Sony 85mm f/1.4 G-Master : Lens Review: A stellar workhorse

As a photographer, I dont use zoom lenses. I have somehow been fascinated by primes for as long as I can remember. For most parts of the past 2 years or so, I have been shooting mostly with the 85mm.

4 Reasons why 85mm is a brilliant focal length: 

1. Possibly the best focal length for portraits. Not too long, not too short, just about perfect. 

2. A versatlie lens for weddings and lifestyle. 

3. Produces the best possible bokeh( 135mm f/2 can be the only other lens as its competitor) 

4. Almost no distortion, especially compared to the 50mm.

 I have owned the Nikon Version, which is slightly lighter than the Sony one, but the Sony 85mm f/1.4 outclasses any other 85mm in the market with its image quality. Coupled with the "EYE FOCUS" technology of the A7R2, it does produce excellent results most of the time. This lens, like most Sony and Fuji lenses, is razor sharp. Somehow, it also exudes a dreamy effect on the photos, especially wide open at f/1.4.

Pros(+): Sharpness even wide open at f/1.4, Beautiful Bokeh, Color Rendition, Aperture Ring. 

Cons(-): Big and Heavy(800g odd), slightly slow AF(compared to Nikon 85mm f/1.4G, much faster than Canon 85mm f/1.2). Expensive(1500£)

Alternate options for your Sony full frame: 

1. Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 (978£)

2. Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 (636£)

Low light focussing can be slightly tricky like any other lenses. The lens hunts occasionally, but at large produces fantastic results more often than not. Focus 'size' is also a factor in such cases. 85mm is a great focal length for interesting cuts and compositions. And especially in indoor situations when one stop of light can break or make a photograph, it often comes out victorious.

Let us be honest. When you have premium 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.2 lenses, the result will often be pleasant. But where this lens wins over the Canon is at its speed. The chunky Canon lens tends to be quite slow to focus and often will make you miss moments. Comparison with the Nikon is more robust, with the bokeh of this Sony slightly putting me in favor of it.

 It has been a pleasure to work with the 85 for the past 6 months or so- I have shot quite a few weddings, took it around a few countries during travelling and have it attached to my Sony A7R2 85% of the time! Amazon USA //// Amazon UK