Re: Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8
swldstn wrote:
Just catching up with this thread and read with great interest because I currently own both the Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 and the original Sony FE 85/1.4 GM. Have not bought the GM II version like I have for almost every other Sony lens I’ve owned and also because I own the Canon RF 85/1.2 L that I use on a Canon EOS R5 Mark II and previous R5.
It seems from review here that since I’m not making any money these days from my photography there probably no reason the get the 85/1.4 GM II. These days I use my Batis with my small A7CR and A7CII bodies and the FE* 85/1.4 GM with my A7RV’s larger body that handles the larger size and weight better. Also still have the Batis 40/2 CF and 25/2 to pair with it to get a constant feel and image quality across the focal range. Just not sure that upgrading to the newer 85/1.4 GM II is money well spent. Am I wrong?
I think you’re assessment is exactly spot on. It just seems to me, having used and looked carefully at the 85GM II vs the Batis 85, that the upgrade that the GM offers is very slight, AND the fact that you already have a complete set of Batis lenses suggests sticking with the Batis is the best path imo.
I will say, regarding size and weight, that Sony did another amazing work of engineering to whittle down the weight of the GM II over the original GM, so I’m finding it comfortable to use on my a7C II.
All that said, I do love the 85 GM II and will be keeping it and selling my Batis. My kit has evolved and is not mainly 20G, 35GM, 50 GM, and now 85GM II: which is nice and consistent just like your Batis setup.
May 07, 2025 at 08:49 PM
Previous versions of darbo's message #16810701 « Sony 85mm/f1.4 GM II versus Batis 85mm/f1.8 - comparison shots at f2 and f2.8 »
It just seems to me, having used and looked carefully at the 85GM II vs the Batis 85, that the upgrade that the GM offers is very slight, AND the fact that you already have a complete set of Batis lenses suggests sticking with the Batis is the best path imo.