Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 lens review with samples (Full-frame & APS-C)
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2021
- Another Zeiss Batis lens. Zeiss long ago stopped even pretending to present offerings considered to be 'good value for money' but they can sometimes still be excellent optics - let's see what this one can do.
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
geni.us/zeissbatis25mmf2
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That clock has now become a de-facto standard for testing close-up image quality!! Excellent review and recommendation as usual. Thanks!! Oh yes I am learning some english too!! :)
"I'm saying it's FAT". Got me there 🤣
PHAT.
Hi Chris, greetings from Italy
i always watch at your videos because, at the beginning, i needed some reviews to make clear my shopping ideas, but now i’m totally addicted to your British accent and of course your meticulous way of making reviews.
i also thank you for being the best english teacher i’ve had in the past 8 years
hope you will come to naples for taking some beautiful photos and also to eat something good, you’re the best.
(let me get my new credit card so i can sub to your patreon)
pps: when i’m drunk your videos are kinda the best thing i can ever watch because it’s sooo relaxing
Shop used for the Batis lenses is a much greater value for shooters. Love my 25, 40, & 85mm Zeiss Batis'.
I feel like a lot of the early Zeiss E mount lenses haven't aged well at their established prices. We're overdue for Mark II versions (unlikely) or price cuts (very unlikely). They were default buys back then buy don't stand out among so many quality current lenses.
Exactly, I feel like the prising isn't competitive anymore when Sigma and Tamron make such great lenses for less.
Love Your reviews. I will say that there is a little more to lenses than just sharpness, flaring and CA though. Also, this one can be had for $650 or so these days. I honestly doubt anyone is paying retail price for it. There is something about the zeiss lenses and the unique contrast and coloring of their images. Most people find it very pleasing, even if it’s subjective.
You have a very fair point here. Last year we were fooling around in the studio and I picked up an A7R3 together with a Batis 40 and Batis 85 lens. Though as a fashion photographer, I use Hasselblad and Nikon, I was very impressed with the results. There’s that distinct Zeiss color and contrast and a beautiful focus transition (which entails more than just bokeh blobs). They render skin and fabric textures beautifully and close to the level of my H6D (on that specific topic that is). Yet, the Batis lenses could do with a mkII version. Newer lenses (like the Sigma Art series) are often designed to be super sharp to accomodate hi-res sensors and leave all the side effects (distortion, CA and vignetting) for the camera to correct. Zeiss could try and find a new balance here. But when you buy them in outlet or pre-owned for around €600 each, these Batis lenses are gorgeous in real-life. Esp. on a 24mp body.
Agree. The Batis 25 is the smoothest auto focusing lens I've used on the FX9. Colour and contrast are sublime. Wonderful, wonderful lens. Superbly well made and a joy to use. The AF system is mind bogglingly smooth and efficient - Samyang don't make anything that works anywhere near as well.
The batis series is so underrated. Don‘t get fooled by the 2.0 - it‘s a stunning lens and can compete with the g master for sure!
Tell me about these 2.0
I actually prefer my wider Sony 20mm f/1.8 G lens. Thanks for another thorough and wonderful review!
When looking at glass, as initially a Canon 6D owner ( and still happy with this excellent camera) went ,some years' ago, for several L series lens. Superb quality and the prices were up there, but still very happy with the excellent IQ of my 24-70 2.8 L.
However, the prices Canon is asking for new L glass is just unrealistic for myself and, I suspect, many other people.
So too Zeiss glass.
For too long Zeiss has traded on it's name and there are only so many people who are capable of extracting the maximum resolving quality from manual focus lens.
Other posters have already mentioned high quality, alternative third party lens makers, to which I would add both Sigma and, more recently, Tamron.
Zeiss glass has never been in my sights and the company will have to move with the times to even have me read reviews of their lens.
As usual, a thoroughly enjoyable review and I like your style, as clearly do many others.
Keep up the excellent work.
