puckman wrote:
The Batis would be more about replacing my FD24 with something more high end.
I've only had the FD24 for a week and have been happy with it so far, so I'm in no rush. But the idea of having something more high end like the Batis still appeals. I suspect it's going to blow the FD24 or FE28 out of the water in terms of IQ.
It might render a bit better, or have less distortion, but the FE28 is pretty darn sharp, across about 90% of the frame and then improves a bit more into the corners stopped down. Its a surprisingly sharp lens, with really pleasing color, and actually a pretty smooth bokeh quality (especially for a wide).
I've been doing some comparisons with my 35 Sonnar on the RX1 and its amazing how well the 28FE holds up, in fact, I find its overall rendering more pleasing the 35/2.8 FE I used to have. The 35 Sonnar still comes out ahead, as its the finest 35mm I've ever owned, but the 28 isn't bad at all, and is really quite pleasing to me. The 35/2.8 on the other hand I just never got along with, always looked so harsh compared to the Sonnar whenever they went head to head.
Now will the Batis be a good lens ? I'm sure it will, but its also going to be 3x the price. You could pick up a 28FE and a 55FE for what one lens would cost you.
Will the Batis have less distortion ? Probably
Will it be sharper in the center ? Not by much
Will is have a smoother rendering ? Hard to say.... 25mm isn't known for smooth bokeh quality and the 28 does pretty well
The 28 FE is simply a great lens overall, and at its price point, an amazing lens. Zeiss logo or not, it simply takes pleasing photos, at least per my taste.