed to produce the 85mm 1.4 with the lowest mechanical vignetting figures I have seen so far which leads to a real improvement of the bokeh quality towards the corners of the frame.<br \/>\nSlightly stopped down (at f\/2.8 and f\/4.0) the resolution figures rival the Zeiss Loxia 85mm 2.4 which is something I did not expect.<\/p>\n<p>Considering all these positive aspects I fail to complain about price or size and weight, especially as the new high quality offerings from the competition (Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art or Canon 85mm 1.4L IS) are even heavier and bigger. Only the AF (at least in combination with the A7rII) is a bit on the slow side so this would not be my first choice to use for tracking fast moving subjects (e.g. children).<\/p>\n<p>It seems 5 years after the introduction of the first fullframe E-mount camera Sony is finally playing in the first league when it comes to 35mm format lenses. After many disappointments this is the first Sony lens I actually added to my kit (replaced my <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-ef-135mm-2-0l\/\">Canon EF 135mm 2.0L USM<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><em>New this lens costs as much as <strong>$1799\/1699\u20ac<\/strong> and you can get it e.g. from <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2k8LuXk\">amazon.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2kdyY8W\">amazon.de<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/bhpho.to\/2Izy9Se\">B&amp;H<\/a>. On <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?LH_CAds=&amp;_ex_kw=&amp;_fpos=&amp;_fspt=1&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=sony+gm+85mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sadis=&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.com<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_ex_kw=&amp;_mPrRngCbx=1&amp;_nkw=sony+gm+85mm+1.4&amp;_sacat=625&amp;_sop=12&amp;_udhi=&amp;_udlo=&amp;_fosrp=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;mkcid=1&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=10001&amp;customid=&amp;mkevt=1\">ebay.de<\/a> you may also find used ones starting at <strong>$1500\/1300\u20ac<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links).<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Sample Images<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14058\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14058\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14058 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_25.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight uv light ultraviolet\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_25.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_25-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_25-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14058\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13747\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13747\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13747 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_6.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_6-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4 | panorama from 10 shots<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14123\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14123\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14123\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09058.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight \" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09058.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09058-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09058-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14123\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14122\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14122\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14122\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09276.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight \" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09276.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09276-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09276-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14122\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13744\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13744\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13744 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_3.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_3-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13744\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13749\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13749\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13749 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_8.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_8-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_8-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13749\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13746\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13746\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13746 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_5.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_5-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13746\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4 | panorama from 5 shots<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13921\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13921\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13921\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_19.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight sunstar sunstars starburst blendenstern blendensterne\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_19.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_19-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sony_fe_85mm_1.4_gm_gmaster_sample_19-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13921\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14119\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14119\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14119\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09094.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight \" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09094.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09094-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/DSC09094-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14119\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13807\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13807\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13807\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DSC08660.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review flare gegenlicht contralight backlit backlight\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DSC08660.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DSC08660-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DSC08660-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13807\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4 | freelensing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73520\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73520\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_3.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73520\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_73518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-73518\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-73518\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_1.jpg\" alt=\"Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM gmaster portrait bokeh sharpness a7rII a7rm3 a7riii 42mp review\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sony_FE_85mm_1.4_GM_Sample_Wedding_A7III_1.4_1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-73518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM | f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>Most of the sample images in this review can be found in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/140854680@N04\/albums\/72157696106869171\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Further Reading<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/fe-lenses-sony-comprehensive-independent-guide\/\">Sony FE lenses: Our comprehensive and independent guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-ef-135mm-2-0l\/\">Canon EF 135mm 2.0L USM<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-carl-zeiss-jena-109mm-1-6-visionar\/\">Carl Zeiss Jena Visionar 109mm 1.6<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/tripods-mirrorless-cameras\/\">Tripods for mirrorless cameras<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Support Us<\/h1>\n<p>Did you find this article useful or just liked reading it? Treat us to a coffee!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3K9EJRRQVXT4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/donate2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"29\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"> <span style=\"color: #999999;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><em>via Paypal<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Jannik already performed a thorough comparison between this lens and Sony&#8217;s cheaper FE 85mm 1.8, but a single review was somewhat missing so far. Here it finally is! Update 2025: new sample pictures added Sample Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4708,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lenses","category-sony-e-mount"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM is the portrait lens of Sony&#039;s high end GMaster line. What makes it so special? 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