The original 85mm GM lens has been my absolute favourite lens since the beginning of my work as a wedding photographer. I’ve always worked with two cameras and two different focal lengths, but the 85mm is the one I reach for the most. I use it especially as the bride is getting ready, for detail shots, bridal portraits, the couple shoot, or during the ceremony to photograph the guests. The latter provides me with a good opportunity to capture the guests in a candid manner, in moments when they feel unobserved. In my opinion, this results in honest and genuine photos of my couples' loved ones.

I was very excited to have the privilege of testing the new second-generation FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens. Immediately upon unboxing, I noticed how light the lens was compared to the first generation. Because I carry two cameras and two lenses for 10-12 hours, this places a great strain on my shoulders and back and I'm very grateful for every gram less in weight! In addition to the weight loss, the lens is also smaller than its predecessor and is now much more manageable, feeling better in the hand and balanced with the camera.

As expected from Sony G Master lenses, it is bitingly sharp, and one functional innovation immediately caught my eye: there is now a second focus hold button. I tested the new lens with both the Alpha 7R V in the studio and with the Alpha 9 III with one of my wedding couples. I love candid photos in motion, often focusing on in-between shots, fluttering dresses, and dreamy light shining through the brides' dresses.

I found the combination of the 85mm f/1.4 GM II and the Alpha 9 III to be perfect for me and every shot was a hit! The Alpha 9 III can indeed capture 120 photos per second, as confirmed by my test. For my workflow, 20-30 photos per second are quite sufficient to get the perfect shot, otherwise, I don't have enough time to select all the photos during post-processing. Every little change is crucial, whether it’s the facial expression, the look of the moving dress or flying hair, the lighting situation, and the pose.

It's wonderful to have the selection for the perfect photo and to focus much better on the subject because the technology works so precisely. This combination is now an absolute must-have in my workflow.

What was immediately apparent was how much faster the AF is compared to the original 85mm. The speed is outstanding, giving me even more control over how a picture should turn out, allowing me to be creatively free. Burst shots and relying on the technology are particularly important for special, non-repeatable moments like the couple's exit after the ceremony or the ring exchange.

I bear a great responsibility to capture these moments. During the couple's exit, which only takes a few seconds, I must focus on many small details. Usually, I walk quickly backward in front of the couple, keeping in mind that I can't see what’s behind me, perhaps a curb or a road. I’m always very focused on the couple, communicating with them and the guests, keeping the camera steady, and of course, framing the shot.

It’s a great relief to rely on the eye AF to work perfectly during these burst shots. In my field, it's about storytelling and capturing special moments that cannot be missed. This lens makes my job easier. Now imagine photographing a wedding and finding out in post-processing that not a single photo is blurry. What an innovation!

A quick technical aside: during sunset shots, I noticed that the colour fringing in the bokeh circles is suppressed, creating a uniform and soft look, and it doesn’t appear as blurred; perfect for perfectionists like me.

Shooting with the Sony Alpha 7R V was also thrilling during the portrait sessions. I am amazed by the soft bokeh and the sharpness in the subject, down to the tips of their eyelashes. During the editing phase, there were a few happy dances when I realised that every shot was perfectly focussed.

However, I had to keep these special moments to myself, which were the hardest moments during post-processing. I would have loved to call all my photography friends and tell them about it, but such is the nature of being able to test equipment before its launched, I had to keep it to myself.