I have to say, the focusing scale (for reading the hyperfocal distance) is something I really miss having on my mirrorless lenses. You don't need it very often, but when you do it's invaluable in my opinion.
I own this lens since 2017, actually this is my favorite lens for some unsure reasons. It was little bit slow focusing on my old Sony A72, but it flies with A73 if I set to AF-C.
@@mvabiv Since the third generation Sony bodies, I've noticed I don't change back to AF-S anymore. Especially with back-button autofocus enabled, there's little reason to do so anymore. Well, just one: to enable contrast-AF in 1:1 enlarged view.
The lens can also display the focus distance when using AF - and this is actually very handy as can be used as a distance meter of sorts when doing location scout work, ive adopted the 25mm for this purpose as i can quickly tell the size (almost exactly) of any given room or space
I own this lens and I love it. I use it as a 135mm equivalent on my Sony APS-C bodies, including and especially the ones without IBIS. It is extraordinary sharp and has those great Zeiss colors and contrast. It is sufficiently compact to balance well with my APS-C camera bodies. My only criticism is that I find its bokeh to be very busy - not smooth at all. Still, it is perfect for my use at indoor concerts and outdoor portraits. I highly recommend it, despite the high cost.
This was the extremely rare case of Zeiss caving in and adding in-lens stabilization as appropriate at this long focal length. Sony has mostly abandoned including that feature (to a chorus of grumpy stills photographers who think it compromises image quality), even though its cinema cameras lack IBIS. It's one of the biggest cost-cutting, greedy scams in the lens manufacturing biz. This is my go-to lens for portraits and interviews.
Aren't cinema cameras usually on tripods or gimbals? (Yes, I do know it's useful to have IBIS for entirely handheld video and having the option to turn it off, which is why I care as much as I do about it outside of using vintage lenses for stills.)
@@RealRaynedance Less than half the time these days in the most revered "indie" films and even big-budgeted films. Although it's in decline, we've all been cursed with a hipster/slacker/woke aesthetic that sloppy = cool and diverse. Image stabilization at least lessens the pain of that style to vomit-averse levels.
Very nice review as always Chris! I wish we could see a comparison with the Sony 85 1.8 half the price of this luxury lens or the higher priced 1.4 GM lens! Hopefully those lovely GM primes appear on your great reviews soon
Great review Chris. I've owned this lens for three years and I just adore it. I have a much more modern AF Samyang 50/1.4, but this lens is just better in every way. I love the OLED DoF scale, finding it so useful for close-up work. I love the integrated shape of the hood, and would contradict you somewhat in that I feel it should be a permanent fixture on this lens. I too use it on my A7RII and it's my go-to lens; light, fast, sharp, stabilised, swoopy looking. My previous 85/1.8 was the Canon, and I was BLOWNAWAY when I first saw what this Batis can do. When feeding the 42.4 mp sensor you can treat it like a zoom back in Photoshop, cropping into images in an unbelievable way.
I long suspected that technology have left these Zeiss lenses behind. I have seen videos where the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 tested better than this Zeiss. Fascinating that Zeiss still maintains their original asking price.
@@tigerheaddude yes and a Pinhole also takes pictures. But once you want an enclosure and lens mount , you pay more. That is my point, you’re paying for good performance and extra tech.
The Batis line is focused in video. That is why it has large ring and fly by wire avoiding reaching a limit and shaking the camera. At movies it is normal to use manual focus. Also the ultra wide ones the led showing complete DOF information is fantastic for astrophotography
There's also the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 FE which I own and is good enough for me. Here in Canada it's 1/3 the price of the Zeiss although without the pedigree of course.
Given the almost obscenely high prices of these lens, which are almost promoted as top of the list mainstream, as opposed to Leica, it would be very interested to know how many units of each lens Zeiss Batis actually sell. Unlike Leica, am not sure "who/what" Zeiss actually is. They allow so many of the Sony apsc system lens to bear a combination of the Zeiss & Sony names, that I am never sure what input Zeiss actually have in relation to these lens? Any hard knowledge out there?
