Budget Alternative: Sony 85mm f1.8 vs GM 85mm f1.4

[@jasonwrites9186]

Awesome video as always. Just a heads up to anyone reading this in 2023, if you have the Sony A7iv, the autofocus with the 85 1.8 is fast and very reliable. :)

[@marshmello1109]

I just got the A7iv ! Going to get 85 1.8 now to begin my portrait journey 😊

[@xosemusic]

oh no...now i have to buy it, I love my A7IV, always complemented on the sharpness with my g master 24-70 mark II

[@wxs7945]

In my opinion, you cannot say GM1.4 focusing is more accurate when it is too slow to even focus. I would say GM1.4 is definitely sharper and creamier than 1.8 when it is well focused. But, its slow focusing is a real problem, especially for video shooting. Hope GM1.4 II is being developed and will be released soon!!!

[@1946gsp]

A practical, real-world comparison. Yes, the GM is better, but not $1000 better. A working pro, such as you, might need the extra focus speed for weddings (as you said), but those opportunities a fewer and farther between otherwise. I purchased my 85/1.8 over a year ago and have been very happy with it ever since...and I guess that’s what it’s all about. Thoroughly enjoy your well-made posts. (Although the music made me think I was on hold for a service rep 😂).

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I’m curious how lenses like this would be on cameras with even better autofocus. Compared to new Sony bodies that are coming out like the A7C, A1, etc the A7III now has pretty slow/old feeling eye AF haha

[@simeonkolev1231]

The focusing results are a surprise for me :) I have the 1.8 and I have tested the 1.4 for a week. The GM is so much slower than the 1.8, I wonder is this 1.8 in the review a lemon :D. I actually used my 85 1.8 for years now and it is one of the best lenses in the system in terms of AF performance. It can even track fast moving kids wide open at 10fps with ease. But yes the GM is smoother and with the GM colors and contrast, I find it too clinical for my taste which was one more reason to chose the 1.8 which renders with more character and reminds me more of the old vintage lenses I like using from time to time. PS to see the sharpness difference you have to test on the 42mp sensor at least ;). 24mp is not a challenge for both lenses.

[@0action847]

i like how the 1.8 has almost swirly bokeh in some conditions like a few of my vintage lenses.

[@dennishumbla5431]

I agree, I have sen some of that swiry bokeh and also on the 55 1.8, I have sen In some other reviews that the 1.8 Is Sharper wide open than GM at 1.4 but the GM has dreamy and buttery bokeh.

[@juliatrotti]

I agree the 1.8 is fast with focusing, but the accuracy is on par with other lenses I’ve used in the same price range like the ZA 55 f1.8, etc. For these comparison videos I shoot on each lens for the same amount of time, I feel like if I spend a little longer on the 1.8 I would have more in focus results. But I like to put each lens/camera I’m comparing through the same tests to see how they are on par with each other!

[@simeonkolev1231]

@@juliatrotti I really do not question your testing :) I have suspicion about the tested copy of the 85 1.8. I have a Sony E mount facebook group in my country and the users opinion is that the 85 1.8 is focusing much better than the 85 GM which is why I am so surprised :). Have a nice day and keep making those great videos :)

[@jakubtravnik2286]

I have both 1.4 and 1.8 and I never felt the 1.8 has less accuracy than the 1.4 on a7iii. The 1.8 focuses quicker which does not matter much for posed portraits but for fast movement at close distance like children running around it really matters. I take 1.8 for shots that require fast AF and 1.4 elsewhere if weight does not matter. I prefer bokeh of 1.4.

[@stheil777]

With a model like that, you shoot top images with a polaroid cam :D

[@juliatrotti]

Bahaha yeah Jayde is absolutely amazing!

[@rabbidguarddog]

Yes, please work with her again soon!

[@genevievebristol5567]

I think you meant to say, "with a photographer like that.."

[@cow77cow]

@@genevievebristol5567 You mean model, on this shots the photographer just framing and click, the fast prime does the job and that’s it. They shooting in the car park. There is no effort in this shots. The photos looks good because the model/ editing is great, the photographer understand the camera/ lens/ basic framing.I don’t want to underrate anybody’s work but stay on the reality.

