Wedding photographers, we need to talk. Specifically, about Sony’s new 85mm F1.4 G-Master Mark II—a lens that takes everything we loved about the original (the dreamy bokeh, the gorgeous compression, the ability to make a bride look like an ethereal goddess) and fixes the one thing we didn’t: the fact that using it for an entire wedding day felt like bench-pressing a small child.
If you’ve ever shot with the original Sony 85mm GM, you already know—it’s a beautiful lens, but also a brick. It was the kind of lens that gave you results so good you forgave it for the wrist pain. But now? Sony has dropped the 85mm GM II, promising sharper optics, faster autofocus, and most importantly—less weight. And for wedding photographers? That last bit is huge.
Lighter, Faster, Sharper—What More Do You Want?
Sony claims the new 85mm GM II is 22% lighter and 18% smaller than the original. That might not sound like a lot, but trust me, after 10+ hours of shooting a wedding, every gram counts. The Mark II finally feels balanced—it’s still a pro lens, but now it’s one that won’t have you booking a physio appointment by Sunday morning.
But it’s not just lighter—it’s also faster. The old 85mm wasn’t exactly slow, but when your bride is walking down the aisle or your couple is mid-spin on the dancefloor, you need a lens that locks focus instantly. Sony’s new XD Linear Motors (translation: autofocus magic) make this thing 1.9x faster than the original. And you can feel it. No more hunting. No more missing a fleeting expression because your lens is still deciding what to do. Just instant, accurate focus—every time.
And the sharpness? Ridiculous. Wide open at F1.4, it’s even sharper than its predecessor, with better contrast and edge-to-edge clarity. It still has that signature Sony GM look—creamy bokeh, perfect skin tones, dreamy subject separation—but now with even more detail where you want it.
Why the 85mm GM II is a Wedding Photographer’s Best Friend
There’s a reason 85mm F1.4 is a must-have focal length for weddings. It’s the ultimate portrait lens—close enough for intimate moments, but with just enough distance so you’re not right in your couple’s face during their vows.
📌 Where this lens shines on a wedding day:
Bridal portraits. Want instant editorial magic? Stick this on an A7 IV, shoot at F1.4, and watch your bride look like she belongs on the cover of Vogue.
Ceremonies. The perfect balance of close-up without being intrusive. You get all the emotion without stepping into the aisle like an overenthusiastic guest with an iPad.
Couple photos. The compression + bokeh means backgrounds melt away, and your couple pops—effortless cinematic magic.
Speeches. Long enough to get beautiful storytelling shots without blocking anyone’s view.
Dancefloor candids. Yes, it’s fast enough to handle low-light, wide-open moments without hunting like a lost puppy.
Basically, if you already love the 85mm focal length, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. And if you don’t already use an 85mm for weddings? First of all, why not? And second—now is the time.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Look, if you already own the original 85mm GM, the real question is—should you drop another £2K+ on the Mark II?
Here’s the deal:
✔️ If you shoot weddings regularly and rely on an 85mm? Yes. The weight reduction alone is a huge quality-of-life improvement, but when you add the faster AF and sharper optics, it’s a no-brainer.
✔️ If you loved the old 85mm but found it slow or heavy? This is what you’ve been waiting for.
✔️ If you’re happy with your current 85mm and don’t mind a bit of extra weight? You could keep it, but after trying the Mark II, good luck not wanting the upgrade.
The Sony 85mm F1.4 GM II is exactly what a next-gen lens should be—everything great about the original, but better, faster, and easier to shoot with. And for wedding photographers who need a lens that can handle every big moment, this? This is it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here adding to cart before I have time to second-guess my life choices.
