Just got this lens used for around 50% off the new price. Really nice lens even tho it is older. Lens technology didn't really change much since the original release of the Batis line. I use this on the A7Cii and I like how the Batis is lightweight compared to the GM counterparts. Now that the A7Cii has the 3rd dial, there is not much need for aperture ring (I mostly do photos, not video). I also like there are no other buttons or rings on it. Just personal preference!
When the Sony A7S IV comes out, I plan on renting two of those cameras, this 40mm lens, and a Batis 18mm lens to put on a weather balloon and shoot 8k video at 60p of the earth in space. That way I get a wide shot of Earth and more narrow shot with no distortion, get it all in glorious 8k 60p. I did this with 3 GoPros in 2014 but want to use pro cameras with external recording this time. It's going to be glorious! I also plan on buying this for my Sony A1, right now my Batis collection is the 85mm and 18mm, would love this 40mm to round out my prime collection.
James Lavish i really do like the lens. A bit out of my price range though for what it is, in regard to my needs. At the moment I’m looking into a 20mm, maybe even a wide zoom. Current lens inventory, 24mm 2.8, Tamron 28-75, Sony 85mm 1.8 😁, and a 70-200mm 2.8 (adapted). Would love your input on a relatively wide lens? Going to use it for landscape/portraiture and b-roll. Thanks as always!
Yeah, like I said, it is for a particular user, no doubt. As for an affordable wide-angle, I would check out the 16mm Sigma 1.4, the Rokinon/Samyang 18mm 2.8, the Tamron 20mm 2.8, and if you don't mind manual focus (not for everyone or every application...) the Rokinon 20mm 1.8!👍✌
I just picked up one of these and man i love it! Great focal length to add to my prime collection. Got it barely used for $850 so not bad for this lens.
The color, is excellent, focus…slower than Sony GM zoom lenses ; it can shoot at distance very close to object. Most versatile? For street photography it’s good, but for my work as wedding photographer I uses the Sony zoom GM 80% of the time; I use 40mm for close up scene and some video.
Hey Javed, thanks a ton! As for the choice, These two lenses are so similar (aperture, close focus, fast AF, weather sealed, etc) that I think it really depends on what you have or plan to have in your kit. If you have a 50mm already that you love and will keep, or plan to get, then I would go for the 35mm less expensive option from Sony. If you want one lens in your kit to take the place of those two lengths then I would go for the Zeiss 40mm. This is what I did, fyi. Though I may eventually get a 50mm, I have not missed it yet! ✌🏻
James Lavish thanks James! It’s like you read my mind lol. I have the 35mm now and I was considering a 50mm 1.4 from Sigma. But the 40 caught my eye cause it lies btw them both and could fill the void. Thanks for the insight!
James I just got mine yesterday and like it so far. Seems to focus better on my A7iii than the A7riii - especially the close focus stuff - seems to fidget a lot before locking in. I’m using flexible spot medium , any thoughts?
Hey Robert, that's great. First, yes, from what I understand, the larger sensor of the a7riii ends up giving a slight edge to the a7iii for AF, especially moving subjects, but the difference should not be that great. As for the 40mm itself, are you using the focus limiter switch? I found this to be key when using for close focusing and any video that is not CF. Limiting the camera's search parameters helps a lot. And good lighting in always important for quick and accurate focus! I like flexible spot for most subjects myself...
@@JamesLavish James, excellent I will try the focus limiter switch some more in different conditions. I was out in the backyard garden yesterday trying to do some close ups of the flowers. The real close number of the switch I was struggling getting things in focus, so I will try to practice some more. With the A7riii I was just doing a shot of a birdhouse from about 8-10 feet and it seems like it was moving in and out on the focus, it would often take maybe a few second and sometimes it would even go out of focus by the time I clicked the shutter button (I don't know if this is what is referred to as focus breathing?). When I just had the lens on full it was taking great shots with both cameras, so I think as a walk around travel lens it will be awesome.
@@GuitarRJP Actually, this is referred to as "hunting". Focus Breathing is when the focal length of an image changes when you switch focus from something close to something far in the frame or vice versa...usually more apparent with longer focal lengths. It's not an issue normally, unless you are videoing and the focal length changes slightly as you pull focus...video lenses are made to overcome this. So, with the 40mm, I usually just leave the switch in the middle (.4m to infinity) unless I am trying to close focus (under two feet or so). I hope this helps. It is a great lens!
