justruss wrote:
I have the Batis, and I will receive the FE 85 today (for a friend-- not my purchase). I'll have a chance to shoot the two side-by-side over the coming day, days, weeks. Don't expect a scientific test, since I'm going to handhold and just use-- but I will be evaluating with the intent of considering selling the Batis.
That said, I am currently doubtful-- unless I decide I want to squeeze that extra funding somewhere else (like if we ever get that mythical Batis or Zony 35mm f/2)-- I'll sell the Batis for the FE.
What stands out most of all to me in the samples of the FE is pretty strong green/purple fringing-- particularly in the OOF regions. The Batis is extremely well corrected for this. And while CA and fringing can be cleaned up quickly and effectively in post-- it's a nuisance AND cleaning it up leaves its own issues (it still has a deleterious impact on IQ).
Jman13 wrote:
Two quick shots...certainly nothing special. It's pouring right now, so no chance to go out and shoot, but I grabbed an umbrella for a quick shot of the blossoms outside my office, and a quick shot of one of the people in my office, and have taken a whopping 18 images with it just around my office. So far it looks pretty darn good. It's quite sharp at f/1.8, even towards the edges. Bokeh isn't anything amazing, but looks pretty neutral in the few shots I've taken so far. Note that some of the vignetting you see towards the edges was added in post (though there is some naturally at f/1.8, and even some left near f/4)
justruss wrote:
What stands out most of all to me in the samples of the FE is pretty strong green/purple fringing-- particularly in the OOF regions. The Batis is extremely well corrected for this. And while CA and fringing can be cleaned up quickly and effectively in post-- it's a nuisance AND cleaning it up leaves its own issues (it still has a deleterious impact on IQ).
I was really concerned about this with some of the samples I've seen, and while there is definitely some of that present, it's far less in my use than some of the early samples I've seen. I think it's going to be very manageable, though of course, I've only had it a few hours.
Jman13 wrote:
I was really concerned about this with some of the samples I've seen, and while there is definitely some of that present, it's far less in my use than some of the early samples I've seen. I think it's going to be very manageable, though of course, I've only had it a few hours.
I don't think it's a big deal. Sure, it has a deleterious impact on the photos-- but minimally so. It's more in the annoyance category.
I'm certain that if I didn't own the Batis, I'd probably just buy the FE. But it doesn't seem worth it to switch at this point.
Side note: I have the lens in hand next to my Batis. Seems quite sharp wide open, perhaps not quite as bitingly so, and perhaps not having quite the same microcontrast. But a stellar lens. Quick, silent AF (A7rII) @ ISO 100-640 down to about 1/40s (haven't been in a darker place yet). Looks good on the camera. Feels good.
Less actual size difference to the Batis than expected (barely any)-- but the Batis hood is much longer. I prefer the size of the FE lens hood. It even looks good on the Batis... just doesn't click into place securely,
Hard to notice much weight difference either. The FE feels cheaper, somehow, but that doesn't bother me one iota. I've never cared about that., Just and observation.
I think this is a great release by Sony. It corrects the major AF-flaws of the earlier FE 50 f/1.8. And it makes a compelling set with the little brother FE 28mm f/2.0.
Ugh I want one...but since I don't make my living with photography I usually never justify a new purpose. And this thing probably won't be discount for months Maybe the Batis prices will drop a bit? Since it does have OSS, there is that difference...
I'm confused....You are having trouble justifying the price of the FE 85...At $600, but then are curious about price drops on the $1200 Batis? Even if it drops 25%, it'll still be 50% more expensive than the FE. That may be worth it for many, but it doesn't jive with your previous statement.
I don't own the Batis, but I used it for quite a while and reviewed it. From my memory, the AF seems similar between the two, but I can't swear to that. crashwins wrote:
Ugh I want one...but since I don't make my living with photography I usually never justify a new purpose. And this thing probably won't be discount for months Maybe the Batis prices will drop a bit? Since it does have OSS, there is that difference...
crashwins wrote:
Ugh I want one...but since I don't make my living with photography I usually never justify a new purpose. And this thing probably won't be discount for months Maybe the Batis prices will drop a bit? Since it does have OSS, there is that difference...
Anyone compare the Batis AF speed to this?
Too bad the lens came so late-- I'm briefly in Amherst. I'd have let your try the two side-by-side, since I have them on my camera right now.
Take a look up at my previous post (and consider reading the thread)-- directly above yours... since it talks to AF speed. There are other posts in the last page or two that corroborate the story.
AF is pretty close. Close enough that casual use hasn't revealed any notable differences yet.
Mine arrived. I actually love how light it is. AF is definitely snappy. Here's a first set with aperture comparison. Seems sharp including wide open (with loss of some contrast).
One more set of wide open and stopped down images. On the second two images, focus point is on the horizontal branch. The branches are certainly sharp wide open.
I have both the Batis and the FE now...Actually, the CA is pretty similar, the AF is similar, the Bokeh is similar, there's no question which I'd buy if I just walked into a store and needed an 85...Really the only gain for the Batis is a little contrast, OSS and it looks sexier...lol
I haven't been in a situation where flare has come up, but the Batis is really strong there...That's about the only question mark left for me...
But like everyone's saying...The size of the FE is nice and to me it doesn't feel cheap. it feels solid, just lighter. I took some comparisons for CA yesterday...If I find the time I'll post em, really though, they are close.
Matt Kerby wrote:
I have both the Batis and the FE now...Actually, the CA is pretty similar, the AF is similar, the Bokeh is similar, there's no question which I'd buy if I just walked into a store and needed an 85...Really the only gain for the Batis is a little contrast, OSS and it looks sexier...lol
I haven't been in a situation where flare has come up, but the Batis is really strong there...That's about the only question mark left for me...
But like everyone's saying...The size of the FE is nice and to me it doesn't feel cheap. it feels solid, just lighter. I took some comparisons for CA yesterday...If I find the time I'll post em, really though, they are close....Show more →
Keep the sun centered and flare is minimized but as soon as the sun is placed off center, flare is evident. Sunstar is there but I doubt as good as the Loxia. Although the sparkle stars on the water look pretty nice.
I decided to try to force the flare. There's no denying it's there but the last one seems tolerable. The flare in this lens could be a portrait bonus if used carefully.
rji2goleez wrote:
I decided to try to force the flare. There's no denying it's there but the last one seems tolerable. The flare in this lens could be a portrait bonus if used carefully.
The actual flare looks pretty good, really. The sunstars look a bit naff though. Like the 2/28. And not just the number of points - the delineation.
This is, though, as amazing lens, and not just for the money.
My daughter was kind enough to pose for a few shots. This lens is impressing me so far. It's very sharp right from f/1.8, and bokeh is looking pretty nice to me too. Not the greatest ever, but certainly pretty nice. This is a very nice lens for the price.
Awesome shots very sharp, good bokeh, what a great lens!!! All of the sudden I see a bunch of gmasters on the for sale boards. Coincidence ?
Jman13 wrote:
My daughter was kind enough to pose for a few shots. This lens is impressing me so far. It's very sharp right from f/1.8, and bokeh is looking pretty nice to me too. Not the greatest ever, but certainly pretty nice. This is a very nice lens for the price.
