Reading mode: Light Dark

FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens vrs FE 100mm f2.8 STF GM OSS

Go to last post
T

tcbarb

Well-known member
Messages
205
Solutions
1
Reaction score
44
I'm enjoying migrating to the A7IV from A77II A Mount. I have acquired the lenses I will use most frequently - 2 fast primes and 2 GM zooms. My interests are landscapes and travel, but of course there is always other opportunities that creep in.

I want a portrait lens and one that will create separation and is great at rendering bokeh (I am a snob unapologetically). For this purpose I kept my Minolta 85mm F1.4 (D) G lens and use with the LA-EA5 adapter as well as with my Minolta 100mm Macro. I must have had a weak moment when I purchased the FE 85mm F1.4 GM on eBay for $740 - a good price. I was excited upon opening the expertly wrapped package as it looked excellent as was advertised, then the big let down - it would not connect to my new camera. Couldn't twist it to lock it on. Perhaps it was dropped and the bayonet is slightly bent. So I digress.

Now, I am not totally disappointed as I like the bokeh of the Minolta which is noted for this, but I read comments on here, and have noticed before images taken with the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS lens. It seems to draw a lot of love from some and some dislike from others - seemingly to characterize it as a gimmicky lens. So I thought I would ask for some opinions on this before going ahead at some point and getting an FE 85 F1.4GM or taking a flyer on the FE 100mm STF.

My use would be totally portrait and single item images where separation and bokeh are desirable, say like the proverbial flower shots. Again, this is not going to get a lot of use, but desirable enough to have when I do have a purpose for it. I do not need both because of this. My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. And comparing the bokeh in similar situations won't be possible. Perhaps a good story for a comparison.

What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?

Many thanks...
 
tcbarb said:
I'm enjoying migrating to the A7IV from A77II A Mount. I have acquired the lenses I will use most frequently - 2 fast primes and 2 GM zooms. My interests are landscapes and travel, but of course there is always other opportunities that creep in.

I want a portrait lens and one that will create separation and is great at rendering bokeh (I am a snob unapologetically). For this purpose I kept my Minolta 85mm F1.4 (D) G lens and use with the LA-EA5 adapter as well as with my Minolta 100mm Macro. I must have had a weak moment when I purchased the FE 85mm F1.4 GM on eBay for $740 - a good price. I was excited upon opening the expertly wrapped package as it looked excellent as was advertised, then the big let down - it would not connect to my new camera. Couldn't twist it to lock it on. Perhaps it was dropped and the bayonet is slightly bent. So I digress.

Now, I am not totally disappointed as I like the bokeh of the Minolta which is noted for this, but I read comments on here, and have noticed before images taken with the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS lens. It seems to draw a lot of love from some and some dislike from others - seemingly to characterize it as a gimmicky lens. So I thought I would ask for some opinions on this before going ahead at some point and getting an FE 85 F1.4GM or taking a flyer on the FE 100mm STF.

My use would be totally portrait and single item images where separation and bokeh are desirable, say like the proverbial flower shots. Again, this is not going to get a lot of use, but desirable enough to have when I do have a purpose for it. I do not need both because of this. My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. And comparing the bokeh in similar situations won't be possible. Perhaps a good story for a comparison.

What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?

Many thanks...
Click to expand...
I can speak to my opinion and preference. I define a portrait composed from the waist up or full length. Head and shoulders is a headshot.

F stop alone does not create separation. As a consideration focal length and camera to subject distance. I can use a 70-200 2.8 zoom and get what I can get from an 85 mm.

Unless being critical is the end all then maybe it is different. I dont know as I am not a pixel photographer or a look at the corners photographer.

***

All said when it comes to focal length for portraits. I ask this question.

Is this for one person or more than one.

How much working distance will I have.

How big of a space am I working with

Do I need to set up artificial light. Do I need light modifiers and that stuff.

I used everything between 35 mm - 200 mm.

I never need to shoot at F 1.4. I will opt for longer focal length.
 
I am following you - distance, F stops, and considerations for a portrait image. My interest was in comparing the two lenses mentioned and in particular their handling of bokeh - once all these other things are taken into consideration. Ie: which of the 2 lenses would you use to take portraits and single subject shots if you can have only one lens and must shoot with one or the other and why ?

