I have the Sigma version, and like it has been pointed out in other video's, it doesn't auto focus as well in low light. If you want to save yourself $500, get a small video light to help you catch focus. Plus, if someone tries to rob you, the Sigma can be used as a blunt force weapon.
now the FE 24mm 1.4 and this 135mm 1.8 are on my wishlist... still hoping though for equivalents to my already amazing FE 85mm 1.8... still best value/money IMO
Lol... Great to see the old shot of my camera in your St. Paul's shot 😉 ... Thanks for the announcement... Looks like a killer lens. First lens I've been excited about for a long time!
Great stuff - Interested in further comparisons against the Zeiss Batis 135 and what your reasons for sticking with it are - look fwd to more in depth hands on ! ( Also the Batis is APO right ? So if you shoot some Hard light / high contrast stuff Chromatic Aberration test would be interesting )
I value lighter sized lenses. I tend to be more on-the-go and prefer not to have to carry a bunch of heavy lenses. If it means sacrificing a few stops, I don't mind.
I had no idea I would even like a 135 prime until I picked up a vintage SMC Takumar 135 F/2.5...completely fell in love with it, been using it loads since I got it in the fall and to "Takumar" a NOD to your valiant efforts in producing top quality lenses for the time that still sing today. THAT said, after having played with a SIGNIFICANTLY LESS expensive lens for so long, it's given me the actual confidence that a modern 135 such as THIS beauty would be a viable purchase for my type of work. I'm actually finding with vintage lenses this is one of the strongest elements, outside of price. Pay a little, figure out if you like a specific focal length and evolve your modern purchases from there. Great video as always Jason, stoked you got to go out there mate.
70-200 is my work horse in indoor bball shots but considering getting this for them low bad lit gyms.. Batis 85 1.8 i have used some. and i never got the 85 GM.. so this might be headed home.
Thank you for your Batis comparisons.Batis is an 'APO' which has less CA? GM has more blades but between the two, which has rounder bokeh, HATE catseye bokeh.
My primary set of lenses is now Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 and Sony 135mm 1.8 GM, exellennt set of lenses, highly recommended ! Although I will like to see a better new version of the 55mm, a 60mm allround macro lens will be very nice !
The Batis is now on sale for $1529 If you could pick up a good used for even less is the Batis the better choice then the $1900 GM for a hybrid shooter? Love you videos Jason!!
if you're shooting in good lighting all the time with that focal length, then absolutely. I hardly shoot in low light with my batis so im not selling it
Not really into long range lenses but as an a6500 user, I will probably get the 85 1.8 or stick with Tamron 28-75 lens. Btw a dedicated comparison video with 135mm range would be amazing!
for weddings what do you think would be better 135 g master? or the 70-200 2.8? the price difference is pretty appealing but the flexibility of the 70-200 is also appealing. im very torn on what to get
I‘m also thinking about this, i also shoot weedings 99% and i own the Sony FE 85 1.8 and the Sigma 135 1.8 Art The Sigma is just awesome but i think about to get the 70-200 GM to cover these focal lenghts I think the 70-200 GM is also awesome for weddings and portraits, and you will have extreme flexibility I dont know what i will do 😫
Great review as always ! I’m honestly thinking of selling my sigma 135 for the batis 135.. the sigma is just so bulky and heavy, it’s a pain the carry around for events and I typically won’t shoot too much at 1.8 anyways.
Nice review Jason! I’m actually pretty stoked to see your upcoming squarespace video, been thinking of using that as my platform for a new business. Are you currently using squarespace for your wedding business?
First I was like - OMG I'm throwing my beloved Batis 135 out of the window :D But then I realised that it's still - the lightest and it's the only 135 lens with optical IS and I see major improvement on stability of my shots having it compared to like 85mm with ibis only. Plus - the new GM 135 is even more expensive, so .. no - I stick with Batis :) Great video Jason, thanks for so much info and comparisons! Peace!
Hello Jason! Do you think this lens is sharper than the 55mm 1.8? And have you compared the sharpness with the very good and affordable Contax zeiss 135mm 2.8?
