p.3 #1 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I find the Batis 85/1.8 noticeably better across the field (even at center) compared to the FE but it all depends on how close you look. After f/5.6 they are very similar but the Batis is still better off-axis.
Honestly I've never seen a bad 85mm lens. Even lenses from more than 25 years ago like the Canon 85/1.8 were already good enough.
p.3 #3 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
Forgive me, I did call the 85 1.8 a G by mistake.
The Batis OIS isn't a point of difference for me, it did when I was shooting non IBIS bodies, but that was long ago in another space and time.
Some say it works in conjunction with IBIS for better results than IBIS alone, I call this complete hogwash.
The weather sealing isn't useful on the body if it leaks like a sieve, haven't found a Sony body yet that is properly weather sealed.
The only time I can see a difference in Batis 85 to Sony 85 resolution is in MTF's.
So, all points of difference null and void if we're using logic, if we're looking for justification for a purchase we've made, well, I won't bother to continue to argue.
Yes, I did have all the aforementioned lenses and had them side by side for a good while.
Yes I do realise I overpaid a little for the Tamron, I mean, Batis, woops I made a mistake again, getting old, not a big deal, I bought it because it was the best native AF'ing 85 for Sony years ago, because it was the only one.
p.3 #4 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I keep seeing these posts about the GM autofocus speed. YMMV but *with updated firmware* mine is just fine in any light. I use this lens for street photography constantly. It's not as fast as the Batis or the 85 1.8 but it's no longer crazy slow and borderline unacceptable in some situations, which was the case at release.
Back to our regularly scheduled comparison of the other 85s
p.3 #5 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
Holger wrote:
According to lensrentals who test several copies and do statistics based on that, the Batis is clearly sharper on average (see the MTF curves above). That doesn't mean the Sony lens is bad in any way. Especially if you got a good sample the results can be stunning.
What focus distance does lens rentals test at? Is it a common distance, or do they report at each lens' optimal distance? I do recall some articles about finding the best focus distance for each lens, but it wasn't clear what they report on all the comparison graphs.
p.3 #6 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
Eruditass wrote:
What focus distance does lens rentals test at? Is it a common distance, or do they report at each lens' optimal distance? I do recall some articles about finding the best focus distance for each lens, but it wasn't clear what they report on all the comparison graphs.
They do it at infinity. There are other reviews, of course, like the opticallimits.com comparison testing at an other focus distance. There the Batis is sharper, too.
p.3 #8 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
There is very little to quibble about in any of the made-for-Sony 85mm lenses, in terms of image quality as measured by 'sharpness'. All have noticeable LoCA however, and the Batis really needs the distortion s/w correction (native, OL say it's 2% pincushion and Lloyd Chambers has a Zeiss chart putting it at 3%, very high for a short telephoto).
If it's an important FL area to you, buy on image rendering and most commonly needed use case(s).
It remains a troubling focal length region however, which is one reason why Leica and Cosina have produced both 75mm and 90mm lenses, many of them at APO standard.
I've had the Batis, have the FE 85/1.8 and Loxia 85 (which has not sold in a year, even at half the RRP price, it might need to be given away at some stage). All are excellent in their own ways. But I'm still waiting for 'the one' and so are many others across the EVF camera ranges. Even the Leicaphiles argue over what is best among all their 75/90 lenses.
p.3 #9 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
Fred Miranda wrote:
I find the Batis 85/1.8 noticeably better across the field (even at center) compared to the FE but it all depends on how close you look. After f/5.6 they are very similar but the Batis is still better off-axis.
Honestly I've never seen a bad 85mm lens. Even lenses from more than 25 years ago like the Canon 85/1.8 were already good enough.
So true Fred. If I had to use the old Canon for the rest of my days the pictures wouldn't suffer all that much; a bit more work in post. Sure latest and greatest are better and nice to have, but as you say, the oldies are often good enough.
Whereas at many other FLs I'm really glad of modern design...
p.3 #11 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I never shot with the Sony but have extensive experience with the Batis. Rich colours, great contrast, sharp across the lens and had OS. Probably my most used lens.
p.3 #12 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I have had the Batis 85/1.8 for many years and I would definitely recommend it, though better to buy used as it's on the expensive side new. Fantastic rendering, sharp wide open, and very light weight.
That said I just bought the Samyang 85/1.4 (first version) for $479 from Amazon and it's outstanding. Highly recommended!
If you have the money and don't mind the weight the Sigma 85/1.4 DG DN Art is top shelf.
p.3 #13 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
patotts wrote:
Reviving this thread as I am thinking of getting an 85mm prime. The Sony 85gm is a non-starter until the GMii version comes out.
Batis 85/1.8 vs Sony FE 85/1.8 -- which one do you prefer and why?
So for portraits, I assume?
I don't have much interest in the Batis. The Sony 85mm F1.8 isn't that good for anything. It's main claim to fame is being quicker focusing than the GM and being somewhat compact. I do not like the purple fringing. It is quite similar to the old Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM I had previously. Maybe I had a particularly well-aligned sample of the Canon, because it has some reputation for being soft.
I have pretty decent other options: Samyang AF 85mm F1.4, Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 USD, Sony A 85mm F2.8 (Sonnar), Sony FE 90 F2.8 G OSS, 100 STF GM, Minolta AF 100 F2, and Canon 100 F2. And some weirder stuff like the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm F1.8 and Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Soft Focus.
I really like the little Sigma 90 F2.8 DN C. It is really good.
p.3 #15 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I’m not much of an 85 guy, but I purchased a used Batis 85 for $600-$700 a couple years back and it’s an incredible value proposition for me: Zeiss colors and sharpness, OIS, lightweight, very fast focusing, weather resistant.
p.3 #16 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
As I mentioned in my post 3 years ago (on page 2) I had the Sony 85 f1.8 but upgraded to the Batis. Extremely happy with that decision even today. The color and rendering are a bit better but for me the added OIS makes this a lens I can shoot well into the golden hour at base ISO. No problem getting handheld sharp photos with my A7RIV at 1/15 of a second. Best I could ever do with the Sony 85 was 1/50 of a second.
p.3 #17 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
I'd go with the Batis. If you want a lens that is sharper, faster, and with better boke consider the Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG DN Art. You won't find a better lens until the 85mm F/1.2 GM arrives.
p.3 #19 · Batis 85mm 1.8 vs Sony 85mm 1.8 Image Quality
Congrats with the Batis! I have it and I like it a lot. Though honestly, the Sony 85f1.8 is also very good. I've seen some pros use it with great results. If they are ok with it, then I would feel a bit ludicrous saying it's a bad lens.