[@der_Hannes1040]

Really like my 85mm 1.8. Best value for money with that focal length.

[@juliatrotti]

I was really pleasantly surprised by this lens!

[@lemon58421]

@@juliatrotti and 3 x cheaper! :-)

[@clsi]

Do check out the Sigma 85mm 1.4.... love this lense. I thought it was well worthwhile upgrade over the Sony 85mm 1.8

[@hokyung888]

In my personal opinion, testing sharpness with modern lenses is unnecessary; most modern lenses are pretty sharp when they are in focus. I reckon overly sharp lenses such as the Sony GM series or Sigma Art series tend to detract from producing a smooth and pleasing portrait. If anything, we should determine the quality of a lens based on the smoothness of the outer focus area.

[@toddysurcharge771]

Yeah portraits don't need sharpness as you normally do some skin smoothing post processing anyway. I don't think people want to see face makeup details....

[@MingGongcoolmango71]

85 1.8 is one lens I’ll never sell, it’s awesome 📸

[@arcteryx40]

agree :) got mine today and was very happy

[@michaelworse6034]

This and a 35mm1.8 FE and you’re done for a long time

[@sportkiteflyer]

Landscape hobbyist here starting my portraiture journey and this is a wonderful comparison video I'm going to use in making my 85mm lens selection. I might also add that I got a lot of good info about what to look for during a portrait shoot as well. Just felt like sharing that. Great job! :)

[@slows728]

I had the 85mm GM since 2018 and while the focus is noisy and so so in video, it is very fast and accurate for photography in AF-C. My other lenses like the 35mm GM are not faster in AF-C. Maybe there is some bad copies of the 85mm GM. The colors and rendering of this lens are out of this world

[@anthonymphotos]

this video helped me a lot, I've been getting a lot of blurry shots on my a1 with the 85 1.8. I was thinking it was the a1 body malfunctioning. Man this makes me happy.

[@foxtailmedia8189]

Interesting that so far on the comparison videos you are the only one I’ve watched that the 1.8 did not beat out the 1.4 on quick focus capabilities

[@richlester7451]

Very good comparison. I grabbed the Sony 1.8 for $600 at the end of 2020 when the GM 1.4 was $1800. The GM 1.4 doesn't seem like it delivers a greater performance for the price of 3 Sony 1.8s. You can add more bokeh if you must have it. Until today I never thought about the GM 1.4 again. The Sony 1.8 does this breathing thing when auto focusing, which can be quite annoying. If you are using it for video it can ruin your shots but you can use manual focus to get around that.

[@we_4lo]

GM for me. I take photos of vehicles racing on and off road, fast dependable focus is what I count on. Although I don’t own the 85mm GM yet, I currently have 3 other GM lenses in my kit. Great video as always.

[@_FiDeLCAsTrO_]

Sigma Art for me xD

[@ionataberham5983]

Thats great value for the 1.8, as to me loads of the images looked so similar! But we defo need that autofocus for weddings for sure. I have the Zeiss Batis 85mm 1.8 which works really well for weddings and portraits. i would be interested to hear your view on the Batis range for Sony :)

[@dennishumbla5431]

I have seen comparisson reviews on the Sony 85 1.8 VS Zeiss Batis 85 1.8 and the images look identical almost like they are the same lens.

[@juliatrotti]

I agree, great value with the 1.8! And yeah that would be an interesting comparison to try next :D

[@derrickrr5516]

The GM has a noticeable color advantage. If it also has a focus advantage then it’s a no brainer IMO. Well that price tag might hurt the brain, as well as the wallet. I know you do not shoot a lot a video but have you tried these lenses? I hear they both focus breathe quite a bit. That would be a turn off for me. But I don’t know what else is out there in this focal range that doesn’t focus breathe.

[@Strassefotos]

I own them both- of course the GM is better quality but the 1.8 is a very light lens to carry with - the GM is much heavier that's why I keep the 1.8 as well because sometime the weight matters to me.