This is the 5th video I have watched for the new 135mm GM and this is the best one ... so far. Can't wait for you to get a copy for a full review so you can do a deeper dive against the Batis 135. I'm leaning towards the Batis for my travel kit, but am wondering about the AF vs. the GM. How quick do they acquire eye AF on a moving subject. Not sports type movement, but in more of a street shooting environment.
Guy missing dunk apart, please comment which camera did you use to shoot that play? AF was so fast and smooth! You are the go to guy for informative, honest and entertaining reviews! Keep on!
I’ve LITERALLY been searching for something around 135mm e-mount all week. My 85 just doesn’t cut it. The Zeiss at 2.8 just doesn’t cut it for me, and I had a chance for one at $800. But 2.8??? Meh. AHHH exciting. This is my favorite prime lens length!
The colour from the 135 is really good SOOC! Do you have any plan to test the lens using older camera model like a7ii later? Wonder how it will perform on an older model.
Thank you for this video, i wonder: do you thinkvis it possible to mount on it a 2x multiplier? And how will it perform? To which stop will it get? Will tge autofocus be still fast in outdoor and indoor? Have a great day, Max
Geez those images are BEAUTIFUL! I'm just not sure if I want to swing $2k for a 135. I'm much more tempted by the versatility of an 85, but gah, those portraits look amazing with that compressed background from the 135. temptations all around....
@@boostftw123 I know, but I'm used to carry zoom lenses, not a big deal for me. And those extra $, I dont mind paying. When the time comes, you'll thank yourself to be able to zoom in or out. And again, this is because I find the quality quite similar
@@caldera878 yeah but modern sony cameras can handle low light very well, with a great iso performance. For the bokeh, they look very similar... nothing that cant be enhanced with photoshop... I mean, of course I rather have a 1.8 lense than a 2.8... but all things considered... I'm inclined to pick the zoom lense..
Tommaso Campanile thanks for the speedy response my friend just looked it up, looks great. I’m guessing it should be fine to use on my Sony a7Rii as long as I get a e mount converter?
@@chetansingh3593 you have to use the sony lea4 converter for autofocus because that old lens needs an external focus motor, but still it’s slow and loud af, if you are fine without af every adapter works well and the manual focus ring is sooo nice to use compared to new focus by wire lenses
Tommaso Campanile gotcha, makes sense, manual focus makes me nervous as most people I shoot don’t tend to hold poses. In your experience can you use manual focus on a person that is moving a lot/fidgeting around?
Seems it delivers a slightly cooler image than the other two. I know the Batis delivers a warm image, but did not expect the Sony 70-200 to also be warmer. Doesn't mean anything if you shoot raw, but I guess the FEW jpg shooters on the hunt for a 2k lens should take note. Oh and it's interesting that the Sigma (lol) is heavier than the Sony before you factor in the adapted.
What surprises me about the 135 is that the minimum focus distance is shorter than that of the 85 despite being 50mm longer! Sony has once again outdone themselves!
I would get the new Sony. I 'll wait for some deep tests and will probably travell to USA this year to get one of these and a new body. But still waiting for new A9R or A7RIV, shall we have something like that this year? o,O Greetings from Uruguay.
Hello there quick question, I just bought my 135 gm brand new and I noticed before I even took it out of the bubble wrap that it feels like something is moving around slightly when I tip the lens up and down, after putting it on the camera it works fine and everything seems ok, but is it normal when the lens is off camera to feel like something is moving when your holding it??? Thanks appreciate your time
Looks like a very nice lens. Why would someone want the 135 over the 85 for portrait though? Cant you get the same crop? Or is it for staying further away to get the shot?
For me the best 135mm lens is still the A-mount 135 STF. It is much more beautiful in bokeh for me and so much better for portraits :). ...so as always: "best" is subjective ;)
Would need optical stabilization in this range. The GM is 1.8 , so I am guessing they will make f 2.8 normal lens for 135 mm. But honestly, mostly pros use the 135 mm range . So I am doubtful if they will release the budget version for 135 mm.
