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Archive 2018 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)

  
 
Fred Miranda
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p.37 #1 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


eyal wrote:
Fred, did you end up getting a copy to test?


No, I requested it from B&H but they were out of copies. Perhaps on their next shipment.



Dec 11, 2018 at 03:07 PM
darrellc
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p.37 #2 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


I've been watching to see if any more stock came into my local retailers... nothing yet. Wonder if they put an embargo on shipping from distribution until they get an idea of the problem? Sure they want the money, but it must be vastly more expensive and complicated to recall from end customers than the distribution / retail channel.


Dec 11, 2018 at 03:57 PM
zeitlos
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p.37 #3 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Another review. It explicitly mentions the eye-af failure. Well, no surprise anymore after having multiple people reporting on it from early on:

https://sonyalpha.blog/2018/11/27/zeiss-batis-40mm-f2-cf/



Dec 11, 2018 at 04:19 PM
eyal
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p.37 #4 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


This lens is becoming less and less appealing to me which is unfortunate because I was really interested in it as a great one lens walk-about option.

The EyeAF is one (major) issue as I would be relying on it for portraits of my kids when the 85 was too long.

The new rumors of a Sony 35 G is another hurdle and, though a rumor, seems to be more probable than not.

Plus the resale values of the Batis line as noted by another user on the forum is of concern with prices for the 'equivalent' Batis 25/2 hovering in the $7-800 range.



Dec 11, 2018 at 04:48 PM
Justin Stone
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p.37 #5 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Sony has pursued a maximum Batis devaluation strategy and Zeiss hasn’t helped.

And I t goes a little something like this: 1) Sony allows Zeiss to fill an unfilled gap in the native lens lineup. 2) Zeiss creates an overpriced lens of moderate aperture and good to great performance 3) lots of people buy said lens 4) Sony releases a direct competitor and improves on it in some combination of the following (price, Max aperture, bokeh, aperture ring, etc) 5) lots of people want to buy the new Sony lens and sell the now redundant Zeiss Batis lens 6) resale plummets on a lens that seems even more overpriced than it originally did because of the glut of sellers and a dearth of new buyers because there’s an (at worse) arguably better lens (or, at best, vastly superior lens) at a better value from Sony.

eyal wrote:
This lens is becoming less and less appealing to me which is unfortunate because I was really interested in it as a great one lens walk-about option.

The EyeAF is one (major) issue as I would be relying on it for portraits of my kids when the 85 was too long.

The new rumors of a Sony 35 G is another hurdle and, though a rumor, seems to be more probable than not.

Plus the resale values of the Batis line as noted by another user on the forum is of concern with prices for the 'equivalent' Batis 25/2 hovering in the $7-800
...Show more



Dec 11, 2018 at 06:00 PM
Steve Spencer
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p.37 #6 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Justin Stone wrote:
Sony has pursued a maximum Batis devaluation strategy and Zeiss hasn’t helped.

And I t goes a little something like this: 1) Sony allows Zeiss to fill an unfilled gap in the native lens lineup. 2) Zeiss creates an overpriced lens of moderate aperture and good to great performance 3) lots of people buy said lens 4) Sony releases a direct competitor and improves on it in some combination of the following (price, Max aperture, bokeh, aperture ring, etc) 5) lots of people want to buy the new Sony lens and sell the now redundant Zeiss Batis lens 6) resale
...Show more

Only the 25 and the 85 have Sony competitors at the moment and they do in very different ways. The Batis 18 has no real competitor and I really wish somebody would make a pretty small MF alternative, but so far nothing. Similarly the Batis 135 has no Sony competitor and is a fantastic lens. Sure it is expensive, but it is a fine lens. Now it does look like the Batis 25 has been outclasses by the GM 24, but at least the Batis is a bit cheaper and lighter. The Batis 85, in contrast gets beat for price and size by the Sony FE 85 f/1.8. So those two Batis lenses are beat (if you consider them beat) by Sony in very different ways.



Dec 11, 2018 at 07:05 PM
nhsonyshooter
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p.37 #7 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


For UW I prefer the Lawoa 15mmf2. Small,sharp,fast, regular screw on filter, great close focusing etc... Cant really see Sony improving on it. But wouldn't mind them trying: )

Steve Spencer wrote:
Only the 25 and the 85 have Sony competitors at the moment and they do in very different ways. The Batis 18 has no real competitor and I really wish somebody would make a pretty small MF alternative, but so far nothing. Similarly the Batis 135 has no Sony competitor and is a fantastic lens. Sure it is expensive, but it is a fine lens. Now it does look like the Batis 25 has been outclasses by the GM 24, but at least the Batis is a bit cheaper and lighter. The Batis 85, in contrast gets beat for
...Show more



Dec 11, 2018 at 08:10 PM
swldstn
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p.37 #8 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


While I know the Sony 85/1.8 has been found to be pretty much the equal of the Batis 85/1.8 I still am a huge fan of the Batis family. In making the shift to Sony having Zeiss committed to providing a full range of excellent primes that share one style/ergonomic approach to me has been a huge plus. Sure Sony now has two GM to compete with them I now have a full kit and not longer have to wait around and figure out what to buy. Each one has hit the spot for me and I have no regrets about having them. I have not plans to swap them out for something faster and more expensive. For me personally they will hold the usefulness. If I wanted f/1.4 I might have stayed with the Canon L glass. with the 35/1.4L II, 85/1.4L IS, etc.