[@andrevvve]

I’m always stunned by the effort that you put into your videos. Thanks for another great informative and good looking video!!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@felixarm]

the 85mm 1.8 needs the "G" treatment. Still a great lens though

[@woseleyphotography]

I use 1.8. I can't really see the difference when shooting at 2.2. For the money 1,8 does the job well..

[@johnadams3038]

It makes no sense that the f1,8 would miss critical focus more often than the f1,4.. because the f1,8 has faster and better focusing system. Probably it was just your luck with the AF.

[@orlandorolon6139]

I have had both. Sold my GM because did not do well with moving objects and very slow in auto focus. Only great when the model is still or the object is still. 1.8 is faster and bokeh not so creamy but does well. 85mm1.2 needs to hurry. Great video.

[@adamhlavin2463]

Between these two I would definitely pick 85 1.8. If i wanted something better and more expensive, definitely Sigma 85 DG DN.

[@stewwytim]

I have the 85mm FE Sony 1.8 but on the A6600 so its equivalent to a ~135mm. Anyway I can totally agree that you have to take your time to get some shots in focus, but I love how they come out even on my A6600.

[@MattHalpain]

I like the warmer look of the Sony 1.8 better than the cooler 1.4. But I like the clearer sharper image of the 1.4 better than the softer 1.8.

[@IMrM3RK3RProductions]

Literally just bought 24mm 1.4 and was wondering which 85mm to get perfectly timing!!

[@adventure_photo]

Curious what you decided on?

[@zapadakofflv8560]

85/1.4 GM is fast and accurate on my a7iv. The 85/1.8 is also very good, but in backlight you will see the difference. Also aberration, bokeh, microcontrast, speed..all speak for GM. As a wedding photographer I will appreciate it.

[@yashika4k223]

After 4 years of using sony 85mm 1.8 Decided upgraded because colour fringing, I hired 85m GM and tried sigma 85 art dg dn, I like, how sigma rend the colours End up buying Sigma.

[@0action847]

yeah fringing can be bad on the 1.8,it really stands out on the a7riv

[@juliatrotti]

I was expecting to see more fringing to be honest, I think it was just the location/lighting at the time though that we didn’t see any!

[@herbiespizza]

I have both. The Overall images of the Gm are better. In some situations The bokeh of the 1.8 can get a bit busy, I hate that.! I found the AF performance about the same, if anything I found the 1.8 to be very slightly faster. So I don’t use the 1.8 as much. I have an a7riv. And find that my Zeiss 55mm 1.8 in crop mode produces better overall images than the 1.8.

[@RM-hy4so]

Seems like you had to work real hard to find any difference with the GM and the 1.8. This doesn’t bode well for the GM which costs almost 3 times as much as the 1.8. I have the 1.8 lens and love the size and the image quality of this lens. It also has zero or near zero distortion, which is not the case with the GM. But I have to admit, I love the colors of the GM and the slightly smoother background blur, regardless of background. That is something that you have to be careful with the 1.8 lens, because if you are not careful, the background blur can be slightly harsh in some situations. Considering this, I would have definitely gone for the GM, but for the price, size and slower focus. I don’t want to sell the 1.8, and I do want the GM. Decisions, decisions….

[@michaellacroixofficial]

Wow, I was literally looking this up and BAM someone I'm subscribed to just released this video of it today!

[@artemisfowl9002]

do you think you’ll ever compare the zeiss batis 85mm against either the sony 85 1.8 or GM 85 1.4? or even all 3!

[@Joizygyrl926]

I got a Sony 85mm f1.8 back in April. It is my favorite lens in my whole bag...

[@davidjames4545]

Yay! Another beautiful one! 😍 keep it up Julia!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@KagoPh]

Whether I'm working or studying, when I get the notification for Julia's videos, I consider it a break time😂 The colour(SOOC) and bokeh from the GM lens is really good, for me it's the GM for the win! Awesome video as always😀!

[@juliatrotti]

Haha thank you, I really appreciate it!!

[@Moto_Rid3r]

Nice comparison reviews. Did you notice anything on the 85mm 1.4G if the autofocus is making noises? I see and watch a lot of autofocus noise issue on the 1.4 lens.

