Currently have Zeiss 55 1.8. I do like this lens for its size and performance but rendering is not super attractive. Looking for next level lens. I got chance to get Batis 40 f2 so im asking if anyone who got chance to use both would find Batis 40 f2 as upgrade from Zeiss 55 1.8. I don't mind that Batis is bigger and heavier. What matters is better rendering, bokeh at f2/f2.8 where i will use this lens mostly for portraits.
For me the most important advantage of the Batis when I did a switch was the close focusing ability of it.
On top of that I found the 55mm focal range to be too limiting for my use and 40mm hits the sweet spot.
I use my 40mm as a walk-around prime lens, could not do the same with the 55.
I don’t think Batis 40 is Next Level compared to the 55 ZA and likely the latter will have more pleasant bokeh overall.
For ‘Next Level’ rendering I would look into f/1.2 CV40 & 50 Nokton, Loxia 50, 35/1.4 & 50/1.4 ZA, Sigma Art 40/1.4 & 35/1.2.
If you’re still after the batis 40 you may want to wait for reviews on the new sony 35 1.8.
Not sure that it is next level. I’ve had the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 and I currently have the Batis 40mm f/2 CF. The 55mm is a very fine lens but it is 55mm vs 40mm. To me that is a significant difference in focal length for a walk around lens. I really prefer the wider focal length for travel and landscape shooting. The Batis also has close focus capabilities which I find very useful. Both lenses are sharp across the frame and they both are capable of some nice 3D pop.
Currently have Zeiss 55 1.8. I do like this lens for its size and performance but rendering is not super attractive. Looking for next level lens. I got chance to get Batis 40 f2 so im asking if anyone who got chance to use both would find Batis 40 f2 as upgrade from Zeiss 55 1.8. I don't mind that Batis is bigger and heavier. What matters is better rendering, bokeh at f2/f2.8 where i will use this lens mostly for portraits.
Any thoughts?
Agree with others on the rendering of the 55 just was not for me. Size and sharpness was great. It also is in "no man's land" at 55 for me. I find that an odd focal length personally. Although I am not fond of the Batis lens design, optically the 40 is very nice and more versatile in my opinion. Close focus is a nice bonus. Wish it had the new Sony 35 1.8 body then it would have been perfect
To me 40 is more like a 35 in application, especially for portrait shots. So it’s not a replacement and I’d say the two advantages of the 55 (apart from being a high performing lens for the price and size) are:
1. The extra 5mm are good for portraits, although annoying for walk around
2. It gaps quite nicely with 40mm so you can have it and the Voigtlander 40 (or Batis 40 maybe).
To me, next level for portraits I would be looking at 85 or 135 or maybe a faster 50 (although they tend to be bigger, you suggest size does not matter).
Sorry, it doesn’t really answer your question. From samples I have seen though, the Batis is not rendering better than the 55/1.8. If that holds true (there was a major firmware update and I have no idea if that might have affected bokeh) the likely answer to your question would be “no” ..... but since bokeh is subjective you will find someone who says the opposite.
Thanks all for replies. I have decided to hold on my 55 1.8 and maybe in the future to swap it with Zeiss 50 1.4. I have read some reviews and checked on more samples. Batis 40 2 seems great but not that great to bother switching from 55 1.8. Appreciate all replies.
milkod2001 wrote:
Thanks all for replies. I have decided to hold on my 55 1.8 and maybe in the future to swap it with Zeiss 50 1.4. I have read some reviews and checked on more samples. Batis 40 2 seems great but not that great to bother switching from 55 1.8. Appreciate all replies.
This ^^^^ is what I did. Actually have a used 50/1.4 headed my way for comparison. Reviewing a lot and of Flickr pictures taken with the 50/1.4 and the 55/1.8, the 50/1.4 images definitely have an edge in sharpness and “pop.” But the quality of photography is better in the 50/1.4 images than the 55/1.4 images, which no doubt skews the results.
Even if I decide to keep the 50/1.4, the 55/1.8 stays in my kit. It’s a great, small lens.
With the choice of the 50/55, not the 40, comes the choice of which 35 to own. I love my 35/2.8 for most of what I do. I wanted faster and tried the 35/1.4, but did not mesh with that lens. Then I bought a used RX1RII and fell in love. I don’t know if anyone could make a better rendering combo, and the whole thing, lens and all, are smaller than the 50/1.4