4:31 that "ok!" cracked me up. I swear Jason, you're the funniest out there and I'm so glad you're into Sony stuff!
That failed dunk at 3:01 is hilarious!
He had one job
InstaBlaster.
2:47 what an anti climax 😂
I know after all that and he misses the dunk!
I have the Sigma version, and like it has been pointed out in other video's, it doesn't auto focus as well in low light. If you want to save yourself $500, get a small video light to help you catch focus. Plus, if someone tries to rob you, the Sigma can be used as a blunt force weapon.
This lens is insane !!
The price makes this a very tempting lens over the 70-200 2.8. Great video guys!
The batis seems to deliver the most pleasing image. Am I the only one thinking this way?
I agree, I have the 85 and 25, all Batis lens just have that something.
Good video! I will be keeping my Batis 135. The others are too heavy.
thanks!
Always amazing reviews cheers Jason.
now the FE 24mm 1.4 and this 135mm 1.8 are on my wishlist...
still hoping though for equivalents to my already amazing FE 85mm 1.8... still best value/money IMO
Lol... Great to see the old shot of my camera in your St. Paul's shot 😉 ... Thanks for the announcement... Looks like a killer lens. First lens I've been excited about for a long time!
One of my favorite photos still 😍
... yes, that‘s my next choise! 👍🏻
Hi, thanks. Just bought this lens to use it with my Sony a7R IV and it’s amazing. Can’t stop taking pictures…
Just ordered my 135 used but in excellent condition!
Good clip for comparison !
Can’t wait to get this lens
Great stuff - Interested in further comparisons against the Zeiss Batis 135 and what your reasons for sticking with it are - look fwd to more in depth hands on ! ( Also the Batis is APO right ? So if you shoot some Hard light / high contrast stuff Chromatic Aberration test would be interesting )
I value lighter sized lenses. I tend to be more on-the-go and prefer not to have to carry a bunch of heavy lenses. If it means sacrificing a few stops, I don't mind.
I had no idea I would even like a 135 prime until I picked up a vintage SMC Takumar 135 F/2.5...completely fell in love with it, been using it loads since I got it in the fall and to "Takumar" a NOD to your valiant efforts in producing top quality lenses for the time that still sing today.
THAT said, after having played with a SIGNIFICANTLY LESS expensive lens for so long, it's given me the actual confidence that a modern 135 such as THIS beauty would be a viable purchase for my type of work.
I'm actually finding with vintage lenses this is one of the strongest elements, outside of price. Pay a little, figure out if you like a specific focal length and evolve your modern purchases from there.
Great video as always Jason, stoked you got to go out there mate.
I think i just watched like 5 videos about this just this morning alone
Facts!
im getting this lens for sureeeeeeeeeee
Wow, not just picture, the portrait video looks amazing with this 135mm. I want it
Go Go Jason!!!
I'm not selling my Batis 135, either. And thanks for doing all your great vids. Great information presented in an understandable way.
#TEAMBATIS
@@JasonVong I bought that Batis 135, because of your review. You're welcome. Shoot on!
I appreciate that Robert! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I want it! I have the Sigma 135mm and it’s super sharp, but I want better autofocus.
gen x tech guy me too
70-200 is my work horse in indoor bball shots but considering getting this for them low bad lit gyms.. Batis 85 1.8 i have used some. and i never got the 85 GM.. so this might be headed home.
Damn that’s going to be another dent in my savings.. Cheers for the great vid, Jason! Waiting for the 24mm GM to come back in stock first though!!
Thanks..!
I’m still trying to find a 24 1.4 GM! Lol the 135 is nice, but I think I’m sticking with my 70-200 GM.
Basil Mahmud yeah they are nowhere to find!! Drove me crazy so i replaced my 16-35 f/4 with the 2.8 gm instead
I think 135mm GM is not for me🙃I have nowhere to use😂😂
I got 24mm gm, it was last one in one of Kazakhstan’s stores... It’s really great prime lens
Same here sticking with my 70200GM. But the 105 1.4 is exciting 🤔
I couldn't put it off any longer, I snatched this lens up today to pair with my a7RIV I can't wait.