[@davidellis5141]

I liked the Sony which accentuated the lovely light colour of the light blue 👗 of Jayde. Nice shoot 😃 📷

[@ErmLikeSeriously]

My experience with the Sony 85mm 1.8 was horrible. On my A7II the focus was quite often not where I wanted to it be (I never ever have this issue with any of my Sigma glass). The bokeh looks very busy and have this cat eye effect which okay, some may like, I found it to be too disturbing. Finally I just didn't feel the final result was all that premium. YES, it's good value for money and I think it was AMAZING for video but now that Sigma 85 1.4 is out - to me it's a no brainer to get that one - it's simply one of THE BEST lenses out there.

[@nex3movie]

I started using the A7CII. I use an A-mount Planar F1.4 ZA as my 85mm lens. I like the image and the excellent AF mount adapter tracks the pupil well. Video is manual focus only, but that's not too bad. How does the autofocus compare with the Sony and Batis 85mm on E-mount?

[@AnthonyTadle]

Saw this in your IG.. very nice. One of my inspirations

[@MarcelVolker]

I have the Samyang 85 1.4 which has beautiful rendering and bokeh 😍 but the autofocus is very iffy. Good enough for inanimate stuff and the occasional static portraits but I wouldn't trust it for anything more "lively".

[@charminbaer2323]

LOVE that you pronounce BOKEH properly. IRKS me when "professional" photographers say it wrong.

[@TVe200]

Fantastic beautiful model today 😊

[@TimAyro]

I want the 85 1.8 in the GM body because GM styling is so nice.

[@smarthousetech8593]

We all know that GM is the holy grail of Sony lens, but I am really impressed what the regular Sony 85mm gives you for your money.

[@juliatrotti]

Yep it’s such a great alternative!

[@devanteross2838]

Loved the video! Would love to see portrait shoots with the 50 1.8 or 35 1.8 versus the 1.4 versions!

[@namarocks101]

She has a review on the 55 Sony 1.8 vs 50mm Sony 1.4 already

[@cvltxmedia]

I love and respect your videos so much, I stumbled upon your videos when I was thinking of buying my Samyang 35mm 1.8 and now I'm thinking of buying the Sony 85mm 1.8, thank you for the detailed and real world video and photo comparisons. Deff subbing this time around! 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@everythinginbetween3306]

that model is fireeee!!! thought she could be on some top model agencies

[@dawsonrpowell]

I picked up an 85 1.8 a few weeks ago. It took beautiful photos, but started malfunctioning after about 10 times using it on both of my camera bodies. Turning on the cameras with the lens attached caused them to lock up. If I put the lens on after powering up the cameras autofocus wouldn’t work, only manual focus. I was disappointed because if it worked it would have been a great value, but now I’d rather wait for a Mark II of the GM, or perhaps just skip an 85mm prime for the new 70-200 GM zoom.

[@mstrchat]

Love the way the cat walked to you and sat down. For a second I thought you would start photoshooting the cat 😊

[@MarcelVolker]

That really had a "Here I am. You may pat me now." Feel to it 😹

[@TheThaiLife]

Super useful, will have to go with Gmaster. Appreciate your work and beautiful shots with your model.

[@oliablazski327]

These pictures feel so summery! I really love the bokeh from 85mm 1.4 GM and I wish there was 85mm 1.2 GM lens :D

[@thegrayyernaut]

f/1.2 is overkill for that focal length.

[@oliablazski327]

@@thegrayyernaut personally, I’d like that 1.2 creamy bokeh😍

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Omg after the release of the 50 1.2 I have high hopes that the next 85mm Sony is working on will be an f1.2 - we can dream! Haha

[@nelsonwei1778]

Just purchased the 851.8 and you postd video about it. Nice!

[@kaimultivideo4956]

I love how you say “photos” like frerters. ☺️

[@djrease7354]

Wow a huge difference between The GM and the 1.8 especially on the Alpha R series or A1 series cameras… Bokah, performance and low distortion is definitely worth the extra $$$ especially if using a high Resolution camera… It’s night and day!!!… I did notice that the 1.8 is a tad bit sharper than the GM so I would still consider the 1.8 as a viable backup lens for weddings or video on a backup or video camera if needed to get the job done!!! However I’m sold on the GM…Thanks for your review .. Great content!!!

