Released this month for $1199 - Preorder from B&H PHoto (your use of my affiliate links greatly support the I do on photorec.tv. Thank you!)
Additional features Lens construction: 15 elements in 11 groups, with 5 SLDs and 1 aspherical lens Compatible with high-speed autofocus Compatible with lens-based optical correction *Only on camera models that support this functionality. Iris ring Iris ring click switch Iris ring lock switch *When turned ON at the position A, the iris ring is locked at A. When turned ON at a position other than A, it is locked within the range between the maximum to minimum apertures and will not engage at the position A. AFLbutton Focus Mode Switch Dust-and splash-proof Hood with lock Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system "A1" 11-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount "Made in Japan" craftsmanship
Sony 85mm Lens Choices -
Sony owners have lots of 85mm options - Why so many? 85mm is a fantastic portrait length for full-frame and a relatively easy lens to make so you have lower budget 3rd party companies adding their offerings to the mix.
f/1.8 vs f/1.4 - The difference in depth of field is negligible as is the difference in the light gathering. I would personally choose a good quality f/1.8 lens over a budget f/1.4 lens. If I was a full-time portrait photographer the Sony f/1.4 or the new Sigma f/1.4 would be my choice - they are going to be a little sharper at f/1.8 than the f/1.8 lenses.
Sony 85mm f/1.8 - $598 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 67 mm
Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.23" / 78 x 82 mm
Weight: 13.09 oz / 371 g
My Take: I own this lens and love it - not quite as sharp as the Sony 85mm f/1.4 or the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 but close enough and so nice and lightweight.
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens - $1798 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.52 x 4.23" // 89.5 x 107.5 mm
Weight 1.8 lb / 820 g
My Take: This is a dreamy lens - produces absolutely beautiful images.
NEW Sigma 85mm f/1.4 $1199 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Dimensions 3.26 x 3.78" // 82.8 x 96.1 mm
Weight 1.38 lb / 625 g
My Take: Sigma has done very well with updated versions of these popular lenses and I expect this new Sigma to perform really well and provide much of the same quality in a lighter package. It will likely be a little sharper than the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and control chromatic aberration better. And of course, it offers f/1.4 instead of f/1.8 but it costs twice as much and weighs twice as much. Depending on your needs the f/1.8 might be just fine.
The Original Sigma 85mm f/1.4 $1099 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size 86 mm
Dimensions 3.73 x 4.97" // 94.7 x 126.2 mm
Weight 2.49 lb / 1130 g
My Take: Fantastic quality but does not balance well with Sony a7 series cameras - it is quite front heavy.
Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE $437 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 72 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.15 x 3.67" // 80 x 93.2 mm
Weight: 1.42 lb / 645 g
My Take: I have not reviewed this lens but it has good reviews online and Tokina is well known for producing good value lenses. Looking for an affordable 85mm lens with AF - The Tokina will provide you. Pay a little more for the Sony 85mm f/1.8 and you get a noticeably lighter lens.
Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Sony E $599 Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 77 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.46 x 3.92" // 88 x 99.5 mm
Weight 1.25 lb / 568 g
My Take: Samy and Rokinon also produce good value lenses - they might be just a little less reliable with AF and suffer a bit more chromatic aberration but nothing terrible. If you are after an f/1.4 lens and on a budget, this is your best option.
Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 FE II $399 - Buy from B&H Photo
Filter Size: 72 mm
Front Dimensions (ø x L) 3.15 x 3.62" // 80 x 92 mm
Weight 1.06 lb / 484 g
My Take: I have this lens in for review - it provides decent image quality and is very budget-friendly. No Af/Mf switch