Zeiss Batis for me. Weight, and smoother AF in video were the key for me.
Thank you for your Batis comparisons.Batis is an 'APO' which has less CA?
GM has more blades but between the two, which has rounder bokeh, HATE catseye bokeh.
Daaaang Broskis!! Nice video, I was waiting for this but went with the sigma105 1.4. good stuff
No problem. That's a bokeh machine!!
Thank you so much for adding in the 70-200 to the comparison list!
Great video man. Keep it up!
My primary set of lenses is now Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8 and Sony 135mm 1.8 GM, exellennt set of lenses, highly recommended ! Although I will like to see a better new version of the 55mm, a 60mm allround macro lens will be very nice !
I have the Sigma and love it.
The Batis is now on sale for $1529
If you could pick up a good used for even less is the Batis the better choice then the $1900 GM for a hybrid shooter? Love you videos Jason!!
if you're shooting in good lighting all the time with that focal length, then absolutely. I hardly shoot in low light with my batis so im not selling it
I still love my 70200!
Not really into long range lenses but as an a6500 user, I will probably get the 85 1.8 or stick with Tamron 28-75 lens. Btw a dedicated comparison video with 135mm range would be amazing!
the 135GM pops out and catches my eyes at 6:06
100k congratz bro. Well deserved
for weddings what do you think would be better 135 g master? or the 70-200 2.8? the price difference is pretty appealing but the flexibility of the 70-200 is also appealing. im very torn on what to get
I‘m also thinking about this, i also shoot weedings 99% and i own the Sony FE 85 1.8 and the Sigma 135 1.8 Art
The Sigma is just awesome but i think about to get the 70-200 GM to cover these focal lenghts
I think the 70-200 GM is also awesome for weddings and portraits, and you will have extreme flexibility
I dont know what i will do 😫
Mr. Kattan yeah but i‘m thinking about to sell both and get the 70-200 GM, i‘m not sure, i will think about it the next days
Embargo lifted i suppose. Seeing many preview at same time on youtube.
yep
2:51 It looks really like you are standing in the game with the basketball player. giving the viewer like they are also in the game.
The Vong is on itttt. Lens mastaa
I clocked in 9 hours of editing. And 5 hours of revision 😭
@@JasonVong Dang how long did you have this for?! Those hours plus testing and shooting
90 whole minutes
@@JasonVong 😂😂
@@JasonVong and for how long did you last? 😂
Fair and balanced review. Bravo 👏🏽
I want to see a direct AF speed comparison video between the 24mm and the 135mm GMs to see how each of the new AF motors perform.
Great review as always ! I’m honestly thinking of selling my sigma 135 for the batis 135.. the sigma is just so bulky and heavy, it’s a pain the carry around for events and I typically won’t shoot too
much at 1.8 anyways.
Thinking of the same thing! Batis is really winning me over because of its lightness, even lighter than my 85mm GM!
Nice review Jason! I’m actually pretty stoked to see your upcoming squarespace video, been thinking of using that as my platform for a new business. Are you currently using squarespace for your wedding business?
First I was like - OMG I'm throwing my beloved Batis 135 out of the window :D But then I realised that it's still - the lightest and it's the only 135 lens with optical IS and I see major improvement on stability of my shots having it compared to like 85mm with ibis only. Plus - the new GM 135 is even more expensive, so .. no - I stick with Batis :)
Great video Jason, thanks for so much info and comparisons! Peace!
Does the Batis automatically stop down when close focusing?
@@yitzchallevi8208 didin't noticed anything like that so far :)
Your my camera guy
:)
I'm that one camera guy too
@@JasonVong yep
Now after seeing your video, I don’t know which one I want, but I’m thinking about 70mm-200mm zoom..
Thanks for the great video.
Hello Jason!
Do you think this lens is sharper than the 55mm 1.8? And have you compared the sharpness with the very good and affordable Contax zeiss 135mm 2.8?
