p.1 #1 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I would be extremely interested in comparison shots between these two lenses at f2.0 and f2.8:
- sharpness?
- tonality?
- bokeh?
Does anyone incidentally have both lenses?
I expect the GM II to be sharper, but by how much?
What about tonality and bokeh, is the GM superior in this field as well?
Would anyone expect much of a difference at f4 and beyond?
There are no reliable direct comparisons, that I am aware of and Lenstip unfortunately has not tested the Batis yet (and thus likely never will).
p.1 #2 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I'd be interested as well, but I think it will be a tall order.
I expect the Sony to "better" on all accounts (micro-contrast, sharpness, edge-to-edge performance, AF speed and accuracy, bokeh, etc). The Batis is 200 g lighter, has a 67mm filter vs 77mm, and you can find a minty one for $500-$600 instead vs $1,500-$1,600.
Standing by for someone with first-hand knowledge...
p.1 #3 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Frankly, for portraits, my first choice is still the original GM 85mm f/1.4. I do have the Batis 85mm and use it if the size/weight of the GM feels cumbersome for shooting away from home base for several days. I mentioned it a few times; for portraits, you don't need the sharpest tool nor the fastest AF in the shed...
p.1 #4 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I have both lenses at the moment. Having taken various comparison test shots for myself I’ve seen the GM II is indeed better, but it’s not by much imo. I had hoped to post some samples in the 85 GM II thread a couple weeks back, but fell ill and am only now well again. So, I’ll now try and get to this as requested; comparison photos at f2 and f2.8.
Let me know if there are any other specifics you’d like me to address with the photos such as distance to subject, etc.
p.1 #5 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
darbo wrote:
I have both lenses at the moment. Having taken various comparison test shots for myself I’ve seen the GM II is indeed better, but it’s not by much imo. I had hoped to post some samples in the 85 GM II thread a couple weeks back, but fell ill and am only now well again. So, I’ll now try and get to this as requested; comparison photos at f2 and f2.8.
Let me know if there are any other specifics you’d like me to address with the photos such as distance to subject, etc.
It is really great, that you are well again!
Thank you very much for comparison shots at f2 and f2.8 that would be really nice!
What are the other major differences you see?
(Aside from the weight and IBIS which is a big plus for the Batis)
p.1 #7 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I have the 135mm. It is excellent, but there again it is an Apo lens unlike the other Batises. I don’t much like the jelly mound shape nor the fact there is no MF/AF switch. Its hood is, as usual with so many lenses, way too cumbersome. I don’t use it, preferring a small third party replacement instead. Without the original hood it is so much nicer to use. The lens is smaller than the Sigma 85mm f1.4. I don’t have the 85mm Batis, but some of these nitpicking criticisms may well apply to it too.
p.1 #8 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I have Batis 85, Sony GM 85/1.4 Mk1 and Sony GM 85/1.4 Mk2.I share Joshua's opinion above.
GM2 85/1.4 is a better lens than both Batis 85 and GM1 85/1.4 in purely technical terms.Yet in my case,the no1 portrait lens is still the GM1 85/1.4 for it's unbeatable bokeh/skin rendering.
GM2 85/1.4 I tend to use where sharpness/contrast wide open is the first priority.Batis 85 is used for it's Zeiss look,size and weight,usually together with other Batises.
p.1 #9 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I'm currently preparing my comparison images right now, but one interesting noticeable difference is that the 85GM II has a wider FOV than the Batis. Looking into it I see that Lenstip has measured the 85GM II to actually be 83mm.
p.1 #10 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
From memory, the Batis 85mm breathes a fair bit, so (if so) it should show longer at portrait distances than the recent GMs, because Sony tried to keep breathing in check once people started noticing. Both fine lenses, IMO.
p.1 #15 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Thank you very much!
I‘m astonished how similar these two lenses are. At f2.0 the Sony has an ever so slight edge in micro contrast. But it is really nothing that could not be brushed away by a slight shift of the sharpness slider in post. I would not hesitate to use the Batis at f2, it is sharp right into the corners. By f2.8 both lenses are VERY similar. I was especially surprised that bokeh is very close.
At identical f-stops I do see a slightly more gradual fall-off of sharpness with the Batis, but it is difficult to judge with just two scenes. This is just an observation needing further support. In any case it doesn‘t make one lens superior: some might prefer the very slightly stronger ability of the Sony to isolate the subject, others might prefer the minute smoother transitions of the Batis (if this observation holds up in further comparisons).
Colour is also very similar, to an extent that I did not expect for two lenses of different manufactures. Very nice if you consider mixing lenses from these two manufacturers in your bag.
Have others noticed anything else?
I have wondered about purple/green fringing at f2:
- At f2 the Batis has some slight green outlining where the skylight bursts through the leaves, but this is mostly gone by f2.8.
- Do you have any shots with metallic surfaces in bright sunshine, fountains in bright sunshine or dark twigs in front of a bright sky?
p.1 #16 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Knut. wrote:
Thank you very much!
I‘m astonished how similar these two lenses are. At f2.0 the Sony has an ever so slight edge in micro contrast. But it is really nothing that could not be brushed away by a slight shift of the sharpness slider in post. I would not hesitate to use the Batis at f2, it is sharp right into the corners. By f2.8 both lenses are VERY similar. I was especially surprised that bokeh is very close.
Have others noticed anything else?
I have wondered about purple/green fringing at f2:
- At f2 the Batis has some slight green outlining of out-of-focus leaves in front of the bright sky, mostly gone by f2.8.
- Do you have any shots with metallic surfaces in bright sunshine, fountains in bright sunshine or dark twigs in front of a bright sky?...Show more →
I agree with your assessment completely. The GM II picks up some very minor texture/detail that the Batis doesn’t at F2, but it’s super minimal.
I’ll attempt some color fringing torture comparison tests per your request…hopefully tomorrow.
p.1 #17 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
darbo wrote:
I agree with your assessment completely. The GM II picks up some very minor texture/detail that the Batis doesn’t at F2, but it’s super minimal.
I’ll attempt some color fringing torture comparison tests per your request…hopefully tomorrow.
You are so fast 😅
I had actually not yet finished working on my comment.
Thank you so much, I imagine others (including Zeitlos) are very grateful to you as well.
p.1 #18 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
One thing that just popped into my mind: Considering that in-body-stabilization (IBIS) is available on most bodies, did you find the in lens stabilisation of the Batis useful?
Does it work well in connection with IBIS, e.g. do you feel that it adds anything?
(I know, these are very difficult questions, others who own the Batis might chime in on this point as well)
p.1 #20 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
We have not seen everything that Darbo will present to us, but considering the small differences between the Sony and the Batis, I agree, it would be very difficult to justify an upgrade if you already own the Batis. There is only one reason if you do:
- You need f1.4
Two arguments speak for keeping the Batis:
- The clearly lighter weight (452g versus 642g)
- In lens stabilisation (if it integrates well with in-body-stabilisation and thus proves to be of an advantage at low shutter speeds)
