The following chart presents a comparison between two basic parameters of the Sony FE 85 mm f/1.4 GM II, its predecessor, and other 1.4/85 Sony FE mount models.
It's clear that the new model is noticeably smaller and lighter than the predecessor but still it lags behind the Sigma and the Samyang. Of course it would be difficult to outperform the last one as it is an optical construction with a smaller number of elements but the result of the duel with the Sigma is a kind of surprise. After all the Sigma is optically the most complex and yet its constructors are able to offer you distinctly smaller physical dimensions and the weight than that of the new Sony.
In the photo below the Sony FE 85 mm f/1.4 GM II is positioned between the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM and the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 2/65 Macro.
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The tested lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds a rear element, about 30 mm in diameter, that doesn't move and a contact plate. The element is situated almost on the same level as the contacts and around it you can find a black 33×26 mm frame. From this side everything looks as it should.
The proper body of the lens starts with a black, plastic ring with an increasing diameter as you move further from the mount. On that ring you can find a frame with an inscription 'FE 1.4/85 GM II', a white dot, making the alignment with a camera easier, the mount type (E-mount), the symbol of the lens, its serial number, and information about the country of production, this time Japan.
The next part is an aperture ring that moves every 1/3 EV step. It is 14 mm wide, and covered by ribbing. It works properly well. What's more, its classic mode, with the 1/3 EV intervals, can be changed into clickless, a feature that will please filmmakers for sure.
Another immobile ring features a Sony logo, the G series mark, a CLICK ON/OFF toggle that allows you to control the aperture ring, a focusing mechanism mode toggle AF/MF, and an IRIS LOCK toggle that allows you to block the aperture so it cannot be moved on the ring to the A position. You also get two aperture blocking buttons that are programmable from the camera menu level.
Then you find a manual focus ring, as wide as 24 mm, covered by rubber ribs that feel nice to the touch. The ring is a focus-by-wire construction and its focus throw amounts to about 130-140 degrees. That value depends weakly on how fast you turn it but is more than enough to ensure very precise settings. However, in case of such a fast aperture you should expect something closer to 180 deg.
Behind the ring you also find an immobile part of the barrel made of metal, with a red mark for a better alingment of the hood and a mount to attach that hood. Apart from that you see inscriptions stating the filter diameter and the minimum focusing distance, in this case 0.85m/2.79ft.
The front element is 62 mm in diameter, it doesn't move and is distinctly convex. It is surrounded by a part of the barrel with inscriptions stating the name of the lens, its minimum focusing distance, and a non-rotating filter thread, 77 mm in diameter.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 14 elements put in 11 groups and the producers weren't skimpy when it comes to elements made of special glass. There are two XA aspherical elements, and two made of low dispersion ED glass. Inside you can also find a round aperture with as many as 11 diaphragm blades; it can be closed down to a value of f/16 at the maximum. The producers also boast of using Nano AR Coating II.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, a hood, and a very solid and stylish hard case with a separate strap.