@@lyaxedm1825 Perhaps, but it is quite convenient for a few occasions: 1. Good DOF for 'macro' photography (which the lens is somewhat suited for with the closer than average focusing distance) 2. Spontaneous long exposures (f/22 for when you're not carrying ND filters with you)
Chris, what are those dark grey rectangular things (look like stickers of some sort?) that I keep seeing on lenses in your reviews? I've never noticed them anywhere else and tryig to work out what they are is puzzling me! P.s. great video - looks like a fabulous lens; the portrait shots have beautiful punch and contrast.
Hi, my partner and I love your reviews and always look out for your 'highly recommended ' recommendations. I wondered if you could look at the Fuji 10-24mm. They have brought out an updated version and I'm wondering if it would still be a good idea to buy the earlier (and cheaper) version? Very best wishes, Charles
And the 20 and 35 GM, we rlly need his reviews lol, the 17364629 videos that came out yesterday on the 35mm f/1.4 GM are nowhere near as good as Chris’s reviews
I was seriously contemplating between this lens and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 but ultimately went towards Sony because of the cost. Although this is still a leans I hopefully can have in my collection
I had the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 for less then a year and got the chance to trade it in towards the Zeiss (used in excellent condition with a box), where I paid in $150. On my A7R3, it’s extremely sharp (sharper wide open then the Sony), feels more solid then the Sony and has image stabilisation. However, I felt that the Sony focused faster and eye focus was a bit more effective on the Sony. I wouldn’t say it’s worth double the price, but in my case upgrading to it was a no-brainer.
If you don’t mind manual lenses, there’s an Opteka 85mm 1.8 that used to be about US$100. I have it and love it. Super-creamy bokeh, if that matters. No chromatic aberration that I’ve noticed, nor any coma in astro shots. It’s almost unbelievable when I think about it against my Zeiss, Sony, Voigtlander glass. Shit. I gotta go shoot it.
See comparisons. Samyang falls way behind at corner IQ. Also, that’s what you should expect for any ‘premium’ alternatives - to spend 3 times money for 20% improvement..
The difference is negligible, especially since the corners will be out of focus in every photo anyway. The most important thing is that Samyang doesn't have CA issues. If you compare it to the Batis, yes - batis is really sharp but has a very slight purple fringing in the center, where it actually matters. Also for the price of Batis you can get the newest small Sigma 85/1.4 which is in completely different league.
@@Eihei No Samyang has its weaknesses. I personally own a 35mm f1.4 Samyang. Its AF frequently freezes which is quite annoying; it cannot stay focused at AF-C mode. Tbh I wouldn’t buy another Samyang based on these unpleasant experiences...
Whatever the imaging qualities of this lens, it's ultra high cost, compared to numerous other high quality 85mm lens simply means that I will look elsewhere.
Hey I love your page and your reviews on lenses are very on point. I was wondering if you could review or are going to eventually review the Nikon 14-30 F4 and Nikon 24-200 F4-6.3.
Way too EXPENSIVE for a single Sony lens... You can buy a very nice DSLR Entry Digital Camera with the same amount of money -lens and some extra gadgets included.
@@lorenzogattaldo3764 As a consequence it has a very nice colours rendition .It is also a fantastic lens on APS-C . Batis lenses are a bit overpriced. I buy them as second end.
@@marcellperina the 50mm also has the luxary of competing against few alternatives. Of the autofocus FE 50mm 1.4s, you've got: -An older samyang with bad AF -Sigma ART very good but massive and AF optimized for SLR (I own this) Wow. I can't think of any more. I might be missing some but even I thought that list was longer when I started it.
I have to say, the focusing scale (for reading the hyperfocal distance) is something I really miss having on my mirrorless lenses. You don't need it very often, but when you do it's invaluable in my opinion.
