I can't imagine a better and more detailed review. I also appreciate that there is a "Final Verdict" which shows that you have thought this through, lived and worked with it rather than had a 2 day romance and are all positives :) Cheers
Thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking to get this lens too. Do you also use 35 and 50 mm lenses? I'm thinking to replace both focal lengths with this one and I hope it works...
Hi Dustin, I've just seen all your videos about the Zeiss 40mm. Thank you for your job. I appreciated your style, I didn't know your channel and I subscribed immediately. ;)
Hi Dustin, really love your videos. After watching this I really had my heart set on the Batis 40mm to sit in between my 24mm and 85mm primes, however I have just seen the Samyang 45mm review and now I'm not so certain... Is the Batis worth the extra money? Any other worthy contenders or suggestions? Thanks in advance
I'm thinking to get this lens to replace my Sony FE 50 1.8. Don't get me wrong. That's a nice little lens with excellent quality for its price but the smoother AF of the Zeiss and its close focus abilities gave convinced me to upgrade. Plus I guess 40 mm are really the sweet spot in the focal range on FF to get a very natural human-eye-like field of view out of a normal lens.
Hi Dustin, great video as usual! I'd like to know which lens should I get as a first autofocus lens for my A7 III for music videos? I've narrowed to those lenses : Zeiss Batis 40 f2, Samyang 45 f1.8, Zeiss 55 f1.8 or Tamron 27-70 f2.8? I have a lot of manual focus but it's a pain to use with focus motor on my gimbal.
Hi @dustin - 5 years on and available on the cheap, how does it hold up to some of the other similar options, Sony 35m1.8 etc? Any thoughts looking back?
It's been so long since I've reviewed it that I don't have great confidence in making too many broad strokes. I would say that optically it holds up. Probably autofocus would be the weakest link due to some other newer lenses.
I was wondering if you can do a comparison of the high-end lenses of wide, normal, and telephoto and a comparison of the third party manufacturers of the normal lenses- specifically in what lens fit the category of "to go," video, portrait/product? That is a big, huge request. I have found a good forum in the DPreview about the Voigtlander lenses so I can study on, just asking..
Hi Dustin, I have a Tamron 28-75 which I love a lot. I've started doing handheld videos and I'm wondering if the Zeiss 40mm would be a great improvement on Sony A7iii body from stabilisation point of view? Sharpness of Tamron should be even better. Thanks.
Hi Dustin, I love your reviews. I've gone down the rabbit hole of searching for 3d pop and would you say the Batis 40mm 2.0 has the traditional Zeiss pop? There's something really magical about an image with real depth and I'm struggling to find a decent autofocusing lens for Sony that delivers the character and depth of older high quality lenses.
I must say, after finally grabbing the Batis 85 to compliment my Sony 35 1.4, I’ve started seriously considering exchanging the 35 for the 40. None of my local stores have the 40 in to demo, so. *chuckles* 1. There’ve been reports that the aperture reduction has become less significant with a firmware update. Was this video posted before or after that update? (Apologies, if I should know this.) 2. Obviously, I am very much looking forward to your Sony 35 1.4 review. 🙂
Thank you for your review of the Batis 40MM F2. Because of your review, I'm considering purchasing this lens for an all-around general-purpose video lens in 4K. I have two questions for you. One, at 15:29 you have this special stand holding up a camera. Can you provide a link of that stand? Second, that mic on your shirt is wireless to your camera or do you have a real long wire of some sort. I too am looking for a mic. Lastly, I subscribed. I wrote to another photographer on UA-cam who he too talked about this particular lens and well, I guess he has no time for me and decided to blow me off. In short, if it wasn't for your in-depth review no I would not consider this lens for 4K video. Thanks and keep up the good work.
That's actually not a stand, it's a gimbal for doing video on (Moza Air - bhpho.to/2zBihxO). The mic I use regularly is the Rode SmartLav+ bhpho.to/2xEpk5m
The Planar has a little more punch and is sharper at similar wide apertures, but the Batis is obviously much lighter and has the close focus advantage.
Hi Dustin, there really is a plethora of choices at this 35-50mm focal length... The Sony/ Zeiss 35mm f1.4, which apparently suffers fro major sample variation, but looks gorgeous, the Sony/ Zeiss 50mm f1.4, which looks simply magical, the 55mm f1.8, which has become a classic, and now the Sigma 35mm f1.2, a real technical marvel... I'm shooting video primarily, on the new Sony FX-9, which has amazing autofocus technology for moving images. Can you offer any guidance? This 40mm seem like a really useful focal length for documentary work, I've always felt 50mm is actually a little more telephoto than what I am seeing naturally... Are the relatively old 35mm and 50mm Zeiss lenses focusing as fast as the newer Batis and Sony GM lenses (24mm and 135mm)? These are big investments for me, I absolutely love the Zeiss look, and am looking to invest in the Milvus line for my manual focus work, so would love to retain the uniformity of colour... Spoiled for choice!...
