New Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master is portrait photographers' dream lens

Sony has announced a long-awaited addition to its G Master series of full-frame E-mount lenses. The Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 G Master is a full-frame, fast telephoto prime lens, and judging from sample photos – portrait photographers will love it thanks to its sharpness and creamy bokeh.

With the new FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens, Sony promises high resolution and fantastic bokeh. This bokeh results from an 11-bladed circular aperture mechanism and an XA element, refined with Sony’s latest bokeh simulation technologies. The lens is aimed primarily at professional portrait, wedding, and sports photographers, but also at various photo enthusiasts.

The new Sony lens has been equipped with four of Sony’s proprietary XD linear motors, which promise fast, reliable and quiet AF tracking and performance. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 0.7 meters and it has a maximum magnification of 0.25x.

Finally, the FE 135mm f/1.8 GM features a compact, lightweight body weighing in at 33.6 oz. Take a look at full specs below, and check out the sample images to see for yourself how it performs.

Performance
Focal Length	135mm
Aperture	Maximum: f/1.8 Minimum: f/22
Lens Mount	Sony E
Format Compatibility	35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Angle of View	18°
Minimum Focus Distance	2.3′ / 70 cm
Maximum Magnification	0.25x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio	1:4
Optical Design	13 Elements in 10 Groups
Diaphragm Blades	11, Rounded

Features
Image Stabilization	None
Autofocus	Yes

Physical
Filter Thread	Front: 82 mm
Dimensions (DxL)	3.52 x 5.00″ / 89.5 x 127 mm
Weight	2.09 lb / 950 g

The FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens is available for preorders at the price of $1,900, and it will ship in late April 2019. Judging from sample images, it really is sharp and creates gorgeous bokeh. But if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, the $1,400 Sigma 135mm f/1.8 Art also does a decent job for portraits.