Especially the numbers instead of ambiguous markings :)
I own this lens since 2017, actually this is my favorite lens for some unsure reasons. It was little bit slow focusing on my old Sony A72, but it flies with A73 if I set to AF-C.
Good to know. Ty
@@mvabiv Since the third generation Sony bodies, I've noticed I don't change back to AF-S anymore. Especially with back-button autofocus enabled, there's little reason to do so anymore. Well, just one: to enable contrast-AF in 1:1 enlarged view.
I just got this lense today to pair with my A7iv so hope it flies too
The lens can also display the focus distance when using AF - and this is actually very handy as can be used as a distance meter of sorts when doing location scout work, ive adopted the 25mm for this purpose as i can quickly tell the size (almost exactly) of any given room or space
i have been waiting for this one! thank you! ( ihave the batis 25 and i am very satisfied by tis af speed and rendering
I own this lens and I love it. I use it as a 135mm equivalent on my Sony APS-C bodies, including and especially the ones without IBIS. It is extraordinary sharp and has those great Zeiss colors and contrast. It is sufficiently compact to balance well with my APS-C camera bodies. My only criticism is that I find its bokeh to be very busy - not smooth at all. Still, it is perfect for my use at indoor concerts and outdoor portraits. I highly recommend it, despite the high cost.
Optical stabilization "on" and "off" are swapped.
@Kobe Davian and what the *uch has that to do with my comment?
This was the extremely rare case of Zeiss caving in and adding in-lens stabilization as appropriate at this long focal length. Sony has mostly abandoned including that feature (to a chorus of grumpy stills photographers who think it compromises image quality), even though its cinema cameras lack IBIS. It's one of the biggest cost-cutting, greedy scams in the lens manufacturing biz. This is my go-to lens for portraits and interviews.
Aren't cinema cameras usually on tripods or gimbals? (Yes, I do know it's useful to have IBIS for entirely handheld video and having the option to turn it off, which is why I care as much as I do about it outside of using vintage lenses for stills.)
@@RealRaynedance Less than half the time these days in the most revered "indie" films and even big-budgeted films. Although it's in decline, we've all been cursed with a hipster/slacker/woke aesthetic that sloppy = cool and diverse. Image stabilization at least lessens the pain of that style to vomit-averse levels.
@@focuspulling Fair reasoning.
You don’t need to watch this video. JUST GO BUY THIS LENS! This is the best lens I’ve ever bought!
It's good. Just not price competitive.
Great review as always... Loved it..
I love the classic Carl Zeiss all metal lens
Very nice review as always Chris! I wish we could see a comparison with the Sony 85 1.8 half the price of this luxury lens or the higher priced 1.4 GM lens! Hopefully those lovely GM primes appear on your great reviews soon
Thank you for this video. Just noticed the subtitle at 01:30 should have read OIS 'OFF' and at 01:35 OIS 'ON'. I love this lens.
It is now £755 on Amazon UK. The Batis 25mm is £699 on Amazon UK. Are they the best at that price point?
this or the sigma 85mm f1.4 dg dn?
I hat some massiv focus issues with the sigma Art dg dn 85mm. With the Batis 100% of the shots are focus and sharp
Great review Chris. I've owned this lens for three years and I just adore it. I have a much more modern AF Samyang 50/1.4, but this lens is just better in every way.
I love the OLED DoF scale, finding it so useful for close-up work. I love the integrated shape of the hood, and would contradict you somewhat in that I feel it should be a permanent fixture on this lens.
I too use it on my A7RII and it's my go-to lens; light, fast, sharp, stabilised, swoopy looking. My previous 85/1.8 was the Canon, and I was BLOWNAWAY when I first saw what this Batis can do. When feeding the 42.4 mp sensor you can treat it like a zoom back in Photoshop, cropping into images in an unbelievable way.
I long suspected that technology have left these Zeiss lenses behind. I have seen videos where the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 tested better than this Zeiss. Fascinating that Zeiss still maintains their original asking price.