Could you please show us a color comparison. For example, is there any difference to skin tones when using a batis 85, loxia 85, sony 85 and 85 GM? Or maybe landscape color between a loxia 25, batis 25, sony 16-35 and 24 GM? It would be interesting to see if the differences are worth the difference in money. Thank you for the video.
I'm not sure if you realize the amount of time and money it takes to make something like that happen. I can compare to the Loxia 25 because I have it on hand, but...
Hi Dustin, I was all set to buy this lens, but one issue that has been brought to my attention, and Phillip Reeve noted this, even after the firmware update, is that the lens misses eye-AF uite a bit, especially at closer focusing distances
Great review Dustin, thanks! I would like to pit this lens against the Sony 24-105/4 (or any normal zoom lens really). I used to do assignments but nowadays I just shoot family & friends so I don't really need a "bread-and-butter" zoom lens. I'm thinking - could the Batis 40/2 be an alternative here? Yes, you loose the extrem versatility of the zoom but on the other hand the Batis 40/2 is still very versatile and could challenge me on another level to become more creative. Kind of "less is more" so to say, with just one focal length to work with. This is the only angle I missed in the review - can it be plausible alternative to a zoom? I hope you understand what I am getting at here, and again thanks for a great review!
What I mean is, since Zeiss is marketing this lens as a really versatile lens, does it (in your opinion) fulfill that role as a "goto-lens"/"one-lens-for-all" type of lens?
I think a lens like this is a great "one-size-fits-all" lens, though the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 makes a strong case here, too, since it also has an incredibly high magnification figure at 28mm (even higher than this lens).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Don't get me wrong, I like your channel and the content you do, but I would have liked to see a good photo with this lens, best regards!
BTW, if it matters to you, the Batis wide angles tends to have a little onion ringing in the Bokeh from the use of Aspherics. The Loxia series are more traditional designs with no Aspherics and none of the onion ringing.
Thanks Dustin. Enjoy your channel. I am moving from APSC Sony 6000 to full frame a7 something (still deciding) so any full frame E mount reviews are of particular interest to me. Have you reviewed any gmaster lenses? 24 to 70 is what i am considering. Thx for all your help. Best s 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thanks Sky. Much appreciated comments. That was really my next question being between the Sony GM and the Zeiss batis what would be the first choice. I shoot wildlife so the 100-400 gm is a for sure but .... Also do landscape so the choice is not so obvious. Appreciate your comment on the weight. For traveling i can really see the advantage of the batis. Best....s
The background in the images are really smoothly out of focus with a /F2: kinda shows that bokeh can be good enough at /F2. It is unfortunate that the circles have the hexagon shape to them, even the last image in the gallery with the shoes shows some of that. Have you ever compared a Voigtlander 40 with this lens?
@@DustinAbbottTWI One is manual lens and the other AF. I will look for the review of the Voigtlander 40mm. I am liking the images of the 65mm, though because of the weight it is hard to keep it steady when focusing.
How is the conversation with Samyang going?, regarding the new Samyang 85 f1.4 AF EF for canon only( with autofocus) ! There are no good reviews on you tube still.
I would write Samyang an email if I were you. They told me they were going to arrange a review opportunity for me, but I haven't heard from them since the beginning of January. I get sick of doing all the leg work with companies trying to keep them moving along. Some companies are great to work with...others, not so much.
I have seen that there is a firmware update coming to fix the close focus aperture thing. Fortunately you can update the lens when it is on the camera. The Touit needed to be sent to Zeiss for firmware update, so I sold my 18mm instead of sending it to another country. This put me off Zeiss lenses for a while until I got a second hand Batis 25mm. Now I have all five.
Answer from Zeiss: The update will also save the troubles with the eye AF function. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please register your lens at our website. When we have updates, we will inform our registered users. Website: www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/int/service/product-registration/photo-lenses.html Users can download the update from our website themselves, the lens does not have to be sent in.
Geir Johannesen We are currently developing a software update that will allow us to work within a larger focus range with a wide-open aperture. The update will be available to download for free from the ZEISS website in early 2019. We will notify all registered customers via email.
@@robs4664 after the update which will come in April the Batis will be better in eye AF and will stop down the aperture only from 0,65m - 0,24 m from 2.0 to 2.5 and 2.8 in near 0,24m. i got an update from zeiss today on their facebook page.