[@0action847]

Check out the sigma before buying the gm

[@djrease7354]

@@0action847 thanks I actually have the sigma version already .. It is a beast and great value for the price with performance, bokah, speed and video friendly all in one package!!! Can’t go wrong with it… I’m waiting for a newer release of the 85mm GM that matches performance of the 135mm GM.. Thanks for the suggestion I definitely have the sigma version!!!😃

[@juliatrotti]

Even from the results I see on the A7III, I can imagine the out of focus shots of Jayde walking around would be even more emphasised on higher resolution cameras. But I feel like what lens you buy is relative to the camera you use - so people shooting on an A7III, A7C, etc can be pros to beginners, so getting a budget friendly lens is more common. Compared to if you are getting an A1, I don’t think a $600 lens would be your main priority right? ;) I agree it’s a viable option as a backup lens on a high res camera if you use 85 heavily for work. And thank you, glad you enjoyed this comparison!

[@martin9410]

The GM is slightly better, but when you consider the price point, the 85mm 1.8 is the winner.

[@maryamka9262]

great video thanks! Please give me some advice Which lens is better for portrait photography and why? Sony FE 85mm F/1.8. sony 90mm macro .85mm sigma art.

[@leorajphotography6569]

85 dg dn sigma

[@jonoy4375]

85 GM is only advantageous when shot full body with broken; otherwise 1.8 is sharper, fast focusing.

[@jiffy1313]

In your bokeh comparison your model was closer to the camera and farther away from the background in the 1.4 lens shot, not exactly a fair comparison but I understand the difficulty of making a comparison video while trying to make a productive shoot. I would be quite interested in a more controlled test. The AF part was good to know, however.

[@leeaxon01]

Thanks for another great video. Apologies if you've listed it but I can't see it - what's the camera strap you're using please? Looks leather and really cool. Lee.

[@jxy5484]

Hi Julia! Can I ask what lav mic you use? It’s super clean audio

[@a.dretti2917]

The Sony 85 1.8 seems to have PDAF striping issues, did you also notice this? This especially seems to occur in sunny weather conditions.

[@TW-iu9zy]

… and I’am waiting for the 1.2 version of the 85 GM. 😊

[@juliatrotti]

Me tooooo!

[@teachingrounds]

What camera strap/harness are you using? Do you like it? How does it clip on to the bottom of the camera? Thanks

[@juliatrotti]

It's called the Moneymakers from Holdfast Gear, I love them!

[@olivershutterspeed]

I love that sony 85mm 1.8 for my sony a6000 photoshoot behind the scenes on my KZbin channel! :D!

[@marioarias9942]

Julie have you compared the Sigma dg dn 85mm1.4? I just got mine and its cheaper then the Sony gm 85

[@tempertramp]

I've been very satisfied with my Sony 1.8! Best bang for your buck!

[@Panphobia]

Great video 👌 I’ve probably asked this before and you’ve probably answered before, but I couldn’t find it: what setup do you usually use for your in-camera recording of your settings/viewfinder? Thanks in advance!

[@prkane1]

How do you feel about the Sony 90 mm macro for portraits against the Sony 1.4 GM?

[@sahrfunes]

What kind of strap are those? Do they support both cameras really well?

[@DavidCentaura]

What camera body are you using? Could that cause auto focus issue as I shoot the a1 with no auto focus issues? Just curious.

[@MakerKashung]

Beautiful. Love both. But yeah 1.4 is the clear winner. But again, the price value...So both awesome. One question please... Is that A7SIII or A7C for the video?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Agree, the 1.8 is great value if that’s what you’re after :) This was filmed on the A7sII

[@tomdewittefoto6701]

In't the 1600 lens too close and the other cheap one shot farther away? (about the introduction images) That 1600 lens shot looks wide ange and the other one less wide angle....

[@zueslong4337]

Does your f1.4 GM make a noise when auto focusing?

[@nomadicsapien4224]

That's an amazing review and it helped a lot for me to decide between the both. Thanks a lot for sharing. 👌😇

[@juliatrotti]

I’m glad you liked it 😄

[@shantobalok]

What did you use? Mechanical or E front curtain shutter?

