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Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM wins by 4
Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM — Prime/Zoom
Sony

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $1,498
Specdex verdict

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G lands at 88 and Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM at 92. That puts Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM leads on sharpness (92 vs 88).

Build

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM leads on af (90 vs 84).

Value for money

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM more score per dollar ($1,498 vs $1,599).

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 88
vs
92 Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86
Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM
92
sharpness 92
af 90
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G versus Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G vs Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM? +

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $1,599, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Is Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM worth the price? +

At $1,498, Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM? +

Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM — leads on sharpness (92 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM? +

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.