A number of months in the past, Sony launched the long-awaited Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens. It is unbelievable, but it surely’s nearly $2,000. This month, Viltrox launched their very own model, with similar specs for simply $600, which is identical worth as Sony’s 1.8 variant. Let’s take a look at all three.
Construct High quality Winner: Viltrox
You would possibly anticipate Sony’s flagship to really feel probably the most premium, however to my shock, Viltrox takes the win right here.
The Viltrox 85mm appears and feels remarkably just like Sony’s GM lens, with a strong steel construct, a customizable perform button, and a smooth-click or de-clickable aperture ring. Truthfully, the main target and aperture rings on the Viltrox really feel even higher than Sony’s.
That mentioned, the Viltrox lacks a change to disable the aperture ring, one thing that might result in unintended bumps whereas taking pictures. As for the Sony 85mm f/1.8, it’s well-built however clearly the least premium of the three.
Colour Rendering Winner: Sony
I don’t normally obsess over shade variations between lenses, however I did some side-by-side assessments utilizing brightly coloured flowers.
Each Sony lenses delivered just about similar, pleasing colours straight out of the digicam. The Viltrox leaned barely yellow, which isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s straightforward to right in put up, but it surely was noticeable.
Publicity Consistency Winner: Sony f/1.8
Technically, f/1.4 ought to supply 2/3 of a cease extra gentle than f/1.8. However right here’s the twist: that distinction didn’t present up the way in which you’d anticipate.
When switching the Viltrox from f/1.4 to f/1.8, I observed nearly no publicity change. In the meantime, Sony’s f/1.4 clearly stepped down 2/3 of a cease. That made me query whether or not the Viltrox was a “true” f/1.4.
To analyze additional, I ran a managed studio take a look at with fixed lighting. Surprisingly, Sony’s f/1.4 GM was truly 1/3 cease darker than the Viltrox and Sony f/1.8. So, you’re paying $1,400 extra for 1/3 cease extra gentle, making the value even tougher to justify.
The Viltrox seems to permit 1/3 extra gentle in than Sony’s f1/4 however the lens would not appear to cease down sufficient from 1.4 to 1.8. After that, the exposures seemed to be extra constant.
Bokeh Winner: Tie
Each the Sony 1.4 GM and Viltrox have 11 aperture blades, serving to them produce spherical, {smooth} bokeh. Nonetheless, Sony’s f/1.8 lens, regardless of having fewer blades, holds its personal superbly in most real-world photographs. Technically, the 1.4 lenses produce softer bokeh, however in my assessments, it wasn’t a big distinction.
Minimal Focusing Distance Winner: Viltrox
Sony’s 85mm 1.4 and 1.8 lenses share a minimal focusing distance of 80cm. The Viltrox shaves off 1cm, focusing at 79cm, not game-changing, however value noting.
Sharpness Winner: Sony f/1.4
The Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II is stunningly sharp, even vast open, with edge-to-edge readability that’s genuinely spectacular. The f/1.8 model can also be sharp however reveals softer edges and noticeable vignetting at f/1.8.
The Viltrox is noticeably softer than each Sony’s, within the middle and corners of the body. Much more noticeable is the dearth of distinction within the Viltrox photos. It nearly regarded like a haze filter had been added to the entrance of the lens.
Since doing my take a look at, I’ve heard that different reviewers have discovered that the Viltrox is tender and lacks distinction across the minimal focusing distance, however performs higher when you step away from the topic. This can be true, however I’ve by no means heard of one other lens affected by this.
Lens Flare Winner: Sony f/1.4
The Sony 85mm f/1.4 produces probably the most contrasty photos and has probably the most pleasing lens flare for my part. Though Sony’s 1.8 lens additionally has spectacular distinction with again lit topics, in case your gentle supply is within the body, the Sony f/1.8 reveals probably the most disagreeable flares of the three lenses.
Chromatic Aberration Winner: Sony f/1.4
The photographs out of the Sony f/1.4 are principally flawless. I noticed purple fringing on the Sony 85mm f/1.8 in a single picture. Neither the GM nor the Viltrox confirmed this in my assessments, though the Viltrox’s photos could also be too tender for chromatic aberration to point out.
Autofocus Efficiency Winner: Sony f/1.8
All three lenses dealt with autofocus extraordinarily effectively in each picture and video modes.
In my walking-subject video take a look at, they stored up impressively. For stills, the Sony 85mm f/1.8 was the quickest, adopted by the f/1.4 GM after which the Viltrox, however actually, the variations have been minimal.
Ultimate Verdict: Which One Ought to You Purchase?
Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II ($2,000):
If you’d like the very best in sharpness, distinction, and efficiency, and also you’re keen to pay a premium, that is the top-tier alternative. My solely subject with the lens is the value, and the truth that is only one/3 of a cease brighter than Sony’s $600 f/1.8 variant (it must be 2/3 of a cease brighter.
Sony 85mm f/1.8 ($600):
For most individuals, that is one of the best worth lens. It’s quick, dependable, sharp sufficient, and handles autofocus superbly. Sure, it has a little bit of chromatic aberation and barely uglier flairing, but it surely’s $1400 cheaper.
Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 ($600):
Whereas superbly constructed and filled with options, this lens is noiceably softer than each Sony lenses. For $600 it is nonetheless a cut price, however for a similar worth, I would select the Sony f/1.8.