Do you remember how silent the AF in continuous AF was? The AF for me on this lens isn't completely silent. It's still audible although I would still say it's quiet.
It's much sharper at wide apertures than the Loxia. The Loxia catches up at F5.6 or so. The Batis has better flare resistance and arguably better bokeh. Loxias have the best color.
great video, thanks. according to you, for Sony a7Riii better use Batis 40mm 2f or Milvus 50mm 1.4f with adapter. I am interested in photo quality ... thank you so much
True, though I can't do that comparison myself. I have a limited access to Sony lenses, and it is strictly a one at a time arrangement. That means it's hard to go back and do older comparisons because I need to keep covering lenses that I've never spent any time with at all.
It's a nice choice because of also being able to do close focus with it. So yes, it's a nice choice. The new Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 is also very nice, though it lacks the close focus ability.
Great review again Dustin! Im very disappointed with the close focus bokeh you just show in your test i wanted to get this lens to replace a sigma 35mm 1.4 art to have less weight and faster focus but im not sure anymore... I like to shot portrait quite close even with a 35mm. I guess i may pass on this one!
40mm is the focal length I prefer. Pity those modern AF lenses are so expensive. Only "affordable" solution, seems the Samyang 45mm f1,8, but I am afraid, will stay with my vintage Konica 40mm f1,8.
That's the problem isn't it. BTW, as someone who owns a lot of lenses, there's also some guilt when you have fantastic lenses sitting in your cabinet that haven't been used in months.
Yes, there’s the reduction in light transmission at close focusing distances…this is an optical thing. Re. the lens stopping down, some years ago Leica did a similar “stop down at close range” thing with one of their fixed lens compact cameras. They caught some flak for it. Their explanation was that it was necessary to meet their image quality standards without making the lens bigger and more complex. I imagine something like this is going on with the Batis 40mm. In the past Zeiss sometimes would claim an official max aperture for some lenses while allowing the aperture to open up beyond that. For example, the classic 21mm f/4.5 rangefinder lens from the 1950s (the first lens that wide ever made for 35mm format cameras) is actually an f/4. You can keep going past the f/4.5 mark and see the aperture blades open up a little more. :)
I just tried out the Sigma 45m f2.8 for Sony on my Sony A7III. It is pretty average for sharpness from my subjective. It fit extremely tight so I could barely put it on to where it clicked. I sent it back. I am now looking at the Batis 40mm f2. Have in the meantime gone back to my Canon 40mm f2.8 pancake on the Sony. MIsses and slow af a lot of the time but very sharp. If the Batis 40mm has same sharpness as the Canaon 40mm and fast af I would go that way even though $1200. Unless Canon starts putting IBIS in their EOS R bodies but that may be a while. So will try the Batis in the meantime.
Was this review update for Zeiss's firmware update, which was said to "Optimize the aperture characteristics?" The newer firmware doesn't show a date, so I couldn't compare it with the date of your video. www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/us/service/download-center/photography/software/software-batis-240cf.html
Thanks for this as always! Why is nearly NO ONE reviewing the Sigma 40mm 1.4 art!? Kai says it's sharper that the Canon 35L ii. I sent you a message on Instagram btw... 😁
It's my next Sigma review after the 70-200 Sport. I elected to do the 70-200 first because I personally found it more interesting. The Sigma is just ridiculously big for a 40mm lens.
Have you installed the lens firmware update? www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/int/service/download-center/photography/software-photography/software-batis-240cf.html
Dustin, you say that you need to shoot at 6-7 feet for the aperture to be fully open. This is not even remotely close to being in the close focus range. Can you elaborate on what the aperture is when shooting from further away than the 24-40cm close focus range? Say between 40cm and 2 meters. If it truly stops down in that range like you claim, then it's not an ideal lens at all..
The stop down is very mild at that range (F2.2-2.5 range). I understand that Zeiss has released a firmware update to mitigate that behavior, though. It should only affect very close focus after the firmware update.
Gustavo Ibarra 55 1.8 Sony Carl Zeiss is a super sharp lens which I personally have shot myself. The Zeiss 40mm is a different focal length so I wouldn’t switch. However, if you want to sell it I’ll take it off your hands ☝️
Dustin Abbott UA-cam did not notify me about your reply! , thanks, as per today days, I sold the 55 and looking for a deal on the Planar! , thanks to your reviews too, and I got the Sony 35 1.8, with which I,m happy with ☺️
Hi Dustin i really think the lens is a great deal, especially for its versitillity! Thanks a lot for you're review! I'm really thinking to buy either the Batis or the Sony FE35mm F1.8. Anyway: In some other reviews i have read, that the lens behaves a bit strange when focusing at aroung 0.65m (Front focussing issue). Did you notice that issue or may this be a bad copy issue? Here is the original review, if you're interessted: phillipreeve.net/blog/review-zeiss-batis-2-40-cf/ Kind regards
I can't imagine a better and more detailed review. I also appreciate that there is a "Final Verdict" which shows that you have thought this through, lived and worked with it rather than had a 2 day romance and are all positives :) Cheers
I think it is really, really tough to pick up on the nuances of a lens in a day or two.