[@juliatrotti]

I always use mechanical

[@shantobalok]

Thanks a lot julia!! Big fan!!✌️✌️

[@DigitalicaEG]

Very difficult choice, in a controlled photo shoot the 1.8 is great value for money, in an event with non-recreatable moments or in slightly lower light I would pay for the 1.4

[@ryangoulbourne1879]

Nice review, what is the brand of your Dual camera harness?

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks! They are called the Moneymakers from Holdfast Gear

[@ronniemcknight3174]

What kind of camera strap do you use?

[@TELASPONCHO3]

For a photographer like you, what is more important, a good lens or a good camera? 🤔

[@TharinduWeerasooriya]

on video, dress is purple but on photos it is blue!

[@juliatrotti]

The dress is actually blue in real life :)

[@Simon_A88]

Julia how did you programme shutter button on other location ??

[@juliatrotti]

What do you mean? My shutter button is in the out-of-box location haha I don’t think you can change it actually :)

[@Simon_A88]

@@juliatrotti I mean that is probably programmed on the FN button as I saw during the video ?:)

[@stephen.]

I have the 1.8 and it fine for me but I really wish there was an 85mm 1.2 for Sony like there is for Canon. I’d buy that lens in an instant. The bokeh is definitely better on the 1.4 GM though.

[@juliatrotti]

I’m really hoping for an 85mm f1.2 from Sony eventually, the GM 50 1.2 gives me hope that they will work on one!

[@Vesta_well]

1.4 has luxury picture

[@definitemylife]

My 85 1.8 is almost as sharp as my 35gm (with A7RIII).

[@0action847]

My 35gm is sharper than my 135gm with a7c and a7riv.

[@juliatrotti]

I think my GM 35 is the sharpest Sony lens I own at the moment!

[@slows728]

@@0action847 My 35mm GM is sharper than my 135mm GM in the center as well. Awesome lens.

[@gonaride]

I thought this was a fantastic comparison. There's not doubt the GM is the better lens. However, my eye kept gravitating to the vintage look of the 1.8. It's plenty sharp, yet has this messy unrefined look that I can keep my eyes off of. This video may have broken my love for the GM glass.

[@Millionaire_X]

I have Sony A7iv with my 85 F1.8 still the lens is so good

[@blackdragon3707]

Where you using eye auto focus?

[@christopherconkright1317]

Dumb question are the lenses on the latest firmware? I ask since the sony 50mm autofocuses way better now with .03

[@juliatrotti]

I update the firmware on everything before I make a video!

[@christopherconkright1317]

@@juliatrotti Thanks good to know. I watch old videos on lenses but can't find newer ones with the firmware fixes. Good to know your lens was upto date

[@kunaldebbarma77]

Loved your tutorial and you too

[@SarahKaLiaYang]

Can you do a video shooting with a canon kit body camera like the rebel t7?

[@giftbox-e]

Wanted to get the sony 85mm 1.8 but with A7iv THERE IS NO FOCUS BREATHING COMPENSATION!!!!! So frustrating that the 1.4 is so heavy and not actually worth to get if its not for the breathing compensation.. At least for me.

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah it would be nice if the focus breathing compensation worked with ANY Sony lens

[@suhuy2008]

Mine has horrible fringing! White objects on black background have blue halo. Unfocused objects have green/magenta tint. I’m not sure whether it’s just a defective lens or all of them are like this. Such a disappointment

[@bruh-qi7ue]

The bokeh on the GM lens is insane. Would be cool if you could compare it to the latest sigma 85 1.4 or the samyang 85 1.4

[@sujithsg5020]

Used Which picture profile

[@thomaslarsen5057]

What strap is that you are using ? :-) Thanks for sharing :-)

[@juliatrotti]

It's called the Moneymakers from Holdfast gear

[@svaeon]

Is better Sigma 1.4 than Sonys 1.8. a lil more expensive but what matter is the final pic

[@alifonso1981]

I love my 85mm GM and this video Is love ❤️

[@nawar9261]

I enjoy watching all your Vids .. thanks