I have been working with Zeiss glass for the last decade. I decided to that because Nikon could not produce anything good that I like with out a high price tag and a mediocre performance. All the Nikon F-mount lenses 50mm and 85mm are too expensive what they are. I don't like Sigma because they had Af issues all the time and therefore I went manual.
The múltiple YT and owner reviews don't really confirm your views on Sigma Art lens, at least, + the superb 56 1.4 for apsc & the new very, very positively reviewed 18-50 2.8 DC recently released .
Thanks for the review
Chris will you be able to do a review on the Sony FE 35 f1.4 GM lens ?
I own both 24mm GM and 25mm Batis. Use GM for video and Batis for photos.
Well I think I made a greate choose buying the tamron 17-28
I have this lens for years. It is much cheaper than sony lenses. And it produces absurd colors and is perfec for movies what the Batis Series is mode for. The infinity fly-by-wire focus is incredible precise and rapid. Just move the ring fast and it is magicaly focused It also produce smooth focusing. Besides, it is perfect for astrophotography, movies and landscape since the DOF is shown in a LCD in the top not requiring many manual observation or consulting apps to get the DOF. It is not practicle to read any information of the focus but here it is perfect. You choose f and look at the LCD while moving the focus ring the complete information of DOF. Since Batis is made for movies, the flare appearence is great. This 25mm with f/2 brings the double of light of the 18mm f/2.8 version. For astro I prefered to get this 25mm f/2 than a 18mm f/2.8
Yes the focusing system is like nothing else on this lens - simply stunning to use on any Sony camera including their cinema line.
What other lenses you recommend to go with this?
Just revisited the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 video. I am impressed by that lens even more now, especially after factoring in the price.
never thought you’d review any of these i honestly never had any expectations for these
I am giving some more precise informations about this lens which I have and use on A7 (24Mpx) and A7rIII (42MPx) . I takes fully advantage of the 42Mpx compare to the 24MPx with visible increase of reproduction of details ( contrast and definition). It deserves easily a 42 Mpx sensor.
I have just checked on DXOmark which mesured it on 36, 42 and 61 Mpx. It confirms what I see.
So the review here is not based on solid grounds?
The review does not compare this lens on FF 24 Mpx and on FF 42 Mpx. I don’t understand the conclusion about the sensor resolution on both practical and theoritical point of views. I have no comment about the rest of the review.
"Well you know, Diffraction!"
That was an unxpected joke 😂
Haha, love those fine lined jokes in each review xD
any chance to see that beauty with AF for Nikon Z system ?
thanks for the review I was considering this lens and your review has helped me make a more informed choice.
I really like the little LED screen on this lens, but its not worth taking all the optical compromises for it. Maybe Sony or Sigma should experiment with adding HUDs to one of their lens lines?
I would love you compare it with the Sony Zeiss Loxia 25mm F2.4...
It may just be a bias, but I often think Zeiss has a distinctive color rendition. I wish I could find such a kind of comparison some day. Thanks for the review!
There are theories that Zeiss lenses are colour matched. I can sort somehow confirm that with a exception. What I have noticed that a lof lenses have slight grey tinted bokeh and loose colour brilliance. Here I can confrim that this is not the case with Leice lenses and also with Zeiss lenses. However, again there are some exceptions.
@@oliverlison Interesting
Big fan sir. Love from India ❤️
Stopping down to f4 and it's good though I noticed it never really becomes the sharpest ever. I think the new sigma 24mm f2 dg dn might be better?
What about at £699, which is the current price on Amazon UK?
I've never understood the 25mm batis especially with such a high price piont, if it was f1.4 I could understand especially now that the samyang 24mm f1.8 is such an outstanding lens with such a great price, great review 📷👍🙏
It is a nice lens. Just not good value for money
I'm watching this channel for one purpose only - to hear Chris saying phrase "autofocus motor" again and again 😁
English is my first language and I still needed that explanation
Hehe :-)
I would love to see an astrophotography shot with these wide angle lens reviews!