I love this lens. I use it for my videos, thanks for the in depth. I watched this back before I bought it.
I’m glad it helped. This is a very, very useful lens.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking to get this lens too. Do you also use 35 and 50 mm lenses? I'm thinking to replace both focal lengths with this one and I hope it works...
Hi Dustin, I've just seen all your videos about the Zeiss 40mm. Thank you for your job. I appreciated your style, I didn't know your channel and I subscribed immediately. ;)
Great! Welcome on board!
Thank you Dustin. I am big fan of Batis series. Great review, as always. Greetings from Poland.
Me too. They deliver Zeiss quality with a practical twist.
Great final thoughts Dustin … can I ask what the grip extension you have on your Sony please 🙏 thanks again
I cover it here: ua-cam.com/video/jYcntIBsiuY/v-deo.html
Nice video with strong backlit background. What lighting did you use. I don’t see any reflections in the glass.
I use LED circular panels from Rotolight and Genaray and position them to the sides (butterfly lighting) so their reflection is out of frame.
Thanks Dustin - Awesome review, like always.
Thanks a lot!
Hi Dustin, really love your videos. After watching this I really had my heart set on the Batis 40mm to sit in between my 24mm and 85mm primes, however I have just seen the Samyang 45mm review and now I'm not so certain... Is the Batis worth the extra money? Any other worthy contenders or suggestions? Thanks in advance
I would say the Batis is worth it only if you want 1) the close focus ability or 2) a more robust build.
I'm thinking to get this lens to replace my Sony FE 50 1.8. Don't get me wrong. That's a nice little lens with excellent quality for its price but the smoother AF of the Zeiss and its close focus abilities gave convinced me to upgrade. Plus I guess 40 mm are really the sweet spot in the focal range on FF to get a very natural human-eye-like field of view out of a normal lens.
Those are both good reasons.
Hi Dustin, great video as usual! I'd like to know which lens should I get as a first autofocus lens for my A7 III for music videos? I've narrowed to those lenses : Zeiss Batis 40 f2, Samyang 45 f1.8, Zeiss 55 f1.8 or Tamron 27-70 f2.8? I have a lot of manual focus but it's a pain to use with focus motor on my gimbal.
I would probably start with the Tamron 28-75. It gives you a lot of framing options and has great AF.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you! Even if I'm searching for best rendering and low light situations?
Excellent review, I have the 85mm Batis and I'm thinking of picking up one of these.
It's a nice pairing.
Hi @dustin - 5 years on and available on the cheap, how does it hold up to some of the other similar options, Sony 35m1.8 etc? Any thoughts looking back?
It's been so long since I've reviewed it that I don't have great confidence in making too many broad strokes. I would say that optically it holds up. Probably autofocus would be the weakest link due to some other newer lenses.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for taking the time, af for me isn’t that important. If it’s better than the rx1 I’m happy! Appreciate your replying!
Another terrific review. Interested in which you would prefer the Zeiss Batis 40 or the Samyang 45 for rendering and boquette.
I like both lenses optically. The Batis is better made and has the close focus capabilities, but isn't radically better optically.
Thank you for the detailed review! Now with the launch of GM 35mm 1.4, which one you would pick for A7Riv?
I would probably personally go with the GM, but both lenses are very good.
Since it is E Mount does it cropped when put on FE Mounts like Sony a7III? Or is it 40mm full frame
It is a full frame lens. It is FE.
Spot on, comprehensive review. Nice.
Glad you liked it!
I was wondering if you can do a comparison of the high-end lenses of wide, normal, and telephoto and a comparison of the third party manufacturers of the normal lenses- specifically in what lens fit the category of "to go," video, portrait/product? That is a big, huge request. I have found a good forum in the DPreview about the Voigtlander lenses so I can study on, just asking..
I do have a buying guide series that I’m doing right now that may help.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Great. Do you have an idea when that will be completed?
Hi Dustin, I have a Tamron 28-75 which I love a lot. I've started doing handheld videos and I'm wondering if the Zeiss 40mm would be a great improvement on Sony A7iii body from stabilisation point of view? Sharpness of Tamron should be even better. Thanks.