This is the 5th video I have watched for the new 135mm GM and this is the best one ... so far. Can't wait for you to get a copy for a full review so you can do a deeper dive against the Batis 135. I'm leaning towards the Batis for my travel kit, but am wondering about the AF vs. the GM. How quick do they acquire eye AF on a moving subject. Not sports type movement, but in more of a street shooting environment.
Appreciate that man! I will see what I can do!
Viv, when is this man going to put a ring on that finger?!!
Rumors are rating it SR6
Why do viewers gotta pressure youtubers to marry? Let them live how they are at the moment. It's basically like a married life.
@@glenn4612 It's no pressure. I was just joking around with Jason. He knows that. The SR6 is a inside joke from the live streams.
@@OutlawFarmersRC I see, am usually there when Danny is hosting. You looking forward to this lens? I prefer the under 85mm range personally
@@glenn4612 I am. Not sure about getting it right away though. I make most of my money from portrait shoots. I will definitely rent it first.
Guy missing dunk apart, please comment which camera did you use to shoot that play?
AF was so fast and smooth!
You are the go to guy for informative, honest and entertaining reviews! Keep on!
a9 with their upcoming firmware (but in beta)
I’ve LITERALLY been searching for something around 135mm e-mount all week. My 85 just doesn’t cut it. The Zeiss at 2.8 just doesn’t cut it for me, and I had a chance for one at $800. But 2.8??? Meh. AHHH exciting. This is my favorite prime lens length!
The colour from the 135 is really good SOOC!
Do you have any plan to test the lens using older camera model like a7ii later?
Wonder how it will perform on an older model.
if there is an opportunity, I would try it out!
Jason Vong Awesome! 🙌🏻🙏🏻
About damn time..been waiting for years!
please comparison between Sigma 135mm 1.8 ART for Sony and the GM ;)
Thank you for this video, i wonder: do you thinkvis it possible to mount on it a 2x multiplier? And how will it perform? To which stop will it get? Will tge autofocus be still fast in outdoor and indoor? Have a great day, Max
At $2000 the best lens to buy for a nice referral check :)
Thanks for your review! Now I know that I should just keep my 70-200 GM.
I'm jealous
Wow...If only I could afford it! It looks so nice lens with superb quality.
One thing to note us the Batis is weather sealed, are the other 3 you tested?
Geez those images are BEAUTIFUL! I'm just not sure if I want to swing $2k for a 135. I'm much more tempted by the versatility of an 85, but gah, those portraits look amazing with that compressed background from the 135. temptations all around....
It's almost the same. You can crop the 85 F1.4 to 127MM F2.1 and still have 18MP to work with on a A7R2/3.
Beautiful ❤️
Decision between Batis 135 and 135GM... Size and weight vs aperture... If the Batis 135 is priced at USD1300, would it sway the decision?
Very entertaining!
Considering this if results with 1.4 convertor are stellar. Have you tried this combo. Thanks
The colours on the Sony 135mm is different from the Batis and Sony 70-200mm 🤔
I want to see Sigma vs Sony 135mm side by side!
Can’t say I’ve ever had “buttery corn soup” before...I’m assuming it’s yummy though lol
it damn is
70-200 maybe the best option, since apparently the image quality is on par, while having the flexibility of a zoom lense. No?
$600 more and 2.5x the weight
@@boostftw123 I know, but I'm used to carry zoom lenses, not a big deal for me. And those extra $, I dont mind paying. When the time comes, you'll thank yourself to be able to zoom in or out. And again, this is because I find the quality quite similar
f1.8, that's why
@@caldera878 yeah but modern sony cameras can handle low light very well, with a great iso performance. For the bokeh, they look very similar... nothing that cant be enhanced with photoshop... I mean, of course I rather have a 1.8 lense than a 2.8... but all things considered... I'm inclined to pick the zoom lense..
@moo is it that bad? Maybe we've watched or read different reviews. I mean, I dont know for sure, i didnt use it yet. You sure?
I will stick to my canon 135 so far :). Propably one day ...
