Fred Miranda wrote: suteetat wrote: Fred Miranda wrote:
These tests were done carefully (and repeated) because I know many shooters are choosing between them. However, I don\'t like to make generalizations because I only tested one copy of the Batis 18/2.8. It seems to be a good copy and it\'s not decentered but we never know if there are other copies performing better or worse. Only Roger tests will show.
I went through a couple of Loxia 21\'s before it was replaced by Zeiss themselves. I know my Loxia 21 is a good copy because I was able to compare a few of them.
Personally I think the Batis 18/2.8 is excellent and a great choice for Sony shooters. Is the Loxia even better? I would say yes but that\'s a totally different focal length.
I like both lenses very much. If I have to choose only one, based on overall look, I also prefer L21 and I find 21mm a bit easier to use. However, I think if I have to let B18 go, I would miss it very much also. But if AF vs MF is not an issue, I certainly would recommend L21 first. Then again, B18 actually make an interesting street shooting experience as well. Glad I don\'t have to choose one over another
Aside from IQ comparisons, these lenses look so different.
The Loxia build seems to have more metal, it\'s much narrower and a bit shorter. It\'s noticeably heavier, has a smaller thread size and a metal hood. Its mechanical MF and de-clickable aperture ring are great features for many shooters.
The Batis on the other hand, has AF and a modern look. No distance markings since it\'s focus by wire. The focusing ring is rubber, there is a digital display on it and the hood is made of plastic. Decisions that contribute to its futuristic look and weight. Clearly they were designed for different needs.
To me, the Loxia line was designed for precise manual focusing, aperture control and video. The Batis is a modern design with AF which appeals to more photographers.
Opps, for overall look, I really mean overall picture, rendering etc rather than physical appearance. I guess, generally, I am more of a function over form kind of person. Physical appearance wise, I prefer Loxia for its more compact size even though it is heavier. B18 look is not so understated like L21 which I also like. AF is always nice to have but not so important for me at these focal lenghts and tactile wise, there was no contest between L21 and B18. Although LED display (or whatever it is) is rather nifty on B18 but since my eye is usually glued to EVF, I have not had much use for it generally. I think Zeiss did a good job between balancing appearance and weight for Batis. I must be one of the few people who do not mind Nikon\'s plastic body for its recent lenses as I prefer weight saving over metal part but Batis seems to have found a nice balance, something that look and feel like what it should cost while being light as well.If Batis\' focus ring feels a bit more substantial, may be a bit more weight, I would love it even more.
May 06, 2016 at 12:11 AM
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