I don't think there's going to be much of a different in stabilization. That's not the reason I would buy it.
Hi Dustin, I love your reviews.
I've gone down the rabbit hole of searching for 3d pop and would you say the Batis 40mm 2.0 has the traditional Zeiss pop? There's something really magical about an image with real depth and I'm struggling to find a decent autofocusing lens for Sony that delivers the character and depth of older high quality lenses.
Great review as usual! I'd be curious to know which you'd select between this and the new Sony 40mm 2.5. Thanks in advance for your input.
That's a tough call, though I will say I would be hard pressed to call the Batis 2x as good (considering price)
Thanks! I purchased the Sony (that was on sale) and pick it up today. I love 40mm and I'm sure this will be a great lens for the price.
I must say, after finally grabbing the Batis 85 to compliment my Sony 35 1.4, I’ve started seriously considering exchanging the 35 for the 40. None of my local stores have the 40 in to demo, so. *chuckles*
1. There’ve been reports that the aperture reduction has become less significant with a firmware update. Was this video posted before or after that update? (Apologies, if I should know this.)
2. Obviously, I am very much looking forward to your Sony 35 1.4 review. 🙂
My video was posted prior to the firmware update, so here's hoping that made a big difference.
Dustin Abbott - Oh ok. Duly noted. 🙂
Now to just find a dealer that has one with the updated firmware in stock. *crosses fingers*
Thank you for your review of the Batis 40MM F2. Because of your review, I'm considering purchasing this lens for an all-around general-purpose video lens in 4K. I have two questions for you. One, at 15:29 you have this special stand holding up a camera. Can you provide a link of that stand? Second, that mic on your shirt is wireless to your camera or do you have a real long wire of some sort. I too am looking for a mic. Lastly, I subscribed. I wrote to another photographer on UA-cam who he too talked about this particular lens and well, I guess he has no time for me and decided to blow me off. In short, if it wasn't for your in-depth review no I would not consider this lens for 4K video. Thanks and keep up the good work.
That's actually not a stand, it's a gimbal for doing video on (Moza Air - bhpho.to/2zBihxO). The mic I use regularly is the Rode SmartLav+ bhpho.to/2xEpk5m
Hi Dustin. I understand the af/manual diifferences but for image quality which would you choose batis 40 or Voigtlander 40 1.2? Thanks dean
Hmmm, tough call. For image quality alone, I would probably go with the Voigtlander (though I would miss the versatility of the close focus!)
Nice review as always.
How would you compare this lens with zeiss 50mm Planar 1.4 in terms of image quality?
Are you referring to the Sony/Zeiss Planar?
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes, I am.
The Planar has a little more punch and is sharper at similar wide apertures, but the Batis is obviously much lighter and has the close focus advantage.
Hi Dustin, there really is a plethora of choices at this 35-50mm focal length... The Sony/ Zeiss 35mm f1.4, which apparently suffers fro major sample variation, but looks gorgeous, the Sony/ Zeiss 50mm f1.4, which looks simply magical, the 55mm f1.8, which has become a classic, and now the Sigma 35mm f1.2, a real technical marvel... I'm shooting video primarily, on the new Sony FX-9, which has amazing autofocus technology for moving images. Can you offer any guidance? This 40mm seem like a really useful focal length for documentary work, I've always felt 50mm is actually a little more telephoto than what I am seeing naturally... Are the relatively old 35mm and 50mm Zeiss lenses focusing as fast as the newer Batis and Sony GM lenses (24mm and 135mm)? These are big investments for me, I absolutely love the Zeiss look, and am looking to invest in the Milvus line for my manual focus work, so would love to retain the uniformity of colour... Spoiled for choice!...
The 40mm is a useful lens. Lightweight and easy to use on a gimbal, and the close focus ability gives you more flexibility in framing your shots.
Great video man!
Thank you!
Could you please show us a color comparison. For example, is there any difference to skin tones when using a batis 85, loxia 85, sony 85 and 85 GM? Or maybe landscape color between a loxia 25, batis 25, sony 16-35 and 24 GM? It would be interesting to see if the differences are worth the difference in money. Thank you for the video.
I'm not sure if you realize the amount of time and money it takes to make something like that happen. I can compare to the Loxia 25 because I have it on hand, but...
Hi Dustin, I was all set to buy this lens, but one issue that has been brought to my attention, and Phillip Reeve noted this, even after the firmware update, is that the lens misses eye-AF uite a bit, especially at closer focusing distances
I didn't have have that issue. Eye AF worked fine for me.
Thanks for the review, what grip are you using on the body?
