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Sony

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Sony E Mount

The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Apr 2022

vs

Sony

FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

Sony E Mount

FE 85mm F1.4 GM II — 85mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Sep 2024

FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is 2.3 years newer.

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Wins

3categories

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

4categories

FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

PortraitSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II wins 3 categories·FE 85mm F1.4 GM II wins 2 categories
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • BFE 85mm F1.4 GM II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
  • BFE 85mm F1.4 GM II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 140 mm)

Key specs at a glance

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM IIFE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Focal Length24-70 mm85 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/1.4
MountSony ESony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight695 g642 g
Min Focus21 cm30 cm
Filter Size82 mm77 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM IIFE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Portrait
4.5Fair
9.5Excellent
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
4.5Fair
Landscape
7.0Good
4.0Fair
Travel
5.5Fair
3.5Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
3.5Limited
1.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

  • Special elements

    Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…

  • Min focus distance

    21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.32 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

  • Length

    120 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical, ED

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Diameter

    81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better

  • Weight

    642 g vs 695 g — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Control ring

Both support control ring

Custom function button

Both support custom function button

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
  • Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
  • Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
  • Excellent close-up magnification
  • De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons

Cons

  • No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
  • High launch price
  • Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked

FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

Pros

  • Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
  • Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and FE 85mm F1.4 GM II at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
85 mm
Focal length (Max)
70 mm
85 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/1.4+2 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/1.4+2 stops wider
Elements
20
14
Groups
15
11
Special elements
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED, 2 Super ED
Aspherical, ED
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Min focus distance
21 cm−9 cm less
30 cm
Max magnification
0.32 ×2.1× more
0.15 ×
Autofocus motor
4 XD Linear Motors
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Weight
695 g
642 g−53 g less
Length
120 mm−20 mm less
140 mm
Diameter
88 mm
81 mm−7 mm less
Filter thread size
82 mm
77 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
11
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.