The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 108mm. The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC with a length of 91mm, is 17mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM also has a larger diameter of 90mm compared to the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's 85mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC weighs 700g, which means it is 120g (14%) lighter than the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM which has a weight of 820g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM:
Lens Mounts
The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount and Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount.
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM's widest aperture value is
F1.4.
