Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-24mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is $1,699, $100 under the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G or the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-24mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II?
Choose the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II?
Aperture: the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-24mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 122° – 84° | 28.5° – 28.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DDSSM | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 28 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,799 |
| Filter Size | − | 77mm |
| Diameter | 87.1mm | 84.7mm |
| Length | 117.4mm | 107.3mm |
| Weight | 565g (1.25 lb) | 642g (1.42 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