I believe you have the Sony 135GM. I know you have the Zeiss 135. How will you decide to use each lens? Inquiring minds need to know.
i had the old one from zeiss (a mount) and i loved it but i had to use an adapter
Which one
@@chetansingh3593 135 f1.8 zeiss a mount
Tommaso Campanile thanks for the speedy response my friend just looked it up, looks great. I’m guessing it should be fine to use on my Sony a7Rii as long as I get a e mount converter?
@@chetansingh3593 you have to use the sony lea4 converter for autofocus because that old lens needs an external focus motor, but still it’s slow and loud af, if you are fine without af every adapter works well and the manual focus ring is sooo nice to use compared to new focus by wire lenses
Tommaso Campanile gotcha, makes sense, manual focus makes me nervous as most people I shoot don’t tend to hold poses. In your experience can you use manual focus on a person that is moving a lot/fidgeting around?
Seems it delivers a slightly cooler image than the other two. I know the Batis delivers a warm image, but did not expect the Sony 70-200 to also be warmer. Doesn't mean anything if you shoot raw, but I guess the FEW jpg shooters on the hunt for a 2k lens should take note.
Oh and it's interesting that the Sigma (lol) is heavier than the Sony before you factor in the adapted.
I wonder if there are more...
A) JPG shooters who want a 2k lens
B) People who upgrade to a 1.8 lens because it can do F22
Bit the built and picked up a used Batis 135. Waited for the Sony 135 f/1.8, but can’t afford it, cash or weight.
Jason, how is the image quality of the sony 135 to the 70-200 at 135. I see on my screen they look the same, so what is the difference?
What surprises me about the 135 is that the minimum focus distance is shorter than that of the 85 despite being 50mm longer! Sony has once again outdone themselves!
100k subs imminent !
grindin'!!
@@JasonVong pretty sure you had like 20k when I started watching, keep it up
I notice you have a black medallion with a red exterior wrapped around your camera and some of your lens shots. What is this for?
Nice review - Sony also market this as a sports lens - will there be support for TC ?
thinking the new lens fo sho
How to get the blurry background for videos?
I would get the new Sony. I 'll wait for some deep tests and will probably travell to USA this year to get one of these and a new body. But still waiting for new A9R or A7RIV, shall we have something like that this year? o,O Greetings from Uruguay.
Can you put a teleconverter on the 135?
I don't think so
Hello there quick question, I just bought my 135 gm brand new and I noticed before I even took it out of the bubble wrap that it feels like something is moving around slightly when I tip the lens up and down, after putting it on the camera it works fine and everything seems ok, but is it normal when the lens is off camera to feel like something is moving when your holding it??? Thanks appreciate your time
Looks like a very nice lens. Why would someone want the 135 over the 85 for portrait though? Cant you get the same crop? Or is it for staying further away to get the shot?
I did just remember you mention how it flattens a image properly for portraits.
I honestly would still pick up the 85mm over a 135 for portraits.
Hi, the Sigma weight's 1.250g. I know it, because i have it... 😉
hey that model at 5:22 is the same as the bride model
@Jason Can the Sony 135mm GM be flown on the Crane Plus?
We need a 105 1.4 g!!!
someday someday!
For me the best 135mm lens is still the A-mount 135 STF. It is much more beautiful in bokeh for me and so much better for portraits :).
...so as always: "best" is subjective ;)
how about sony 85mm f1.4 gm? Is it better than 135mm f1.8 gm ?
Would be great if Sony releases 135 f1.8 or f2 FE for 800 -1000$... like 85 fe 1.8
Would need optical stabilization in this range. The GM is 1.8 , so I am guessing they will make f 2.8 normal lens for 135 mm. But honestly, mostly pros use the 135 mm range . So I am doubtful if they will release the budget version for 135 mm.
Tamron needs to make this lens then I will be interested
🙌
6:41 we need a girth comparison next time for lens cause you know... it ain’t about the weight of the lens but the magic it makes🤔 jk cool vid
Would you recommend this lens if you already have the 70-200 GM?
not unless you need the 1.8 for low light