Not crazy at all. I bet you never look back. Especially if you end up with either the Batis 85 or Sony 85 1.8. Also a fantastic lens. As for the 40mm, I never reach for my 50mm anymore! ✌🏻
Hi there, great video! This Lens had some issues after release with aparature closing down at close distance automaticly and Eye-AF front focusing at portrait distance. Both should be improved after firmware update by Zeiss, but there are still mixed reviews. So I wonder, did you experience any problems with front focusing and AF accuracy? Thank you for answear!
"Sony Zeiss 40mm f2 (SONY’S MOST VERSATILE PRIME???)" Just so people know, this is not a Sony lens, it's a Zeiss lens. Apart from being for Sony E mount, it has nothing to do with Sony.
This isn't Sony Zeiss lens, even though those lenses also exists, for example Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8. This is Zeiss Batis lens. Sony has nothing to do with this, exept that this lens has Sony E-mount. Just like there are no Sony Sigma lenses.
Thanks for watching! Tell me, what's your favorite "odd" lens?!?
This is a Zeiss Batis lens, not a Sony Zeiss.
Got it and it‘s glued to my camera
It's a fantastic lens. 👊🏻✌🏻
Really helpful..appreciate your works 👌
Thanks a ton, Ayon. And thank you for watching!✌
James Lavish Waiting to see your full review of Xperia 1 mark 2.
Just got this lens used for around 50% off the new price. Really nice lens even tho it is older. Lens technology didn't really change much since the original release of the Batis line. I use this on the A7Cii and I like how the Batis is lightweight compared to the GM counterparts. Now that the A7Cii has the 3rd dial, there is not much need for aperture ring (I mostly do photos, not video). I also like there are no other buttons or rings on it. Just personal preference!
Thanks, solid advice there.
GREAT review! Thanks to you, I'm building quite the knowledge base to use when it comes time to buy a good camera. Thanks!
Thank YOU, Dan! Your photos are great and getting even better every day! Let me know if/when you have camera specific questions!
@@JamesLavish Very kind of you to say! I certainly will!
Truth
When the Sony A7S IV comes out, I plan on renting two of those cameras, this 40mm lens, and a Batis 18mm lens to put on a weather balloon and shoot 8k video at 60p of the earth in space. That way I get a wide shot of Earth and more narrow shot with no distortion, get it all in glorious 8k 60p. I did this with 3 GoPros in 2014 but want to use pro cameras with external recording this time. It's going to be glorious! I also plan on buying this for my Sony A1, right now my Batis collection is the 85mm and 18mm, would love this 40mm to round out my prime collection.
When I do get a full frame camera, this will definitely be one of the lenses I check out!
Awesome! 😉
Heyo!!! Great to see a new video! I’ve been eagerly waiting 🙇🏻♂️ Now, time to watch 👊👍
Thanks brother! Enjoy and let me know what you think of the 40mm! ✌🏻
James Lavish i really do like the lens. A bit out of my price range though for what it is, in regard to my needs. At the moment I’m looking into a 20mm, maybe even a wide zoom. Current lens inventory, 24mm 2.8, Tamron 28-75, Sony 85mm 1.8 😁, and a 70-200mm 2.8 (adapted). Would love your input on a relatively wide lens? Going to use it for landscape/portraiture and b-roll. Thanks as always!
Yeah, like I said, it is for a particular user, no doubt. As for an affordable wide-angle, I would check out the 16mm Sigma 1.4, the Rokinon/Samyang 18mm 2.8, the Tamron 20mm 2.8, and if you don't mind manual focus (not for everyone or every application...) the Rokinon 20mm 1.8!👍✌
I just picked up one of these and man i love it!
Great focal length to add to my prime collection.
Got it barely used for $850 so not bad for this lens.
That's a great price for this lens! Yep, truly unique focal length and fits nicely in a bag of primes!✌
The color, is excellent, focus…slower than Sony GM zoom lenses ; it can shoot at distance very close to object. Most versatile? For street photography it’s good, but for my work as wedding photographer I uses the Sony zoom GM 80% of the time; I use 40mm for close up scene and some video.