I agree it’s not worth the price new, but for half that used (as mine was) I think it probably was. I’ve never had an issue with sharpness in real world use, but one needs to be careful with the fringing. Also the lens cap is trash. On a more positive note, the distance scale is great, and the images have great contrast.
thanks again for a very insightful review, I'd like to suggest a new and interesting subject for a video if you don't mind... how about a video about lens "micro-contrast" and "3D pop" and "different rendering" and "unique characteristics" that we keep hearing about from the artsy Leica snobs, are they a myth? do they make a difference?
It's all a myth. Leica and Zeiss snobs make up terms like '3D Pop' and 'micro-contrast' in order to feel better about themselves for blowing unbelievable amounts of money. Rendering though could be said to be about the quality of a lens's bokeh, and 'unique characteristics' - well, that could be anything
@@christopherfrost Yup, what I’ve found 3d pop/ micro contrast to be is just good contrast and good bokeh combined together. Maybe I’m just uncultured though
@@gstpierre69 I've been thinking about this too, could it also be due to the vignette and slight field curvature of the lens?
@@gstpierre69 I think what many people consider 'micro contrast' is really just resolution and contast together
@@christopherfrost Actually that makes perfect sense, in a MTF chart sort of way. Lens resolution is just contrast on a very fine scale, so maybe what is called 3d pop is a result of having a consistent level of good contrast from the low frequencies to higher frequencies
This could be a very good architecture lens with those sharp corners and decent sharpness at 2.8
Is it better to buy full frame Sony lenses for my Sony APS-C camera? So that when I upgrade the body to Full frame, I don't need to invest on lenses again. I'm in a budget.
It would be very interesting to see also a review on Batis 40mm CF
Also, thank you for supporting us 🇺🇦
Actually, "corpulent" is originally from Latin, so many languages other than English have adopted it in various forms.
I think he was referencing the word "Rotund"
@@CallMeRabbitzUSVI 0:49 "Unusually corpulent". Rotund is a rather common word, I would think.
The English language is actually based on few languages. To put it simple and not exaggerate:
- Everyday and old English is based on German.
- New words and technical English is based on foreign components.
He talking about the width dimension of a lens not giving a lesson in uncommonly used words in the vast English language! Fat is fine here. On to distortion and chromatic aberration!
I have this lens and longitudinal aberration is the biggest problem of the lens even on 24mp sensor...
Isn't the Sony 24mm f1.4 GM better than this for about the same price?
A bit disappointing at this price point. Thanks for the review Chris!
That price is in new condition, used can be found around 700/800 usd very easily.
Just like pretty much every other Zeiss lens for Sony E-mount.
The Samyang 24/1.8 seems like a better overall lens for a lot less money.
Yeah, Zeiss seem to think they are Apple. Nothing in this lens justifies that sticker price, just the blue logo for the lowbrowed brand chasers.
Samyang also matches their 135mm F2 (no AF though) and beats them in microcontrast for 1/4th the cost. Zeiss is a terrible company
Considering the designs they have pioneered, I'd argue that calling the company "terrible" is a bit overblown. At the time of their release, the otus lenses were the sharpest in the world, and while I love the samyang 135mm and have owned it, the color rendition of the Zeiss is much more pleasant to me. To this day the 135mm ZA A mount autofocus version probably has the nicest bokeh rendering, even compared to the gm and sigma art, simply due to the optical formula.
No, really it isn't. Have you used both? Terribly misguided comments here from people who can't appreciate the nuances of quality engineering and no doubt have not used both lenses.
sony a6500 / ilce-6500m e-mount camera with aps-c sensor (does it work on this model)
Yes, apply the 1.5 crop factor
What about 18mm 2.8?
Oh nice a semi-wide with auto focus and pretty big aperture. This could be very interesting!
*1300 USD*
You know what... Now that I think of it autofocus is completely overrated... I'll just keep using my Pentax vintage lens 😶😶
And yes I am aware my Pentax is a lot softer. It was also only 60 usd instead of 1300 😂 So I'll take it 😅
Go for the Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, I did ! The Sony performs better !