Thx
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Lan
tcbarb said:
My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?
Click to expand...
The 85mm will be a more predictable tool for the conventional portrait role you describe.The 85 FL will be a tad easier to live with too, I've often wished my STF was 85mm.
The STF's greatest strength is its obvious sharpness, which is perhaps NOT the most desirable property for portrait.
A lot of commentators are unaware of how It shines away from the STF zone, when used as a conventional 100mm lens. Amazing results, love mine.
Both lenses are well represented on Flickr, so a search there will yield a heap of samples for you.
FWIW.
If you choose to lean toward a "conventional" 85mm, it's well worth looking offbrand, as some of the recent entrants to the 70-85 class sound well worth a look before deciding.
--
Ron.
Volunteer, what could possibly go wrong ?
 
Thank you.
 
The 85 1.4 not only is much brighter than 2.8 but it also lets you focus a lot closer. The minimum focusing distance of the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is 0.85 meters (2.79 feet) for autofocus and 0.8 meters (2.63 feet) for manual focus.

70-200 mm 2.8 Minimum focus is 1.32 ft (0.4 m) at 70 mm.

So for outstanding portraits the 85 1.4 is the de facto standard. Either Sony, Nikon or Canon. 85 1.2 to 1.4.

--
Alfonso Bresciani
==================
www.alfonsobresciani.com

Pompo.com

Alfonso Bresciani is a New Orleans based unit still photographer member of the IATSE Local 600 (ICG) International Cinematographers Guild. Specializing in unit stills, portraits, props, panoramic translights.
www.alfonsobresciani.com www.alfonsobresciani.com
 
tcbarb said:
I'm enjoying migrating to the A7IV from A77II A Mount. I have acquired the lenses I will use most frequently - 2 fast primes and 2 GM zooms. My interests are landscapes and travel, but of course there is always other opportunities that creep in.

I want a portrait lens and one that will create separation and is great at rendering bokeh (I am a snob unapologetically). For this purpose I kept my Minolta 85mm F1.4 (D) G lens and use with the LA-EA5 adapter as well as with my Minolta 100mm Macro. I must have had a weak moment when I purchased the FE 85mm F1.4 GM on eBay for $740 - a good price. I was excited upon opening the expertly wrapped package as it looked excellent as was advertised, then the big let down - it would not connect to my new camera. Couldn't twist it to lock it on. Perhaps it was dropped and the bayonet is slightly bent. So I digress.

Now, I am not totally disappointed as I like the bokeh of the Minolta which is noted for this, but I read comments on here, and have noticed before images taken with the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS lens. It seems to draw a lot of love from some and some dislike from others - seemingly to characterize it as a gimmicky lens. So I thought I would ask for some opinions on this before going ahead at some point and getting an FE 85 F1.4GM or taking a flyer on the FE 100mm STF.

My use would be totally portrait and single item images where separation and bokeh are desirable, say like the proverbial flower shots. Again, this is not going to get a lot of use, but desirable enough to have when I do have a purpose for it. I do not need both because of this. My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. And comparing the bokeh in similar situations won't be possible. Perhaps a good story for a comparison.

What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?

Many thanks...
Click to expand...
I had both at one point and I like the Bokeh produced from the 85GM MUCH MUCH better, the 100 STF produced Bokeh looks like from Photoshop to my eyes.

But the AF performance of 85GM is just a painful experience.

85 GM II focus so much faster but I still like the Bokeh produced by the 85GM the best, among all E mount 85mm, I like it even better than my Zeiss 85 1.4 Milvus, Nikon 85 1.4G, Sigma 85 1.4 Art, Zeiss Loxia 85 2.4, yes, I still have those except the Sigma.

I now also have a Sirui Aurora 85 1.4, to me this lens has the Bokeh of the 85GM but with much better focusing than the GM 1, and it's dirt cheap, I even got it with $50 discount so it was like $449 USD, crazy performance to price ratio, so I got one myself, I no longer use Sony for portrait but for the price and performance of the Sirui, I don't mind to own one for the occasionally use.
 
Last edited:
Did you see this thread?

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/68332037

Not the 85 specifically, but has some examples of the STF against 'normal' lenses.

I absolutely love the STF lens - but it is a peculiar beast. In good light it has absolutely unique rendering that is very eye catching. I think it looks like some of the medium format lenses I have had. But it is very different to a fast prime like the 85 GM. You can get used examples very cheaply, and I think it is just about the most under-appreciated and most interesting lenses in the sony line up. Also has close focus, and outside of the STF range is a stunning 100mm lens without it's trick shot. But it needs more light, and is obviously not as versatile as a fast 85.