Dec 11, 2018 at 08:12 PM
Steve Spencer
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p.37 #9 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


nhsonyshooter wrote:
For UW I prefer the Lawoa 15mmf2. Small,sharp,fast, regular screw on filter, great close focusing etc... Cant really see Sony improving on it. But wouldn't mind them trying: )



I have the Laowa 15 f/2 and yes it is a very nice lens (but I do wish it had electronic contact for EXIF). Still I would really like an 18mm. For sets of primes I like to have 15, 21, & 28 or 18, 24/25, and 35/40. I can't quite get either set with the MF primes I would like. I could go with the Laowa 15 f/2, Loxia 21 but then there is no great option at 28. Or I could go with the Batis 18, Loxia 25, and CV 40, which is the set I use most, but I still wish I could replace the Batis 18 with a good MF prime.



Dec 11, 2018 at 08:44 PM
Tirpitz666
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p.37 #10 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Well, at the end I decided to give up on this lens and bought an used FE 35 1.4 instead. It seems well centered enough for my tastes so I couldn't be happier, it has a fabulous rendering that reminds me A LOT of the RX1's Sonnar (and even saved some good money vs buying this Batis anew )


Dec 12, 2018 at 04:13 AM
smpetty
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p.37 #11 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Steve Spencer wrote:
I have the Laowa 15 f/2 and yes it is a very nice lens (but I do wish it had electronic contact for EXIF). Still I would really like an 18mm. For sets of primes I like to have 15, 21, & 28 or 18, 24/25, and 35/40. I can't quite get either set with the MF primes I would like. I could go with the Laowa 15 f/2, Loxia 21 but then there is no great option at 28. Or I could go with the Batis 18, Loxia 25, and CV 40, which is the set I use
...Show more

I agree with you Steve. I'm hoping that a good 28mm MF will plug the gap. I'm using 15, 21, 40, 65, 110.

The Loxia 21 and the CV 40 are my two favorite lenses - MF and AF included. I can't imagine ditching either to go to an 18/25 based MF setup (although the Loxia 25 is just as good as the 21).

Edited on Dec 12, 2018 at 09:39 AM · View previous versions



Dec 12, 2018 at 09:31 AM
smpetty
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p.37 #12 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Tirpitz666 wrote:
Well, at the end I decided to give up on this lens and bought an used FE 35 1.4 instead. It seems well centered enough for my tastes so I couldn't be happier, it has a fabulous rendering that reminds me A LOT of the RX1's Sonnar (and even saved some good money vs buying this Batis anew )


I did the same, with some trepidation given how many tilted/decentered copies of the 35/1.4 have been reported.

My (new) copy arrived from Adorama yesterday and it's perfect. Well centered, no significant field tilt, and the rendering is just beautiful. I was also happily surpised to find that, at least for me, the lens balances nicely on my A7RIII and the weight won't be a problem. I kept my 35/2.8 - so small and sharp and a wonderful landscape lens. I might sell both if a good, resonably small Sony 35/1.8 is released.

I agree about the similarity with the RX1's Sonnar lens rendering - closest match that I've seen and focuses like a modern lens



Dec 12, 2018 at 09:34 AM
GMPhotography
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p.37 #13 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Steve Spencer wrote:
I have the Laowa 15 f/2 and yes it is a very nice lens (but I do wish it had electronic contact for EXIF). Still I would really like an 18mm. For sets of primes I like to have 15, 21, & 28 or 18, 24/25, and 35/40. I can't quite get either set with the MF primes I would like. I could go with the Laowa 15 f/2, Loxia 21 but then there is no great option at 28. Or I could go with the Batis 18, Loxia 25, and CV 40, which is the set I use
...Show more

Steve if you want sharp but not so much sunstars you could do the Firin 20mm. It does focus nice

So 15,20,25



Dec 12, 2018 at 09:58 AM
Tirpitz666
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p.37 #14 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Nice going smpetty

I now tend to believe that all the tilted/decentered lenses fiasco was really due to some production issues of the first batches and that then something has been sorted out as, beside my personal experience, I'm now reading a increasing number of people reporting totally normal lenses.

And yes, AF seems pretty good for such a huge lens, it consistely locks focus quite swiftly even in low light. I agree that at the end it balances rather well on camera despite the bulk and weight, provided that one has at least a "pinkie-extension" under the grip. I highly doubt I'll sell it even if a smaller 35 F1.8 comes out (unless it is REALLY exceptional).

Sorry for the OT, but at the end we are discussing "normal" fast lenses alternatives at the end..