Damn, after all these years, ZEISS lenses still are so expensive 😿😿
Vintage ones are quite affordable
@@mastaw You’re right, but I should add on “Modern ZEISS lenses.”
@@mastawwell, some of the better ones are very expensive still since their distinct look is highly sought after by cinematographers
Christopher have you swallowed a dictionary lol
Always like your reviews ;)
I do not like that they don't print the name Carl from Carl Zeiss. Why they do that?
canon camera?
I would love to see a comparison video between this lens and the good old Sony FE 28mm f2 lens. Thank you!
It's not even close
@@shang-hsienyang1284 I can imagine, but it would be nice to see how big of a difference there is.
I own one. Sony 28 f2. the price is 1/10 of the batis... iQ is acceptable..
I will keep it..
The knock on Sony’s, 28mm, f2 is it has wild barrel distortion uncorrected, which translates to stretching of things off center and not so great corners. This Zeiss, 25mm, T* lens seems to have very little distortion at all, and the little present seems to be of the pin cushion type. Those who value this may find it worth spending a little extra for this quality.
Really cool looking lens and otherwise nice, but that amount of LoCA ruins it for me.
Is this available in india
please tell us…. 🙄
@@hansdampf3576 yes available in amazon india with a price of around 93k INR equivalent to USD 1260
English is my first language but Retant.... Had no idea what that was! :D
Rotund
@@tomlopata Multumesc pentru explicatie
Sony gm 24 1.4 much much better with better quality in everything also has same price .
The Samyang 24/1.8 is much better for less money.
Or you can get the sigma 16mm f1.4 and shoot in crop mode which is around a 24mm f2 full frame equivalent for a lot less money.
...and lose more than half of your camera's resolution...
@@christopherfrost that's fair, but today's cameras are high resolution enough anyway in my opinion
@@adihadzavdic2644 Depends what you're using it for. IMO, if I buy a 42mp camera...I want those sweet 42mp images. Otherwise, I'd just go APS-C :-)
@@christopherfrost I guess you're right, i can see my mistake now.
@@adihadzavdic2644Many like me aren’t seeing it as a mistake. Some who even don’t have high MP sensors (i.e 42MP, 61MP), use this as a strategy to use a great APSC lens they love for what ever reason on a full frame body. Or even if its not an APSC lens if you have a prime that can be extended using the crop I think its better to use the crop and get the shot you want. Sill, essentially it is equivalent to cropping in post, except you are doing it at the time the photo is captured as opposed to later. Very valuable for people like me who like to get it right “in camera” and don’t like a lot of post work. I have a 24mm, and I punch in all the time to get 35mm (36mm), when the shot demands. I’m one who doesn’t like distortion and I find it hard to come across a sub 35mm with no distortion. So if you have a good 16mm that has no distortion and punching in gets you 24mm with no distortion thats a god strategy to me, even at the peril of MP.
I've seen better image quality on many zoom lenses you've reviewed Chris. I guess it's only USP is its beer-belly, so it's a no from me!
Jeez so you really pay triple just for the Zeiss logo.
A petrol station with its own butchery! :D
Common enough here in Wales hehe :-) butcheries and farmers everywhere, we love our meat!
why ketchup in the library?
"I'm saying it's fat" 😂 😂 😂 😂
i think the new samyang 24 1.8 definitely has topped this one
I love your reviews. That Ben Shaprio book though...
"That Ben Shaprio book though..." -- ? though what?
@@mountainhobo Dry-ass P-word
@@MegaNardman What?
Is it just me, or is the lens rendering everything cold and blue? Far from a neutral color bias.
Bought this lens a few months back & I can honestly say I don't like it, I don't see the 3d pop everybody talks about.
