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ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony E

BH #ZE8518B • MFR #2103-751
ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony E
Key Features
  • E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
  • Three Low Dispersion Elements
  • Sonnar Optical Design
Updating a tried-and-true optical design for use with full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Batis 85mm f/1.8 from ZEISS is a portrait-length, short telephoto lens featuring a fast maximum aperture for greater focus control and enhanced low-light shooting. The Sonnar-type design, in conjunction with three anomalous partial dispersion elements, offers high contrast and accurate rendering by virtually eliminating color fringing and chromatic aberrations. A floating elements system is also used, for consistent performance throughout the focusing range, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions.
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ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Overview

Updating a tried-and-true optical design for use with full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Batis 85mm f/1.8 from ZEISS is a portrait-length, short telephoto lens featuring a fast maximum aperture for greater focus control and enhanced low-light shooting. The Sonnar-type design, in conjunction with three anomalous partial dispersion elements, offers high contrast and accurate rendering by virtually eliminating color fringing and chromatic aberrations. A floating elements system is also used, for consistent performance throughout the focusing range, in order to achieve even sharpness and clarity. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and lens flare for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions.

Batis-series lenses are distinguished by their innovative use of an OLED display on the lens barrel, which highlights the focus distance and depth of field range for quickly recognizing your focusing parameters. As an autofocus lens, linear motors are used to deliver quick, quiet, and smooth focusing performance to suit both stills and video applications. Additionally, this lens incorporates optical image stabilization to minimize the appearance of camera shake when working with slower shutter speeds and a dust- and weather-sealed construction lends itself to shooting in trying environments.

Short-telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, however can also be used with APS-C models where it will provide a 127.5mm equivalent focal length
Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture suits working in low-light conditions and also offers increased control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques.
Sonnar optical concept suits the combination of a large maximum aperture and long focal length, and also contributes to notable sharpness, well-controlled flare, and high contrast.
Three anomalous partial dispersion elements are used to significantly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for increased clarity and color fidelity.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections and provide greater contrast and color fidelity.
Optical image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Floating elements system helps to maintain consistent image quality throughout the entire focusing range, from 2.6' to infinity.
Integrated OLED display on the top of the lens shows the working focus distance as well as the depth of field range for quickly recognizing the parameters of focus in use, even when working in low-light conditions.
Linear motors benefit the autofocus performance of the lens and provide smooth, fast, and quiet operation. For manual focusing, a rubberized ring offers greater tactile control for precise placement of focus.
Dust and weather-sealed construction benefits using the lens in inclement shooting conditions.

ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Specs

Focal Length
85mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
29°
Minimum Focus Distance
2.62' / 80 cm
Maximum Magnification
0.13x
Optical Design
11 Elements in 8 Groups
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.62 x 3.62" / 92 x 92 mm
Weight
15.94 oz / 452 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.12 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.95 x 5.4 x 4.75"

ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Reviews

Amazing

By Nadia
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-19

Absolutely amazing!!!!!

But the colors!

By JAKE
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-14

Yes it's 'only' F/1.8. Yes it's expensive. Yes the colors are amazing. The brilliance of the Batis series is I don't have to fuss around with color in Post Processing. 1.8 is just fine unless background obliteration is imperative and you want to choose which eye gets to be in focus. Bonus - the lens looks pretty cool, too. A metal hood would have been nice.

High Quality. Lightweight. Compact.

By Nicholas V.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-17

I've had my eye on the lens for a while and now that I've purchased it and used it, I will NEVER regret spending the money. This is a great lens with SHARP images that won't weigh you down either. I love throwing this on the the camera and just heading out for the day. A great all-day carry option when you don't want to pack a lot of gear. Not just for portraits either. I love what I can do with this lens for architecture, landscape, and street. If you want a change in perspective, get yourself an 85mm lens.

Crispy sharp and more!

By Andrew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-24

It's more versatile than you may think. Put your Sony in crop mode and you have a 130mm. Then, use your clear image zoom if needed to go further. Lighter, sharper, better built, and 1.8 are reasons I picked this over the Tamron 70-180mm zoom.

Love the Zeiss "Pop!"

By Gary
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-24

I have owned and used a number of 85mm E mount lenses. The Sony 85 f/1.4 GM. The Sony 85 f/1.8 FE. All of them are great lenses and all of them have their pluses and minuses. The Zeiss Batis 85 f/1.8 just has a special color rendition. Skin tones are outstanding SOOC. It's a great portrait lens and focuses fast. Sharp "enough" but not quite as pin sharp as the Sony GM - but that's actually a plus for a lot of portrait work where you really don't want to be ultra sharp down to the skin pour level. It's also light and easy to work with. I would prefer an aperture ring, but that's not a deal breaker. I highly recommend this lens.

Favorite lens I ever owned

By Sarah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-27

I've never owned super expensive glass, this actually being among the most expensive I've ever bought, but it is my favorite. I must admit that I have gotten lazier over the past few years and am using the iPhone camera more and the A7III slightly less, but especially in contrast to an always ready phone, a portrait prime lens like this batis 85 is perfect and actually worth carrying around for me personally. I love the lens because it has excellent auto-focus on the A7III and excellent image quality. Not analyzing it down to the pixel, but I did actually compare it to the Sony 85mm 1.8 thoroughly and the Zeiss is a little better. It also feels very solid and premium and is fun to use.

Fantastic lens

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-12

I have used many lenses through my 35 year professional career. This is one of my all time favs.

its Great Lens sharp and quality picture

By Khoren
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-21

I porches for video shooting and i surprise for quality sharp and i got nice picture

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is this Batis 85mm ideal for indoor basketball ...

Is this Batis 85mm ideal for indoor basketball usage, focus fast enough?
Asked by: Harry
The autofocus speed/accuracy really depends on the camera. Although this lens would be serviceable for shooting sports, you'll be much happier spending a little more to get the Sony FE 70-200mm F4. That's the perfect lens if you're just getting into sideline shooting; it will give you more reach and flexibility than the 85, and it is a little sturdier.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2020-01-27

question

Hi B&H,Just want to know if this lens and its brother 25mm f2.0 are make in Germany. I suspect they are but have seen a concrete answer from all the ads and reveiws, could you confirm? Thanks.Scott C.
Asked by: Scott C.
Japan
Answered by: Jason A.
Date published: 2023-05-03

question

can the lens hood reverse mount on the lens?
Asked by: Goh
Yes
Answered by: SHEILA M.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Is this lens weather sealed?

Is this lens weather sealed?
Asked by: Anthony
Yes the ZEISS Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens is weather sealed.
Answered by: Dan
Date published: 2022-02-11

question

Will this lens work on the a6000?
Asked by: John T.
Yes, it will work beautifully. This lens will work with any E mount camera. But instead of a 85mm it will be an 127.5mm lens equivalente due to the 1.5 factor.
Answered by: David M.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Will this lense fit a Sony A6?
Asked by: Rodrigo A.
This lens will work with any E mount Sony camera.
Answered by: David M.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

When will these ship?
Asked by: Jason K.
I apologize, but this type of request cannot be taken care of through this feature of our website. Please contact our Customer Service department by entering Live Chat, emailing directly to cs@<a href= http://bhphoto.com, target= _blank >bhphoto.com,</a> or calling us toll-free at 800.221.5743.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

There seems to have been a 2020 firmware update ...

There seems to have been a 2020 firmware update for this lens. Do the new ones have this update?
Asked by: Roderick
Just looking at more recent news at Zeiss.com there's no firmware update for 85/1.8
Answered by: STONE
Date published: 2021-12-16
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