Hands on with the Sony G Master 135 1.8

As many of you probably know, I’m a sucker for a prime lens. I’ll often carry up to seven on a shoot. When Sony announced the new 135 GM, this was probably the most exciting release for me so far this year. I do love my GM 70-200 2.8 but often I miss shooting at an even wider aperture.

Product image, shot on Sony A7Riii.

Over the past six weeks with the lens, I have travelled to South Africa, Namibia, Indonesia and Scotland. Upon checking my image selection, this has surprisingly been the most used from my kit bag with the 85 GM coming in shortly behind.

This lens provides me with the opportunity to capture objects in the distance, while still maintaining that perfect bokeh that I’ve grown familiar with from a shorter lens. You could say this lens is a commercial photographers dream.

Sumba, Indonesia. Shot on Sony A7Riii @ F1.8 - 1/2000 second - 50 ISO.

Indonesia. Shot on Sony A7Riii @ F2.0 - 1/3200 second - 50 ISO.

I’ve used the lens mainly for landscape/ wildlife images and also a selection of commercial shoots. With it being part of the G Master range, you get everything you’d usually expect. Exceptional quality, creamy bokeh, ridiculous sharpness and proper weather sealing. I can vouch for the weather sealing as Scotland has some of the best rain out there!

Puffin shot on Staff Island, Scotland: Sony A7Riii @ F1.8 - 1/4000 second - 100 ISO.

We tested the autofocus on penguins and puffins, neither of which is the fasting moving creature! The focus was smooth, fast and silent. With some of the creamiest bokeh, I’ve seen. The 70-200 is fantastic, but this is another type of beast.

Sossusvlei, Namibia. Jack using the Sony A7Riii with 135 GM.

Deadvlei, Namibia. Sony A7Riii @ F1.8 - 1/4000 second - 50 ISO.

The body is a magnesium alloy that feels just like it should. There's not too much to say about this.

Image showing the 135 GM, Shot on Sony A7Riii.

It feels sturdy on the A7Riii, and I expected the lens to weigh more due to the performance, focal length and aperture. I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of it on the body. It does not feel too overpowering and is only 130g heavier than the 85 GM. A little more than a chocolate bar indifference.

If you enjoy capturing objects close to you, then you can use this with a minimum focusing distance of .70 meters, the results can be quite impressive!

Rattray Head, Scotland. Sony A7Riii @ F1.8 - 1/800 second - 50 ISO.

Cape Town, South Africa. Sony A7Riii @ F1.8 - 1/4000 second - 100 ISO.

I spent a lot of the time shooting at 1.8 which you’ll see in the ARW selection which I’ve added a link to at the bottom. The lens is sharp as hell, I was blown away every time using it, which is why it stayed on the camera for most of the last six weeks.

Going forward, I’ll be using this lens for a variety of projects, which will be anything from shooting landscapes, portraits to lifestyle and commercial shoots with brands. The lens offers me so much for any photoshoot I'm doing and will be staying in my camera bag for every trip.

Don’t forget to check out the upcoming Sony Scotland autumn photography workshop. You’ll get the opportunity to get your hands on this lens along with a selection of the very best Sony equipment. More information here.

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