Rather disappointed with this high-end $2000.00 (CA) Lens.. my Sigma 35mm Art out performed it with the color fringing and soft focus...the "gimicy" electronic readout on the lens makes absolutely zero difference in its performance. Something Zeiss installed on their brand of lenses just to catch the eye of those who enjoy the techy stuff in life!! Gonna definitely Skip this one!
You can find these on eBay for ~700USD that's not a bad deal at all.
Zeiss lenses remind me of expensive antique bells...
Color fringing at f2 at this price range! No! No! No! No!
It is not Fat Chris. It is THICC.
Thicc Lens
I dont think, Christopher, ever satisfied with any of Zeiss lenses. Always complaints about price. Its like complaining why Mercedes is pricey yet he enjoys how the car rides, safety, and speed.
Considering lenses that cost half or even less performs better, it is not surprising the price point is something to be complaing about
Very characteristically wonderful yet nicely balanced performance at excellent build quality. Very high IQ is available when needed, razor sharpness is [in my opinion] overrated for most uses but it’s there with just slight adjustments in aperture. Could have been better, but then they’d have to sacrifice the compact and lightweight build.
The lens worth only $600 and the other $700 are the Zeiss logo…
First!!
IMHO, there's no point in buying such an overpriced, overrated lens in 2021, when you can get Samyang 24mm f/1.8, which is sharper and MUCH less expensive. I haven't tried the 25mm on my A7R4, only on a A7R3, but if it is like the Batis 18mm, 61 Mpixels seems to be the threshold these 2 lenses shouldn't cross. The Samyang 24mm is doing great on that unforgiving sensor...
61MP is overkill that no one needs and is overpriced in itself. If you think this lens is overpriced, then reconsider that Zeiss does not sell in numbers as Sigma does. Therefore the price is higher. And if you don't like, then move. I wonder where the common sense is of some people?
@@oliverlison "61MP is overkill that no one needs" : you call your statement common sense ?? Don't bother to answer
@@oliverlison 1925 : "someday, cars will go 100 kph. Who needs such a speed ?"
Well you know, the Zeiss badge costs $500.
Is that all? Then again, what does the Leica "red dot" cost?
I love all of your reviews which is why I always give them a thumbs up but after you said decent backround blur and somewhat good low light performance with a $1300 price tag I shut the video off. But thank you for your time.
Humm ‘Z’ as in ‘$eiss’. These days with such high pixel density sensors, lens manufacturers are being seriously challenged to produce better glass/optics. That much CA is a ‘no,no’ for me.
The lens was always a stinker, luckily it came out so long ago that you arent forced to buy it over cheaper options.
A stinker? I’m sure people take stunning photos with it. Well, I guess it isn’t you.
I don’t believe you’ve ever reviewed the 40mm f2 Batis. Unfortunate since your reviews are indispensable when lens shopping.
that sticker gives me anxiety
So, I can buy this lens for £1029, or a grey market 24mm 1.4 GM for £929... hmmmmm
wanted this lens so bad but that softness is a dealbreaker. samyang 24mm 1.8 is alot better :(
О чем Вы говорите? Это просто эффект Даннинга Крюгера. Руки у обзорщика растут из задницы, Батис намного резче Самьянга
Ben Shapiro huh?
Haha caught my eye too.
Holy moly, why can Samyang make an ULTRA sharp 135mm F2 and Zeiss can't even do the much easier job for a 25mm for three times the price? I mean the Samyang 12mm F2 is sharper than this... And that's one of Samyang's softest lenses (in the middle of the frame)
this is embarrassing, not a lens, especially for this kind of price
Another overpriced Zeiss lens. I think Samyang and even Viltrox lenses beat this Zeiss in IQ.
These zeiss lenses are cheaply made. Glue is holding the focusing motor. Once the glue deteriorates, it no longer works. Zeiss customer service is the worst. Stick to Sony or Tamron lenses.
Why this lens looks so overpriced to me?! It doesn’t have IS it’s only F2 and the picture quality doesn’t look better than Canon top of the line 24mm. What’s the catch?
It is a Zeiss..