p.2 #4 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Interesting comparison. The Sony 85/1.4 GM2 is of course better, as it should be considering the almost a decade difference between release dates, but the differences are surprisingly small.
This shows that:
A) The Batis 85 was a pretty good buy when bought at 2015 and Zeiss delivered a quite nice optical quality already back then
or
B) The optical development of 85mm lenses is much slower than what the marketing/forum hype suggests
p.2 #5 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Both are quite good, but they are different in ways that go beyond technical criteria and have more to do with the look or rendering of each lens's images. To me, the Batis images have an airier, more open, lighter feel to them, a small touch of pastel, a bit of glow or light that isn't veiling and that isn't due to spherical aberrations. The Sony is more muscular and intense.
p.2 #6 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
The Batis 85 and Sony FE 85 f/1.8 are nearly identical, aside from the Batis being larger, heavier, and pricier. As for the new 85 GM II, Sony's recent lenses follow the same trajectory as Zeiss—focusing on extreme sharpness and contrast, which often results in less appealing background blur and bokeh.
p.2 #7 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I find it interesting that the shots were done at f2, when including f1.4 lenses. While f2 allows for an apples to apples lens comparison, it might not reflect real world utilization.
I have extensively shot the Batis 85mm f1.8, GM 85mm f1.4 Version I and I now shoot the GM 85mm f1.4 Version II... all of them excellent lenses. I shot all of them at wide-open apertures 90% of the time. I would typically use more convenient zooms if I didn't need the speed or bokeh of f1.4 or f1.8.
At one time, the OS on the Batis provided a nice advantage, but the IBIS is now so good on Sony bodies that that feature might be a bit moot.
The king of bokeh is the GM 85mm f1.4 Version I, but it isn't the sharpest lens at f1.4 (really sharp at f1.8). I really liked my Batis 85, but in certain circumstances, the bokeh could be a little contrasty, for my taste. I actually preferred the bokeh on the Sony 85mm f1.8 that I also shot, for awhile. IMHO, the newer GM 85mm f1.4 II is absolutely killer. When splitting hairs, the bokeh may not be quite as pleasing as the Version I, but the sharpness, colors and contrast are off the charts.
A bit humorous aside - I ordered GM 85mm f1.4 when it was first released, nine years ago. When it arrived, the focus motor made a loud grinding noice. Assuming it was faulty, I put it back in the box and returned it for an exchange. When I tested the replacement lens it was nearly as loud. By then, forums had information relating the fact that it was just a normal characteristic of the lens. The lens was not very sharp at f1.4 so I did another exchange. By my third lens (fourth, counting the first), I was mostly satisfied. There seems to be a lot of copy variation with this lens - at least in the early production units.
p.2 #8 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Garmadon wrote:
By the way , why 50 ISO and not 100 ?
ISO 50 vs 100 was used merely out of precaution. I wanted to keep my shutter speed lower since my a7c II doesn’t offer the ability to turn off the electric first curtain shutter, which can affect bokeh at higher shuttter speeds. I hate the half-moon bokeh balls that show up at around 1/800 and faster. Clearly it was overcast and uneccessary yesterday, 100 would have been fine, but ISO 50 did no harm.
In normal shooting I’d just use a CPL or ND to drop the shutter speed, but that would negatively affect the lens comparisons.
p.2 #9 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
InFocus2014 wrote:
I find it interesting that the shots were done at f2, when including f1.4 lenses. While f2 allows for an apples to apples lens comparison, it might not reflect real world utilization.
I have extensively shot the Batis 85mm f1.8, GM 85mm f1.4 Version I and I now shoot the GM 85mm f1.4 Version II... all of them excellent lenses. I shot all of them at wide-open apertures 90% of the time. I would typically use more convenient zooms if I didn't need the speed or bokeh of f1.4 or f1.8.
At one time, the OS on the Batis provided a nice advantage, but the IBIS is now so good on Sony bodies that that feature might be a bit moot.
