Is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 worth it over the f/1.4 GM?

For most portrait shooters, yes. The f/1.8 is much lighter and focuses quickly, and it is sharp wide open. The f/1.4 GM gives you more light, better edge sharpness and a sturdier build for a much higher outlay.

Does it work on APS-C Sony bodies?

Yes, it mounts on E-mount APS-C cameras, where it behaves like a 127.5mm equivalent, a tight short telephoto for portraits. On full frame it is the classic 85mm portrait length.

Does it have image stabilization?

No. The lens has no optical stabilization, so you rely on the camera's in-body stabilization. That is fine for portraits, where you usually keep shutter speeds up anyway.

Is the autofocus good for video?

Yes. The linear motor is quiet and smooth, and reviewers find it tracks well without audible focus noise in most shooting.

The lens, front and rear caps, a lens hood and a soft carrying pouch. It takes 67mm filters.

How close can it focus?

Minimum focus distance is about 0.8 m (2.6 ft), so it is made for portraits and mid-distance work rather than close-ups.

Where is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens cheapest?

At Walmart, for $648.00, as of our latest check.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens

Best price now

$648.00at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens

Best price now

$648.00at WalmartChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $648.00 at Walmart on Nov 11.

Our take on the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is a full-frame E-mount portrait prime with a fast f/1.8 aperture. It is small and light for an 85mm, with a linear autofocus motor that focuses quickly and quietly, and it renders smooth background blur for head-and-shoulder shots. Against Sony's own 85mm f/1.4 GM it gives up some light gathering and build, but it is far lighter and simpler to carry; against the cheaper third-party 85mm f/1.8 lenses it holds up on autofocus speed and edge sharpness. Owners rate it as one of the best value portrait lenses in the system.

Best forFull-frame Sony shooters doing portraitsEvent and wedding photographers who need quiet, fast focusTravel and walk-around shooters who want a light primeBeginners moving up from a kit zoom

Pros

Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light and shallow depth of field
Light and compact for an 85mm full-frame lens
Quick, quiet linear autofocus that works well for video
Sharp wide open in the center, with pleasing background blur
Customizable focus hold button and AF/MF switch on the barrel

Cons

Noticeable vignetting and some purple fringing wide open
Corners sharpen only after stopping down
No optical stabilization, so it relies on in-body stabilization
Plastic barrel feels less solid than Sony's G and GM lenses
Minimum focus distance is long, so it is not a close-up lens

Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by AVC Photo & Video SpecialtyReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$648.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

Reviewers and owners consistently call it the sensible 85mm for Sony full-frame: sharp, light and fast to focus for the money. The main complaints are vignetting and fringing at f/1.8 and a plasticky feel next to premium lenses.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedOwners say it is sharp wide open in the center and very sharp stopped down a little.
AutofocusPraisedReviewers report fast, quiet focus that tracks well and suits video.
Size and weightPraisedUsers like that it is light enough to carry all day on a full-frame body.
VignettingCriticisedShooters note darkened corners at f/1.8 that need correcting or stopping down.
FringingCriticisedPurple fringing shows on high-contrast edges wide open, per reviewers.
BuildMixedThe lens is solid enough, but owners say the plastic barrel feels less premium than G or GM glass.

About the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is a compact prime lens made for portrait photography on full-frame mirrorless cameras. Its 85mm focal length gives the compression typical of portrait lenses.

The fast f/1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light and produces smooth backgrounds. The lens also offers quick autofocus performance. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry through a full day of shooting.

It is suited to studio, event and outdoor portrait work.

Focal length: 85mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Lens type: Prime
Camera type: Full-frame mirrorless
Mount: Sony FE
Color: Black

Specifications

color: BlackSource

Questions and answers

Is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 worth it over the f/1.4 GM?: For most portrait shooters, yes. The f/1.8 is much lighter and focuses quickly, and it is sharp wide open. The f/1.4 GM gives you more light, better edge sharpness and a sturdier build for a much higher outlay.
Does it work on APS-C Sony bodies?: Yes, it mounts on E-mount APS-C cameras, where it behaves like a 127.5mm equivalent, a tight short telephoto for portraits. On full frame it is the classic 85mm portrait length.
Does it have image stabilization?: No. The lens has no optical stabilization, so you rely on the camera's in-body stabilization. That is fine for portraits, where you usually keep shutter speeds up anyway.
Is the autofocus good for video?: Yes. The linear motor is quiet and smooth, and reviewers find it tracks well without audible focus noise in most shooting.
What is in the box?: The lens, front and rear caps, a lens hood and a soft carrying pouch. It takes 67mm filters.
How close can it focus?: Minimum focus distance is about 0.8 m (2.6 ft), so it is made for portraits and mid-distance work rather than close-ups.
Where is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Portrait Prime Lens cheapest?: At Walmart, for $648.00, as of our latest check.