I think there is a great argument for picking a used one up cheap (they go for much less than they are worth) and pairing it with the 50 1.4, or 85 1.8 (or even a cheaper 3rd party 1.4 lens) - probably cost no more (or not much more) than an 85 GM and would give you a lot of looks and options. Have a look at the thread above. I probably have more examples somewhere, I'll see if I can find any from both the STF and the 85GM that are comparable for you. (I got rid of the 85 and kept the 100!)
 
Neither. Get the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II instead...
 
Yeh, I keep seeing notes that the AF of the 85 GM is slow, but that the Bokeh is stellar. Interesting and helpful you think the 85 GM bokeh is above ALL others. Since that is the driving element for me I should keep looking for the 85GM.

The Sirui Aurora 85 1.4 you mention is a completely new thing to me. I'll see if I can find it at BH or another major.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your notes, prior thread, and examples!

Looking back at your earlier post, I can say I remember reading it a few weeks ago; and it is what took me from wondering about the 100 STF to looking into it and making this post of mine. It truly has stellar huge separation and actually reminded me a little of those View masters with the circular slides when I was young. If separation had a limit this may be approaching it.
 
Last edited:
If you like the Minolta macro you might also want to consider the Sony 90mm Macro. It’s a”G” lens not a “GM” but that’s really only because it was released before the “GM” branding was introduced. If it came out today it would almost certainly be a “GM” lens. Also despite its age it’s still a really good lens. Really the only downsides are that it doesn’t have the newest AF motors so it isn’t as snappy as the newest lenses and it doesn’t have a lens mount gasket so it’s weather sealing isn’t as good as the modern lenses but it’s image quality is as good as any recent lens.
 
tcbarb said:
I'm enjoying migrating to the A7IV from A77II A Mount. I have acquired the lenses I will use most frequently - 2 fast primes and 2 GM zooms. My interests are landscapes and travel, but of course there is always other opportunities that creep in.

I want a portrait lens and one that will create separation and is great at rendering bokeh (I am a snob unapologetically). For this purpose I kept my Minolta 85mm F1.4 (D) G lens and use with the LA-EA5 adapter as well as with my Minolta 100mm Macro. I must have had a weak moment when I purchased the FE 85mm F1.4 GM on eBay for $740 - a good price. I was excited upon opening the expertly wrapped package as it looked excellent as was advertised, then the big let down - it would not connect to my new camera. Couldn't twist it to lock it on. Perhaps it was dropped and the bayonet is slightly bent. So I digress.

Now, I am not totally disappointed as I like the bokeh of the Minolta which is noted for this, but I read comments on here, and have noticed before images taken with the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS lens. It seems to draw a lot of love from some and some dislike from others - seemingly to characterize it as a gimmicky lens. So I thought I would ask for some opinions on this before going ahead at some point and getting an FE 85 F1.4GM or taking a flyer on the FE 100mm STF.

My use would be totally portrait and single item images where separation and bokeh are desirable, say like the proverbial flower shots. Again, this is not going to get a lot of use, but desirable enough to have when I do have a purpose for it. I do not need both because of this. My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. And comparing the bokeh in similar situations won't be possible. Perhaps a good story for a comparison.

What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?

Many thanks...
Click to expand...
I owned the original 85mm GM, and now the 85mm GM II, and I own the 100mm GM STF.

The 85mm GM (both original and II) will give you the separation you are looking for, minimal fuss. A good short telephoto prime.

The 100mm GM is a specialised lens with an annular element that "softens" the edges. It is nominally f/2.8, but lets through a lot less light (they rate it at T5.6). I wouldn't recommend it for general use. If you understand the STF principles, and want this as a specialised lens, go for it, but if you only have a couple of lenses, don't get this one - I regret getting it (it was one of the earlier GM lenses, released in 2017 - there weren't a lot of GM lenses then). There are a lot more GM lenses now.

Are you considering the original 85mm GM or the GM II? The original GM was a bit slow to focus - the GM II is much faster to focus, and sharper. But it's more expensive.
 
"the 100 STF produced Bokeh looks like from Photoshop to my eyes."

I think that's just because our brains are used to a certain (unrealistic) type of bokeh of the sort we see in photos. In real life, we don't see well-defined 'balls' of light in the distance, we see something closer to what the STF produces ... at least that's what I see when I intentionally blur my vision. It's much like the convention in movies of having everything look blue at night ... we're so used to that, that a different colour (or less blue) would look wrong to us.
 
