People have been waiting for the Mark II version of the Sony 85mm G Master lens for a long time. There has been a lot of conjecture over whether or not it will be an 85mm F1.2 lens to match the 50mm F1.2 GM that I reviewed here and to compete with similar lenses from Canon or Nikon. But Sony has done their internal calculations and determined that the best way forward for them is a less extreme F1.4 design that will instead be a match for the 24mm F1.4, 35mm F1.4, and 50mm F1.4 GM lenses, and the new Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is a definite match in terms of size, design, and aesthetic to those lenses. This also allowed them to keep the price at a more moderate level at $1799 USD, which will almost certainly result in higher sales. But the market is also pretty saturated at the 85mm focal length on Sony E-mount, so will the 85GM II (as we’ll call it for brevity here) be able to stand out amongst the competing lenses at lower price points…most notably the excellent Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN? That’s what I explore in detail in this video…or just can read my summary below.

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Thanks to Sony USA for sending me a review loaner of the GM II lens. As always, this is a completely independent review. *The tests and most of the photos that I share as a part of my review cycle have been done with the Sony a7RV along with the Sony Alpha 1 that serve as my benchmark cameras for Sony lenses.

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Similarities

• Similar feature set (click, declick, iris lock, function, AF | MF)
• Both weather sealed
• Both have a 77mm filter thread
• Both come with lens hood and case

Reasons to Choose Sigma

1. Price:  $1070 (normal $1200) vs $1800
2. Smaller – Sigma is 2mm narrower and 11mm shorter
3. Lighter – Sigma is 17g lighter
4. Has softer bokeh
5. Slightly better magnification

Reasons to Choose Sony

1. Slightly more features (extra focus hold)
2. Faster, more confident autofocus
3. Lower focus breathing
4. Less distortion
5. Less vignette
6. Better microcontrast and rendering of fine details

Conclusion

The Sony 85GM II has two definite strengths:  better autofocus and a better microcontrast and delivery of the details.  But is that enough to offset the over 50% price difference between the two lenses?  I think that depends on your actual needs and whether they stray into the areas where the GM’s advantages will actually make a difference.  If not, then the Sigma is probably still the better option.

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GEAR USED:

Purchase the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Purchase the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DN ART @ B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

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Purchase the Sony a7RV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

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Purchase the Sony a7IV @ B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany 

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Purchase the Sony Alpha 1 @ Camera Canada | B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Sony Canada | Amazon Canada |  Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Ebay 

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