Great review! I’m torn btw the Sony FE 35mm 1.8 and this. Which one would you pick?
Hey Javed, thanks a ton! As for the choice, These two lenses are so similar (aperture, close focus, fast AF, weather sealed, etc) that I think it really depends on what you have or plan to have in your kit. If you have a 50mm already that you love and will keep, or plan to get, then I would go for the 35mm less expensive option from Sony. If you want one lens in your kit to take the place of those two lengths then I would go for the Zeiss 40mm. This is what I did, fyi. Though I may eventually get a 50mm, I have not missed it yet! ✌🏻
James Lavish thanks James! It’s like you read my mind lol. I have the 35mm now and I was considering a 50mm 1.4 from Sigma. But the 40 caught my eye cause it lies btw them both and could fill the void. Thanks for the insight!
@@mrjwhite Sounds like a great plan! Let me know how you like those lenses!
Thanx James! Good job!
Thank you! ✌
I am torn between the 25mm& 40 I have the 85mm help…….?😮
James I just got mine yesterday and like it so far. Seems to focus better on my A7iii than the A7riii - especially the close focus stuff - seems to fidget a lot before locking in. I’m using flexible spot medium , any thoughts?
Hey Robert, that's great. First, yes, from what I understand, the larger sensor of the a7riii ends up giving a slight edge to the a7iii for AF, especially moving subjects, but the difference should not be that great. As for the 40mm itself, are you using the focus limiter switch? I found this to be key when using for close focusing and any video that is not CF. Limiting the camera's search parameters helps a lot. And good lighting in always important for quick and accurate focus! I like flexible spot for most subjects myself...
@@JamesLavish James, excellent I will try the focus limiter switch some more in different conditions. I was out in the backyard garden yesterday trying to do some close ups of the flowers. The real close number of the switch I was struggling getting things in focus, so I will try to practice some more. With the A7riii I was just doing a shot of a birdhouse from about 8-10 feet and it seems like it was moving in and out on the focus, it would often take maybe a few second and sometimes it would even go out of focus by the time I clicked the shutter button (I don't know if this is what is referred to as focus breathing?). When I just had the lens on full it was taking great shots with both cameras, so I think as a walk around travel lens it will be awesome.
@@GuitarRJP Actually, this is referred to as "hunting". Focus Breathing is when the focal length of an image changes when you switch focus from something close to something far in the frame or vice versa...usually more apparent with longer focal lengths. It's not an issue normally, unless you are videoing and the focal length changes slightly as you pull focus...video lenses are made to overcome this. So, with the 40mm, I usually just leave the switch in the middle (.4m to infinity) unless I am trying to close focus (under two feet or so). I hope this helps. It is a great lens!
Is better than sony 35mm 1.8?
I'm thinking on sell my zeiss 35 2.8 and 55 and trade them for this, maybe in the future the batis 85....Am I crazy? :)
Not crazy at all. I bet you never look back. Especially if you end up with either the Batis 85 or Sony 85 1.8. Also a fantastic lens. As for the 40mm, I never reach for my 50mm anymore! ✌🏻
James Lavish Interesting🤔, I will begin to check for deals maybe under 900, if I get this will save for 85 batis too, many thanks 👍🏻
@@charruaporelmundo Yes. Wait for a deal for sure or get it used on eBay or Adorama or MBP!
Nice video
Thanks Kenneth! ✌🏻
Hi there, great video! This Lens had some issues after release with aparature closing down at close distance automaticly and Eye-AF front focusing at portrait distance. Both should be improved after firmware update by Zeiss, but there are still mixed reviews. So I wonder, did you experience any problems with front focusing and AF accuracy? Thank you for answear!
Ah yes, thank you Filip! I have heard of that, but did not experience any issues with it, as it was corrected with a firmware update last year! 👍🏻✌🏻
"Sony Zeiss 40mm f2 (SONY’S MOST VERSATILE PRIME???)" Just so people know, this is not a Sony lens, it's a Zeiss lens. Apart from being for Sony E mount, it has nothing to do with Sony.
This isn't Sony Zeiss lens, even though those lenses also exists, for example Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm 1.8. This is Zeiss Batis lens. Sony has nothing to do with this, exept that this lens has Sony E-mount. Just like there are no Sony Sigma lenses.