I used my Minolta 100mm/2.8 macro a lot with my A77 and still use it with my A7RIV for macros. I used it for portraits with my A7RIV when I first purchased the camera. I bought a Rokinon 85/1.4 and used it for portraits for a while. When I found a great deal on the 100mm STF I bought it and never looked back. For me the 100mm STF is by far my favorite portrait lens. I really like the soft bokeh of the STF much better than the bubbly bokeh from standard lenses. Like mentioned above the soft STF bokeh is closer to what the human eye sees.
 
Thanks, confirming my thoughts.
 
Glad to hear from someone who has had all 3 of these lenses. You echo what I have been reading and hearing. I am leaning towards the Sony GM. I will get more out of that lens overall than with just the 100mm STF being more specialized. Portraits are less than 5% of my shooting.

I am pretty sure I will be happy with the 85 GM vrs the faster and sharper GMII as well. While the GMII is a bit faster and sharper concerning focus, this does not matter as significantly to me as the bokeh and separation are the driving thing, The 85 GM appears to have better or at least as good a bokeh as many relate. The savings in weight and price are extra as well. Many thanks for your post.
 
tcbarb said:
I'm enjoying migrating to the A7IV from A77II A Mount. I have acquired the lenses I will use most frequently - 2 fast primes and 2 GM zooms. My interests are landscapes and travel, but of course there is always other opportunities that creep in.

I want a portrait lens and one that will create separation and is great at rendering bokeh (I am a snob unapologetically). For this purpose I kept my Minolta 85mm F1.4 (D) G lens and use with the LA-EA5 adapter as well as with my Minolta 100mm Macro.
Click to expand...
These are really amazing lenses in their own separate ways.
tcbarb said:
I must have had a weak moment when I purchased the FE 85mm F1.4 GM on eBay for $740 - a good price. I was excited upon opening the expertly wrapped package as it looked excellent as was advertised, then the big let down - it would not connect to my new camera. Couldn't twist it to lock it on. Perhaps it was dropped and the bayonet is slightly bent. So I digress.

Now, I am not totally disappointed as I like the bokeh of the Minolta which is noted for this, but I read comments on here, and have noticed before images taken with the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS lens. It seems to draw a lot of love from some and some dislike from others - seemingly to characterize it as a gimmicky lens. So I thought I would ask for some opinions on this before going ahead at some point and getting an FE 85 F1.4GM or taking a flyer on the FE 100mm STF.
Click to expand...
I have bought the 35-150 samyang and feel it leaves little to be desired throughout the range. And that's visavis the 85 1.4, 100 2.8 or 135 2.8 primes. In order to best it you really need something like a 200 f2 or a medium format system imo.
tcbarb said:
My use would be totally portrait and single item images where separation and bokeh are desirable, say like the proverbial flower shots.
Click to expand...
Can't imagine your Minolta macro won't do a world class job.
tcbarb said:
Again, this is not going to get a lot of use, but desirable enough to have when I do have a purpose for it. I do not need both because of this. My intuition points me to the 85mm F1.4 as it may have slightly wider use, but I don't really know. And comparing the bokeh in similar situations won't be possible. Perhaps a good story for a comparison.
Click to expand...
I replaced the Minolta macro with a sony 90mm 2.8, but that is more for convenience, image quality wise, I might still prefer the Minolta.
tcbarb said:
What are thoughts about the FE85mm F1.4 GM and the FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS?

Many thanks...
Click to expand...
I would try out the samyang 35-150 and see if that pleases you, if not, send it back, and maybe get the 90mm macro.
 
It sometimes feels a little niche, especially when you realise how much light you are losing for the 'effect', but it can be a really magical look. Here's an image taken a few hours ago in the dying light with what was an unappealing background (a rundown shopping mall and a nondescript city street), but the lens creates some decent images:



2dc7916eb5824013b8b91eab6c7a56ba.jpg



7b25d69d687b44f6a42bd27a62394086.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ray_burnimage
100mm F2.8 GM OSS Macro - Take my money!
2
Replies
27
Views
89K
Ron Poelman
Ron Poelman
T
  • Question Question
Sony FE 16-35mm f4 Vario-Tessar T* ZA OSS Lens Vrs the Sony 16-35 GM F 2.8
2
Replies
29
Views
16K
tcbarb
T
T
Comparing a Minolta A mount 85mm F1.4 G lens to a Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens
Replies
14
Views
1K
tcbarb
T
Mathew Anderson
DPR Article: Sony 100mm F2.8 Macro GM sample gallery: now with teleconverter shots
Replies
0
Views
5K
Mathew Anderson
Mathew Anderson
A
  • Question Question
Sony 50mm f1.4 GM portrait upgrade
Replies
15
Views
5K
Impulses
I

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top