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The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF (Close-focus) bridges the gap in the ZEISS Batis family lineup
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.
With a 40 millimeter fixed focal length, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF (Close Focus) is the latest addition to the product family. This standard lens in the ZEISS Batis family features a quick autofocus and an extremely short minimum focus distance. Delivery will start in November 2018. “The focal length on the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, something customers have been eagerly awaiting. The lens bridges the current gap between the ZEISS Batis 2/25 and the ZEISS Batis 1.8/85,” says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Category Manager for Imaging at ZEISS.
The ZEISS Batis family was developed specifically for mirrorless full-frame cameras from Sony (Alpha 7 and Alpha 9 series). The lenses are compatible with all E-mount cameras and cover a total of five focal lengths ranging from 18 to 135 millimeters. Together with these cameras, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF ensures a lightweight, easy-to-use, high-performance system that delivers outstanding image quality, a minimum shooting distance of 24 centimeters for close-up shots and a magnification ratio of 1.3.3. “With the launch of the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF, we now offer a focal length that falls between the standard 35 and 50 millimeter lenses people love to use. We have made the entire ZEISS Batis lens family even more attractive by offering the complete range of focal lengths,” says Pollmann.
The most versatile lens in the ZEISS Batis family
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is able to tackle various photography challenges thanks to its special 40-millimeter focal length. From portrait and street photography to landscape and architecture – anything is possible with this high-resolution fixed focal length. “The lens is excellent for applications requiring normal focal lengths as well as common photographic situations where a bit more of a wide angle is needed. Our customers will enjoy a truly versatile lens which, thanks to its proven ZEISS look, and an outstanding image quality, is also ideal for close-ups. If you’re traveling light and decide to opt for just one lens, then this would be it,” says Pollmann.
Thanks to its high micro contrast and initial aperture of f/2, the lens can perfectly capture individual objects. Features like floating lens design for consistently high image quality across the entire focus range, the ZEISS T* coating for fewer reflections and weather and dust sealed housing and splash protection ensure maximum image quality in almost any situation. For creative work, the innovative OLED display on the ZEISS Batis shows the distance and depth of field, ensuring a perfectly adjusted focus range.
The price of the new ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is 1.299 € (incl. German VAT) or 1.299 US$ (excl. local taxes).
Looks interesting. To those who understand well the lens design diagrams and the history of Zeiss, is this lens anything like a previous Zeiss lens or something all new? I don't think they have had a 40/2 that I can think of though there was a 45/2 for Contax G.
Also is there any information there that gives a clue as to the true focal length? I cling to the hope that maybe this is a 37mm lens, close enough to the 35 many are hoping/waiting for but maybe branded as a 40, in the same way the Batis 25 is more like a 23/24.
I've inspected the official images bunch (mostly f/2 and really not specially good photos) and found them sharp throughout the whole frame (when the photo is not misfocused) but nothing to write home about (like the Batis 25), allso quite clean of color aberrations (cleaner than the 25 mm) and with a smooth OOF rendering... Other opinions?
Enri wrote:
I've inspected the official images bunch (mostly f/2 and really not specially good photos) and found them sharp throughout the whole frame (when the photo is not misfocused) but nothing to write home about (like the Batis 25), allso quite clean of color aberrations (cleaner than the 25 mm) and with a smooth OOF rendering... Other opinions?
The Batis 25's MTF shows lower resolution wide open but it's flatter throughout the image field.
Just comparison MTFs, the Zeiss 40/2's resolution/contrast seems to have more in common with the 85/1.8 than with the 25/2.
Fred, at first sight, do you think it could be better than the CV 40 1.2 generally speaking... if it does make any sense. Or, even better, for what kind of applications could it be better than the CV? I know I am asking almost for a prophecy
