Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 Batis First Impression Review

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Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 14 image

Over the weekend, I had a chance to test out the new Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 Batis lens. You'll find my sample photos throughout this post.

It wasn't long before I formed an opinion that this is one hell of a lens...

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 7 image ^{85mm, f/1.8, 1/3200 sec}

I tested it with a Sony a6400 - this lens was designed especially for the Sony E-mount system. Needless to say, I can't wait to test this thing out with the new Sony a7R IV when it comes out (hopefully later this year).

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 1 image ^{85mm, f/1.8, 1/4000 sec}

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 3 image ^{85mm, f/1.8, 1/800 sec}

This last weekend was a toasty one here in Southern California, so my best buddy and I spent a lot of time outdoors at Disneyland and the pool. He made a great subject to follow around and test this lens.

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 6 image ^{85mm, f/1.8, 1/4000 sec}

So far, there really isn't much that I dislike about this lens.

It's ludicrously sharp, surprisingly lightweight, and has a beautiful, streamlined finish that is reminiscent of Zeiss Otus lenses.

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 2 image ^{85mm, f/2, 1/2000 sec}

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 5 image ^{85mm, f/2, 1/2000 sec}

It's got a nice feel to it, with a big rubber ring for extra grip.

Focusing is highly accurate, silent, and blazing fast.

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 10 image ^{85mm, f/8, 1/800 sec}

After just three days of playing around with this lens, it's easy to see why it gets near-perfect five-star reviews!

My only major beef with this rig is that there's no Z-mount option for Nikon cameras. Hook us Nikon peeps up with this amazing glass, Zeiss!

Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 Batis Specs

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 4 image ^{85mm, f/2, 1/3200 sec}

Here's a quick rundown of some of this lens's specs and features:

Focal length - 85mm
Angle of view - 29
Max aperture - f/1.8
Min aperture - f/22
Electronic aperture with 9 blades
Fast AF drive system with linear motors
Lens elements/groups - 11/8
Floating elements design that minimizes aberrations
OLED display on the barrel that shows focus distance and DOF
Dust and weather sealed
Weight - 1.05 pounds
Dimensions - 3.19 x 3.62"
Price - $1,199.00 at Adorama

Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 Batis Pros & Cons

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 9 image ^{85mm, f/16, 1/125 sec}

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 15 image

Even after just a few days, I'm prepared to label a number of things about this lens that are absolutely stellar:

Compact size - you'd expect a lens of this quality to be much, much heavier
Dust and weather resistance
Blazing fast with that big f/1.8 aperture
Super accurate autofocusing system (there's manual override too!)
Impeccably sharp even at f/1.8, but especially so in the mid-aperture range

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 12 image ^{85mm, f/8, 1/800 sec}

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 8 image ^{85mm, f/8, 1/640 sec}

In terms of things I don't like, I'm struggling to come up with anything I found especially annoying.

Sure, it would be nice to have a Z-mount option, but I suppose other than that, my only quibble is that the OLED display is cumbersome to turn on and off. You can use the OLED display in manual focus or autofocus, so I suppose that's a nice touch.

But, honestly, if that's all I have to question about this lens, I think it's safe to say we have a winner on our hands here.

Zeiss 85mm f1.8 Batis review 11 image ^{85mm, f/2, 1/1600 sec}