Two of the latest lenses to pass through our hands here at AP are the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 and the Zeiss 85mm f/1.8. The Zeiss Batis autofocus lenses have been specially developed and created for mirrorless, full-frame system cameras manufactured by Sony and by pure coincidence our review samples arrived from Zeiss just a few days after taking delivery of the new Sony Alpha 7R II.
The ZEISS Batis 25mm f/2 mounted to the Sony Alpha 7R II
With a brief window of opportunity to pair the Zeiss Batis lenses to the Sony Alpha 7R II, we headed straight out to the Kent Coast to shoot a few early sample images. These lenses’ sleek and minimalist design of is very much in keeping with the clean and unpretentious ethos of the brand. Everything from the way the lens hood attaches, to the effortless rotation of the manual focus ring feels like it has been meticulously thought through.
The OLED illuminated display is located just ahead of the rubberised manual focus ring on the barrel
As the images show, the lenses have been designed to complement Sony Alpha 7-series cameras and our first impressions are very impressive indeed. Focusing is incredibly fast and the addition of the OLED illuminated display on the barrel (a feature not seen before on a lens) is extremely useful – offering extremely clear distance and depth of field information while you shoot. Adding to this, the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 and Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 are fully compatible with all E-mount cameras and offer protection against dust and splashes of water.
The petal-shaped lens hood is nicely designed and follows the lines of the lens barrel
Though the prices of the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 (£979) and the Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 (£909) fall into the premium category, they’re particularly appealing options for Sony E-mount users. Hire companies have also started to list both lenses on their websites, with Hireacamera offering the ZEISS Batis 25mm f/2 from £30 a day including VAT. Prices for a weekly hire cost £64 including VAT and a weekend hire costs slightly less at £44 including VAT.
Make sure to keep checking our website for the full review, which we’ll be posting soon.