I covered it here: bit.ly/smallrigDA
Great review Dustin, thanks! I would like to pit this lens against the Sony 24-105/4 (or any normal zoom lens really). I used to do assignments but nowadays I just shoot family & friends so I don't really need a "bread-and-butter" zoom lens. I'm thinking - could the Batis 40/2 be an alternative here? Yes, you loose the extrem versatility of the zoom but on the other hand the Batis 40/2 is still very versatile and could challenge me on another level to become more creative. Kind of "less is more" so to say, with just one focal length to work with. This is the only angle I missed in the review - can it be plausible alternative to a zoom? I hope you understand what I am getting at here, and again thanks for a great review!
What I mean is, since Zeiss is marketing this lens as a really versatile lens, does it (in your opinion) fulfill that role as a "goto-lens"/"one-lens-for-all" type of lens?
I think a lens like this is a great "one-size-fits-all" lens, though the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 makes a strong case here, too, since it also has an incredibly high magnification figure at 28mm (even higher than this lens).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Good info to know. Thanks.
@@DustinAbbottTWI The Tamron, though, is longer and weighs more for the "go to lens."
At 4:46, you must go into manual focus mode to change and set the lenses LED settings then switch back to AF
That's correct. I've detailed the process in another Batis review and didn't want to take the time here.
Awesome review , thanks !
You're welcome.
why I never see a good photo taken by youtubers like this who produce this video with an amazing line Zeiss Batis lens
I suspect you don't make many friends with that kind of attitude.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Don't get me wrong, I like your channel and the content you do, but I would have liked to see a good photo with this lens, best regards!
How good works the manuell Focus for Video? Constant like a Sigma-Lens or like the 55? Thanks
It isn't really fantastic. More like the 55mm.
Thank you for the review, I’ve got one and I love this lens
Too much has been made over the aperture issue (typical UA-cam obsessiveness) and not enough about how great the lens in pretty much every other way.
My OCD couldn't get past the linty rubber focus ring, so I finally got rid of my two batis lenses.
LOL - I get it. I'm not quite there, but that kind of thing does annoy me a bit.
BTW, if it matters to you, the Batis wide angles tends to have a little onion ringing in the Bokeh from the use of Aspherics. The Loxia series are more traditional designs with no Aspherics and none of the onion ringing.
That’s true. I prefer the optics of the Loxia series and the functionality of the Batis lenses
Thanks Dustin. Enjoy your channel. I am moving from APSC Sony 6000 to full frame a7 something (still deciding) so any full frame E mount reviews are of particular interest to me. Have you reviewed any gmaster lenses? 24 to 70 is what i am considering. Thx for all your help. Best s 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Ha. Answered my own question. You have reviewed the 24 to 70. One step ahead. Thanks.
Thanks Sky. Much appreciated comments. That was really my next question being between the Sony GM and the Zeiss batis what would be the first choice. I shoot wildlife so the 100-400 gm is a for sure but .... Also do landscape so the choice is not so obvious. Appreciate your comment on the weight. For traveling i can really see the advantage of the batis. Best....s
The background in the images are really smoothly out of focus with a /F2: kinda shows that bokeh can be good enough at /F2. It is unfortunate that the circles have the hexagon shape to them, even the last image in the gallery with the shoes shows some of that. Have you ever compared a Voigtlander 40 with this lens?
Not a direct comparison, though I have reviewed the Voigtlander.
@@DustinAbbottTWI One is manual lens and the other AF. I will look for the review of the Voigtlander 40mm. I am liking the images of the 65mm, though because of the weight it is hard to keep it steady when focusing.
Thank you Mr Abbott
You're welcome.
How is the conversation with Samyang going?, regarding the new Samyang 85 f1.4 AF EF for canon only( with autofocus) ! There are no good reviews on you tube still.
I would write Samyang an email if I were you. They told me they were going to arrange a review opportunity for me, but I haven't heard from them since the beginning of January. I get sick of doing all the leg work with companies trying to keep them moving along. Some companies are great to work with...others, not so much.
I have seen that there is a firmware update coming to fix the close focus aperture thing. Fortunately you can update the lens when it is on the camera. The Touit needed to be sent to Zeiss for firmware update, so I sold my 18mm instead of sending it to another country. This put me off Zeiss lenses for a while until I got a second hand Batis 25mm. Now I have all five.
The Batis lenses are pretty sweet!
Answer from Zeiss: The update will also save the troubles with the eye AF function. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please register your lens at our website. When we have updates, we will inform our registered users. Website: www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/int/service/product-registration/photo-lenses.html Users can download the update from our website themselves, the lens does not have to be sent in.
Geir Johannesen We are currently developing a software update that will allow us to work within a larger focus range with a wide-open aperture. The update will be available to download for free from the ZEISS website in early 2019. We will notify all registered customers via email.