The king of bokeh is the GM 85mm f1.4 Version I, but it isn't the sharpest lens at f1.4 (really sharp at f1.8). I really liked my Batis 85, but in certain circumstances, the bokeh could be a little contrasty, for my taste. I actually preferred the bokeh on the Sony 85mm f1.8 that I also shot, for awhile. IMHO, the newer GM 85mm f1.4 II is absolutely killer. When splitting hairs, the bokeh may not be quite as pleasing as the Version I, but the sharpness, colors and contrast are off the charts.
A bit humorous aside - I ordered GM 85mm f1.4 when it was first released, nine years ago. When it arrived, the focus motor made a loud grinding noice. Assuming it was faulty, I put it back in the box and returned it for an exchange. When I tested the replacement lens it was nearly as loud. By then, forums had information relating the fact that it was just a normal characteristic of the lens. The lens was not very sharp at f1.4 so I did another exchange. By my third lens (fourth, counting the first), I was mostly satisfied. There seems to be a lot of copy variation with this lens - at least in the early production units.
My comparison images, thus far, have been by request - I was asked to post f2 and f2.8 photos, but you raise an excellent point. Much of the GM II’s excellence is in it’s high performance at F1.4 and I think I owe this test some comparisons with each lens at max aperture.
p.2 #10 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I have the Batis currently, and in the past have also owned the GM I and the G 1.8. Of those three, I prefer the Batis for my style of portraiture. These comparisons with the GM II are fascinating, and I agree that what will make the difference is the remarkable performance at f1.4.
I do not wish to hijack the thread, but I have a question to which I have never found an answer. Is it possible on the Batis to disable the stabilization without disabling the Sony IBIS? And if so, how?
Apologies for the intrusion. This is a great thread which I pray doesn’t lead me to “needing” the GM II.
p.2 #11 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
darbo wrote:
My comparison images, thus far, have been by request - I was asked to post f2 and f2.8 photos, but you raise an excellent point. Much of the GM II’s excellence is in it’s high performance at F1.4 and I think I owe this test some comparisons with each lens at max aperture.
This is interesting:
- For landscapes most of my shots are between f2.8 and 5.6, occasionally f2 (at night).
- For portrait I very rarely shoot these lenses wide open, since f1.4 usually does not allow all parts of a face to be sharp.
(Quite obviously, different people use these lenses differently)
Thus, when asking thw orignal question and opening this thread, comparing „apples to apples“, e.g. f2 to f2 and f2.8 to f2.8 was of most interest to me. Of course performance at f1.4 (or f1.8 for the Batis) is of interest. But this data is out there on the internet. Both lenses have been tested extensively when they came out.
But due to their release dates, direct comparisons are scant and usually anecdotal in the sense that users describe what they have found but mostly do not back up their observations with images.
I‘m thus very grateful to Darbo for an „apples to apples“ comparison. And -to me- this has already yielded some very interesting results: On one side, how similar The Batis is to the GM II, and on the other how competitively good the Batis is, even in 2025.
(At all times ignoring, that it is 1/2 the street price of the GM II)
p.2 #12 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Dneufarth wrote:
I do not wish to hijack the thread, but I have a question to which I have never found an answer. Is it possible on the Batis to disable the stabilization without disabling the Sony IBIS? And if so, how?
p.2 #13 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Knut. wrote:
This is interesting:
- For landscapes most of my shots are between f2.8 and 5.6, occasionally f2 (at night).
- For portrait I very rarely shoot these lenses wide open, since f1.4 usually does not allow all parts of a face to be sharp.
(Quite obviously, different people use these lenses differently)
Thus, when asking thw orignal question and opening this thread, comparing „apples to apples“, e.g. f2 to f2 and f2.8 to f2.8 made most sense to me.
Of course performance at f1.4 (or f1.8 for the Batis) is of interest. But this data is out there on the internet. Both lenses have been tested extensively when they came out.
But due to their release dates, direct comparisons are scant and usually anecdotal in the sense that users describe what they have found but mostly do not back up their observations with images.
I‘m thus very grateful to Darbo for an „apples to apples“ comparison. And -to me- this has already yielded some very interesting results, on one side how similar The Batis is to the GM II, and especially how competitively good the Batis is, even in 2025 (even not considering, that it is 1/2 the street price)....Show more →
The only time I use the Batis wide open is in extreme dark conditions…most other times I’m at f2.8 and smaller. I too find shooting at very wide apertures results in too little in focus for my photography.
p.2 #14 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
genjy wrote:
Just curious--why do you ask?