OSS, weather sealing & T* coating costs extra, as well as the OLED screen. The price doesn't seem that strange to me for a premium feeling product.
@@HesselFolkertsma true, but the main purpose of a lens is the picture it takes, and as things stand now, it's falling behind a bit
@@tigerheaddude yes and a Pinhole also takes pictures. But once you want an enclosure and lens mount , you pay more. That is my point, you’re paying for good performance and extra tech.
When you getting the GM35 for reviewing? I ordered but still would be nice to see your take on it :)
Happy New Year Chris, thanks for another great review
The Batis line is focused in video. That is why it has large ring and fly by wire avoiding reaching a limit and shaking the camera. At movies it is normal to use manual focus. Also the ultra wide ones the led showing complete DOF information is fantastic for astrophotography
Not very good at video since it focus breaths a lot.
There's also the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 FE which I own and is good enough for me. Here in Canada it's 1/3 the price of the Zeiss although without the pedigree of course.
Given the almost obscenely high prices of these lens, which are almost promoted as top of the list mainstream, as opposed to Leica, it would be very interested to know how many units of each lens Zeiss Batis actually sell.
Unlike Leica, am not sure "who/what" Zeiss actually is.
They allow so many of the Sony apsc system lens to bear a combination of the Zeiss & Sony names, that I am never sure what input Zeiss actually have in relation to these lens?
Any hard knowledge out there?
good to see you again!
That's a pretty impressive low aperture (f/16, f/22) performance.
Yes but nobody is going to shoot in those apertures with that lens
@@lyaxedm1825 Perhaps, but it is quite convenient for a few occasions:
1. Good DOF for 'macro' photography (which the lens is somewhat suited for with the closer than average focusing distance)
2. Spontaneous long exposures (f/22 for when you're not carrying ND filters with you)
@@elise3455 0.8m for minimum focusing distance is nowhere near useful for macro tho
@@lyaxedm1825 Note the quotation marks. Macro-esque photos.
You should review old lenses from the 70s and 80s at some point, like the Canon FDs, Olympus F.Zuiko, Nikon and Pentax. It could be fun!
Chris, what are those dark grey rectangular things (look like stickers of some sort?) that I keep seeing on lenses in your reviews? I've never noticed them anywhere else and tryig to work out what they are is puzzling me!
P.s. great video - looks like a fabulous lens; the portrait shots have beautiful punch and contrast.
They cover up the lens hire company's logo stickers
@@christopherfrost Ah, and here I was thinking you just had a vast library of lenses to play with!
Haha, absolutely not! I'd need to be a much richer man hehe
Do I need this lens if I own Sigma 100mm dg dn macro?
Literally just been looking at this lens!
Please review the tamron 28-200mm
Hi, curious if you had any plans to review Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 50mm f/2?
Maybe one day
How about batis 40 f2 cf?
Would you recommend the Batis primes over the G master?
This one for price and size convinience. At least for myself.
Thank you for this review
I would prefer this lens over sigma 85/1.4
Why??
@@JamesClark1991 maybe for lovely Zeiss colors which are kindda unique
@@networm64 😂😂🤦🏻♂️
@@JamesClark1991 lol I didn't mean to be sarcastic, watch Dustin Abbot's reviews of Batis lenses
Hi, my partner and I love your reviews and always look out for your 'highly recommended ' recommendations.
I wondered if you could look at the Fuji 10-24mm. They have brought out an updated version and I'm wondering if it would still be a good idea to buy the earlier (and cheaper) version?
Very best wishes, Charles
Please 24mm f1.4 GM!
And the 20 and 35 GM, we rlly need his reviews lol, the 17364629 videos that came out yesterday on the 35mm f/1.4 GM are nowhere near as good as Chris’s reviews
Would you please try next time zeiss 40mm f2 ❤️❤️❤️
I personally found this lens to be excellent.