@@robs4664 after the update which will come in April the Batis will be better in eye AF and will stop down the aperture only from 0,65m - 0,24 m from 2.0 to 2.5 and 2.8 in near 0,24m. i got an update from zeiss today on their facebook page.
still useless for video work.
Yes, I do not like that geometric bokeh either. How do you compare this lens with the Samyang 45mm f/1.8 (specially in color transmission) ?
I didn't directly compare them, but I do think the Samyang has nice color.
Do you remember how silent the AF in continuous AF was? The AF for me on this lens isn't completely silent. It's still audible although I would still say it's quiet.
I wouldn't remember outside of what is recorded in my reviews. I've done about 50 lenses since!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yeah I figured but thanks for following up.
How does its image quality compares to loxia35mm?
It's much sharper at wide apertures than the Loxia. The Loxia catches up at F5.6 or so. The Batis has better flare resistance and arguably better bokeh. Loxias have the best color.
Excellent question by the way :), I’m wondering If I should sell my voigtlander for this one 🤔
great video, thanks. according to you, for Sony a7Riii better use Batis 40mm 2f or Milvus 50mm 1.4f with adapter. I am interested in photo quality ... thank you so much
I would use the native lens (batis). It's a strong lens and has autofocus.
Hi how do you compare to Sigma 40mm 1.4? Thanks
Haven't used the Sigma yet. Next month I'll look at it.
Different aperture and 361 grams vs 1.2KG... hmmmm... what do you think?
Is the AF-C noisy in video ?
I don't recall that being the case.
Can we use this lens for astrophotography?
I didn't really test it for that, but I suspect you can.
I quite like that nonagonal bokeh highlights, it's full of character and much better than seeing cats eye shaped bokeh balls.
Bokeh is always subjective, so if it pleases you, that's what matters the most.
Eagerly waiting for 40mm Sigma Art review!
I'll tackle that one in March.
Be interesting to compare/contrast with the Sony 35mm F1.8
True, though I can't do that comparison myself. I have a limited access to Sony lenses, and it is strictly a one at a time arrangement. That means it's hard to go back and do older comparisons because I need to keep covering lenses that I've never spent any time with at all.
@@DustinAbbottTWI which would you pick if you could have either one, price not an issue
Hey Dustin, I'm looking for a lightweight travel lens. Would this lens be something you would recommend ? Great channel and always enjoy your reviews.
It's a nice choice because of also being able to do close focus with it. So yes, it's a nice choice. The new Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 is also very nice, though it lacks the close focus ability.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks :)
Great review again Dustin! Im very disappointed with the close focus bokeh you just show in your test i wanted to get this lens to replace a sigma 35mm 1.4 art to have less weight and faster focus but im not sure anymore... I like to shot portrait quite close even with a 35mm. I guess i may pass on this one!
You must be referring to the aperture shape, as the quality of the bokeh is actually very good.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Yes the bokeh exactly... did not look good with lights behind a subject do it look very good with regular background
I find the dip to black transition strange in your video.
40mm is the focal length I prefer. Pity those modern AF lenses are so expensive. Only "affordable" solution, seems the Samyang 45mm f1,8, but I am afraid, will stay with my vintage Konica 40mm f1,8.
The Samyang is a great little lens, though. I really like it.
I'd love this lens... Too many lenses, too little money!
That's the problem isn't it. BTW, as someone who owns a lot of lenses, there's also some guilt when you have fantastic lenses sitting in your cabinet that haven't been used in months.
i'm pretty substantial around the girth as well ;)
LOL - fortunately I'm not reviewing you ;)
That close focus apurture thing was bugging me so much that I had to give it back, damn bugg me still! I love the lens other than that!
Last week I telephoned with the Zeiss support and I was told that there will be a firmware update in March that changes this behaviour.
@@joachimrichter4765 I heard it wont fix it fully, but good that they do something to it. I bought mine without knowing it has that kinda behavior!
Improves, perhaps, but some of this cannot be fixed via firmware. It's part of what makes the lens able to do what it does.
@@MuwexTech That is what I heard too.
Yes, there’s the reduction in light transmission at close focusing distances…this is an optical thing.
Re. the lens stopping down, some years ago Leica did a similar “stop down at close range” thing with one of their fixed lens compact cameras. They caught some flak for it. Their explanation was that it was necessary to meet their image quality standards without making the lens bigger and more complex. I imagine something like this is going on with the Batis 40mm. In the past Zeiss sometimes would claim an official max aperture for some lenses while allowing the aperture to open up beyond that. For example, the classic 21mm f/4.5 rangefinder lens from the 1950s (the first lens that wide ever made for 35mm format cameras) is actually an f/4. You can keep going past the f/4.5 mark and see the aperture blades open up a little more. :)
Thanks again!!