I am not convinced that operating both image stabilization systems simultaneously is a benefit, and might even occasionally be a detriment. I have on occasion seen what looks like camera movement in images where it couldn’t possibly exist while using the Batis, but have never encountered this phenomenon with any lens other than a Batis. Just wanting to test my theory. Thanks.
p.2 #15 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Dneufarth wrote:
I am not convinced that operating both image stabilization systems simultaneously is a benefit, and might even occasionally be a detriment. I have on occasion seen what looks like camera movement in images where it couldn’t possibly exist while using the Batis, but have never encountered this phenomenon with any lens other than a Batis. Just wanting to test my theory. Thanks.
Yeah, me too. I usually use my Batis 85 for portraits and editorial-type full body pics. I like to snap a dozen+ for each series of poses and sometimes I get a suspicious number of slightly shaky-blurry pics. I only really notice this when I use the Batis 85 + A7IV combo.
I shoot with an A7RV too but that body uses a different lens exclusively. No problem there.
p.2 #16 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Dneufarth wrote:
I have the Batis currently, and in the past have also owned the GM I and the G 1.8. Of those three, I prefer the Batis for my style of portraiture. These comparisons with the GM II are fascinating, and I agree that what will make the difference is the remarkable performance at f1.4.
I do not wish to hijack the thread, but I have a question to which I have never found an answer. Is it possible on the Batis to disable the stabilization without disabling the Sony IBIS? And if so, how?
Apologies for the intrusion. This is a great thread which I pray doesn’t lead me to “needing” the GM II.
...Show more →
I dont think so. I think that when an OIS lens is mounted , some of the axis will be treated by the Ibis , and the other ones by the OIS.
p.2 #17 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
I believe that the advantages of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), particularly in conjunction with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), become more pronounced at longer focal lengths. For about five years, I simultaneously owned both the Batis 85 and the 85mm f/1.4 GM I, and I noticed no discernible difference between them. Perhaps this was due to the GM being heavier, which provided a more stable grip. However, with the Batis 135, the benefits of OIS are clearly evident. The exposure durations achievable with this lens are remarkable, allowing me to capture nearly the same exposure times as with the Batis 40. As previously mentioned, with the Batis 85 and Batis 135, some axes are stabilized by the IBIS while the others are managed by the OIS. I have never encountered any disadvantages; the only issue arose when I forgot to deactivate stabilization while using a tripod, resulting in nearly every shot being blurred.
Garmadon wrote:
I dont think so. I think that when an OIS lens is mounted , some of the axis will be treated by the Ibis , and the other ones by the OIS.
p.2 #18 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
Garmadon wrote:
I dont think so. I think that when an OIS lens is mounted , some of the axis will be treated by the Ibis , and the other ones by the OIS.
I heared it should lead to better stabilization.
The main component of lens stabilization that is integrated into IBIS is YAW correction. It appears the signal gain from the old Batis lens for YAW is not what the camera can efficiently utilize. I know of no way to turn off OS without also turning off IBIS. If it becomes a real problem, I would turn-off IBIS and keep my shutter speed over 1/160 second.
p.2 #19 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
The more I look at the more it seems like the Batis and GM II are nearly the same. The Batis does have more vignette wide open, but the colors are more vibrant. It's hard to see much accuity difference at all.
I did take some color fringing shots (will post them later), but both lenses are very similar in that regard as well - Batis is just slightly worse.
Here is are both lenses at max aperture.
ILCE-7CM2FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens85mmf/1.41/500s100 ISO-0.7 EV
ILCE-7CM2E 85mm F1.8 lens85mmf/1.81/400s100 ISO-0.7 EV
p.2 #20 · Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
No one asked for this, but here the lenses are at F8 - I'm posting this because imo the Batis shows superior color and tones. Look at the bridge supports - the GM II looks a little hazy a little washed out while the Batis holds a nicer tone..
ILCE-7CM2FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens85mmf/8.01/20s100 ISO-0.7 EV
ILCE-7CM2E 85mm F1.8 lens85mmf/8.01/20s100 ISO-0.7 EV