Dec 12, 2018 at 10:07 AM
GMPhotography
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p.37 #15 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


You would really hope they sorted it all out. I was there in the beginning of it all with 5 copies and it was not fun. No doubt in my mind it was a production type issue. I have the 50 1.4 and it’s just such a great lens. So I’m happy about this one


Dec 12, 2018 at 10:20 AM
Steve Spencer
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p.37 #16 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


smpetty wrote:
I agree with you Steve. I'm hoping that a good 28mm MF will plug the gap. I'm using 15, 21, 40, 65, 110.

The Loxia 21 and the CV 40 are my two favorite lenses - MF and AF included. I can't imagine ditching either to go to an 18/25 based MF setup (although the Loxia 25 is just as good as the 21).


Yeah, the lack of a 28 is annoying. Your 15, 21, 40, 65, 110 kit is interesting and you could go all Voigtlander with that kit, but for me it falls short of what I see as the classic 15, 21, 28, 50, 85, 135 six lens kit in that the 40 just can't be a replacement for a 28. I actually like it as a replacement for 35 or 50, but for me a replacement for the 28 is a step too far. Ideally for travel and as a general walk around set I like 21, 28, 50, 90.

As much as I like that "classic" six lens kit, I have also grown to like the 18, 25, 35/40, 55/58, 100, 180 six lens kit quite a lot, and as a five lens kit I am a big fan of 18, 25, 35, 58, 100.

So, I am still a bit shy of any of the kits I would like.

My preferred four lens kit would be 21, 28, 50, & 85/90. I had this with Leica M and was very fond of it. I am the 28 shy of getting this in Sony unfortunately, so my 4 lens kit is Batis 18 (which is AF and not my favourite), Loxia 25, CV 40 f/1.2, & Loxia 85. That isn't bad, but could and I hope will be improved.

My preferred five lens kit would be 18, 25, 35, 58, & 100. I basically have this with the Fuji GFX if you consider equivalent focal lengths and 4X3 crops. There I have 24, 35, 55, 80, & 135. I can basically get there with Sony, with Batis 18, Loxia 25, CV 40 f/1.2, Canon FD 55 f/1.2 Asph, and Olympus OM 100 f/2. It sort of works, but has its annoyances too. The Batis is AF, the 40 and 55 are a bit close and the whole kit is pretty heavy, still I do take it out sometimes and like it. I could just replace the Canon FD 55, with the CV 65 f/2 APO (which I have) and the Olympus OM 100 f/2 with the CV 110 f/2.5 APO (which I have ordered) and I wouldn't have to adapt lenses but that will make this five lens kit even heavier. Still I am sure I will take that kit out at times too.

My preferred six lens kit would be the "classic" 15, 21, 28, 50, 85, & 135. I have never really had this with any system. With Sony I am just the 28 and 135 shy and I can get reasonably close with Laowa 15 f/2, Loxia 21, Loxia 25, CV 40 f/1.2, Loxia 85, and then an adapted Milvus 135 f/2 APO. Most of this set is great, but 25 to 40 is a pretty big gap in a six lens system and the adapted Milvus 135 although great is pretty huge. I have thought about getting a Batis 135 which would be great, but I am not a fan of AF. I have also considered getting the MS-Optics 135 f/2.4 APO, which looks lovely and tiny, but I haven't pulled the trigger there yet as I am not sure I will use it enough to justify having it.

So that is probably a lot more than you ever wanted to know, but my general feeling is that there are lots of very interesting lens sets with Sony. You still can't get to anything I would call ideal (mainly because of the lack of great lenses at 28 and 35). Nevertheless you can get a very very nice 4, 5, or 6 lens set for your shooting and sometimes striving for the perfect is the enemy of the good.



Dec 12, 2018 at 11:15 AM
NRKStudio
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p.37 #17 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


“I have the Laowa 15 f/2 and yes it is a very nice lens (but I do wish it had electronic contact for EXIF). Still I would really like an 18mm. For sets of primes I like to have 15, 21, & 28 or 18, 24/25, and 35/40. I can't quite get either set with the MF primes I would like. I could go with the Laowa 15 f/2, Loxia 21 but then there is no great option at 28. Or I could go with the Batis 18, Loxia 25, and CV 40, which is the set I use most, but I still wish I could replace the Batis 18 with a good MF prime.

Steve if you want sharp but not so much sunstars you could do the Firin 20mm. It does focus nice

So 15,20,25”

GM and Steve: the Firin 20 was tested at ephotozine as the sharpest at center lens they’ve ever tested (but then beat by the CV65apo). Just fyi


Dec 13, 2018 at 08:22 AM
GMPhotography
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p.37 #18 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Well I owned the Firin twice and throughly tested it here on FM. Its one hell of a sharp lens

My testes may pop up under 2017 forum here



Dec 13, 2018 at 08:29 AM
GMPhotography
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p.37 #19 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


Found it from last year

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1480006/0



Dec 13, 2018 at 08:33 AM
Jonathan Brady
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p.37 #20 · Pre-order: Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF ($1,299)


GMPhotography wrote:
Well I owned the Firin twice and throughly tested it here on FM. Its one hell of a sharp lens

My testes may pop up under 2017 forum here


When lens testing makes your testes pop, you know it's a damn good lens!



Dec 13, 2018 at 09:27 AM
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