You're welcome.
I just tried out the Sigma 45m f2.8 for Sony on my Sony A7III. It is pretty average for sharpness from my subjective. It fit extremely tight so I could barely put it on to where it clicked. I sent it back. I am now looking at the Batis 40mm f2. Have in the meantime gone back to my Canon 40mm f2.8 pancake on the Sony. MIsses and slow af a lot of the time but very sharp. If the Batis 40mm has same sharpness as the Canaon 40mm and fast af I would go that way even though $1200. Unless Canon starts putting IBIS in their EOS R bodies but that may be a while. So will try the Batis in the meantime.
Another lens to consider is the new Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 that I've started my review cycle on it. It's a sweet little lens.
Was this review update for Zeiss's firmware update, which was said to "Optimize the aperture characteristics?" The newer firmware doesn't show a date, so I couldn't compare it with the date of your video. www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/us/service/download-center/photography/software/software-batis-240cf.html
That firmware came a few months after my review.
nonagonal, now that's a tongue twister!
Yep!
If this will come to Canon RF mount.
Unlikely. The Batis series seems to be solely designed for Sony.
Thanks for this as always! Why is nearly NO ONE reviewing the Sigma 40mm 1.4 art!? Kai says it's sharper that the Canon 35L ii. I sent you a message on Instagram btw... 😁
It's my next Sigma review after the 70-200 Sport. I elected to do the 70-200 first because I personally found it more interesting. The Sigma is just ridiculously big for a 40mm lens.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks! Yes I agree... It is MASSIVE! Can't wait for the 70-200 review!
I found this lens is very soft when wide open. It’s so soft that I can’t tell if the eye is in focus when using eye af
That shouldn't be the case. This is a very sharp lens. You may have a defective copy.
Have you installed the lens firmware update? www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/int/service/download-center/photography/software-photography/software-batis-240cf.html
Marcin Gx It comes with version 02
Dustin, you say that you need to shoot at 6-7 feet for the aperture to be fully open. This is not even remotely close to being in the close focus range. Can you elaborate on what the aperture is when shooting from further away than the 24-40cm close focus range? Say between 40cm and 2 meters. If it truly stops down in that range like you claim, then it's not an ideal lens at all..
The stop down is very mild at that range (F2.2-2.5 range). I understand that Zeiss has released a firmware update to mitigate that behavior, though. It should only affect very close focus after the firmware update.
Dustin Abbott I know they’re planning a firmware update, but it isn’t out yet. So the question is ‘when’? 🙃
I know that you don’t know, I just hope that Zeiss will hurry up at fix the errors, also the apparent eye AF bug..
I've been told that the firmware fix is available now, actually.
Anton Blinkenberg Zeuthen then they’ve managed to hide it well. Let me know if you can find it..
I should sell my zeiss 55 for this lens? 🙂... I will obey you 😁😁
It's a more versatile lens than the Sony/Zeiss 55mm. Whether it is better is up to you.
Gustavo Ibarra 55 1.8 Sony Carl Zeiss is a super sharp lens which I personally have shot myself. The Zeiss 40mm is a different focal length so I wouldn’t switch. However, if you want to sell it I’ll take it off your hands ☝️
Dustin Abbott UA-cam did not notify me about your reply! , thanks, as per today days, I sold the 55 and looking for a deal on the Planar! , thanks to your reviews too, and I got the Sony 35 1.8, with which I,m happy with ☺️
Hi Dustin
i really think the lens is a great deal, especially for its versitillity! Thanks a lot for you're review! I'm really thinking to buy either the Batis or the Sony FE35mm F1.8.
Anyway: In some other reviews i have read, that the lens behaves a bit strange when focusing at aroung 0.65m (Front focussing issue). Did you notice that issue or may this be a bad copy issue?
Here is the original review, if you're interessted: phillipreeve.net/blog/review-zeiss-batis-2-40-cf/
Kind regards
I didn’t see a front focus issue, myself.
@@DustinAbbottTWI alright thanks! I thing ill be going with the batis!
6:00 holy sheit that bokeh sucks
In some ways, yes. For bright highlights, it does. For other subjects it is actually quite great.
Got one. Beautiful but too big.
At least it’s light
dis is a badman lens blad gives an effective super35 28mm lens look blad no messing wodewicks woz ere languagere bladere peace
Nice Chroma Key! ;)
LOL. That's no chroma...that's the real deal!
Not that shirt!
???
@@DustinAbbottTWI Aliasing, could be my lower res projector. Great video!