Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 (Sony) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Sony Alpha (Full Format)
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Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

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Sample Images & Verdict

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Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/800s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/7.1
Exposure 1/1250s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/4000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.2
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.5
Exposure 1/6400s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/3.2
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.5
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/13.0
Exposure 1/125s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Exposure 1/8000s
Make SONY
Model ILCE-7RM2
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 85.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s

The Competition

As already mentioned there is a bunch of other lenses competing for your money. Professional users may prefer the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM (to the left below) due to its better potential of producing an even shallower depth-of-field. Quality-wise we don't really expect any gain here though. The Sony lens doesn't feature an image stabilizer so it is not necessarily the better choice for low light photography either. On the more affordable side of the spectrum is the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8. At roughly half the costs of the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8, it certainly has the value aspect on its side and it's no slouch either performance-wise. However, again, it has to live without an image stabilizer.

Visual comparison courtesy of camerasize.com.

Verdict

The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is one of the best lenses that we have reviewed so far. It isn't just a sharp lens. It is excessively sharp even at fully open aperture. It also maintains a high image quality at close focus distances. Low CAs add to the goodness. That being said - it is not a perfect lens. Image distortions and vignetting are weak spots making it almost necessary to take advantage of Sony's image auto-correction. The quality of the bokeh is very good but there are a few lenses out there that are better still. That also applies to bokeh fringing which is on the high side.

The build quality is up to professional standards - a metal body, no wobbly parts, weather sealing - that's all excellent. However, we are still no big fans of the slippery surface coating, the dust catching focus ring and the dismal quality of the lens cap. The AF speed is good albeit not extremely fast. The OLED display on the lens is a looker for sure ... whether it's really useful may be a different question.

Even when taking its downsides into account - the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens. Therefore ... highly recommended!

Optical Quality (technical):
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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