One day, yes
I was seriously contemplating between this lens and the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 but ultimately went towards Sony because of the cost. Although this is still a leans I hopefully can have in my collection
I use the Sony 85mm 1.8 .for half the Price. Do you think that the Zeiss BATIS is better ?
I had the Sony FE 85mm f1.8 for less then a year and got the chance to trade it in towards the Zeiss (used in excellent condition with a box), where I paid in $150. On my A7R3, it’s extremely sharp (sharper wide open then the Sony), feels more solid then the Sony and has image stabilisation. However, I felt that the Sony focused faster and eye focus was a bit more effective on the Sony. I wouldn’t say it’s worth double the price, but in my case upgrading to it was a no-brainer.
Great video very informative! There was purple fringing in the center wide open but you didn't indicate that.
Christopher the best
If you don’t mind manual lenses, there’s an Opteka 85mm 1.8 that used to be about US$100. I have it and love it. Super-creamy bokeh, if that matters. No chromatic aberration that I’ve noticed, nor any coma in astro shots.
It’s almost unbelievable when I think about it against my Zeiss, Sony, Voigtlander glass.
Shit. I gotta go shoot it.
It's good, but considering it's pretty much twice the price of Samyang 85/1.4 it simply doesn't make sense.
See comparisons. Samyang falls way behind at corner IQ. Also, that’s what you should expect for any ‘premium’ alternatives - to spend 3 times money for 20% improvement..
The difference is negligible, especially since the corners will be out of focus in every photo anyway. The most important thing is that Samyang doesn't have CA issues. If you compare it to the Batis, yes - batis is really sharp but has a very slight purple fringing in the center, where it actually matters. Also for the price of Batis you can get the newest small Sigma 85/1.4 which is in completely different league.
@@Eihei No Samyang has its weaknesses. I personally own a 35mm f1.4 Samyang. Its AF frequently freezes which is quite annoying; it cannot stay focused at AF-C mode.
Tbh I wouldn’t buy another Samyang based on these unpleasant experiences...
@@bikingmoments 35mm is one of there first af lenses. 85mm is native like autofocus
@@DQmanglocQ yep. 85mm is actually more reliable than Sony GM.
Whatever the imaging qualities of this lens, it's ultra high cost, compared to numerous other high quality 85mm lens simply means that I will look elsewhere.
Hey I love your page and your reviews on lenses are very on point. I was wondering if you could review or are going to eventually review the Nikon 14-30 F4 and Nikon 24-200 F4-6.3.
U r biased, didn't mention the purple fringing....
Way too EXPENSIVE for a single Sony lens...
You can buy a very nice DSLR Entry Digital Camera with the same amount of money -lens and some extra gadgets included.
Now please test the Sony FE 85 1.8. It is better than the Batis in my opinion and I've had both. Cheaper new than Batis used.
I already have. I found the Batis to be very slightly sharper (I think)
@@christopherfrost The Batis is sharper and shows punchier contrast indeed, even more so at close range. Moreover it has better control of CA.
@@lorenzogattaldo3764 As a consequence it has a very nice colours rendition .It is also a fantastic lens on APS-C . Batis lenses are a bit overpriced. I buy them as second end.
Oh, no! First again! Taking the 🍒.
I don't know how you do it! :-)
Zeiss= relying on their name recognition and an attractive exterior to sell overpriced lenses that are just average
The 50mm begs to differ but i agree on this particular lens, the sony fe and samyang variants just make this lense obsolete and overpriced
@@marcellperina the 50mm also has the luxary of competing against few alternatives. Of the autofocus FE 50mm 1.4s, you've got:
-An older samyang with bad AF
-Sigma ART very good but massive and AF optimized for SLR (I own this)
Wow. I can't think of any more. I might be missing some but even I thought that list was longer when I started it.
Tell me why you praise these Sigma lenses so much, very often they are not as good as you say about them
Can you refrain from advertising Sigma lenses every time !