Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN vs Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

[@kerwinjavenc4858]

I forgot to mention the pincushion effect on the Sigma was really terrible.

[@mjphotos]

The Zeiss should have got a point for the only lens having OSS. Giving it the only lens which you can use with bodies that don't have ISS like the A6400

[@fredriksvard2603]

Sony ibis is useless even when it exists

[@promodelworld687]

At the 3:19 mark. Looks like Zeiss has better colors. The Sigma looks too yellow or warm. Zeiss colors look better it seems like and so I have heard

[@artmaltman]

I own both and keep both. Zeiss is lighter for when I want to keep a smaller kit and do not need the f/1.4. Zeiss has less distortion too. Sigma is my all-out top quality 85mm.

[@novayorkbrasileiros]

I’m still undecided. I can’t afford both. I can get Zeiss $525 used and the sigma $830. Is the sigma $300 better?

[@artmaltman]

@@novayorkbrasileiros The big difference is bokeh. That f/1.4 produces much more beautiful bokeh than the f/1.8. So the answer depends on how important to you is beautiful bokeh. Both lenses produce beautiful images. For me personally, bokeh is very important so I would pay $300 extra for the Sigma. Notice that the Sigma is selling for a much higher percentage of retail price than the Zeiss. Also the Sigma is a much newer lens design but I am not sure whether that matters in this case.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@artmaltman How it is when it comes to wildlife photography with bokeh like birds in the city, or some macro shots? I am a serious fan of these...

[@radimpalus]

@@pentagramyt417 You can hardly shoot wildlife with a 85mm lens. You will need a range around 300mm+ to make good wildlife photography. These 85mm lenses are also a very bad choice for macro photography. You should look at lenses marked with "Macro" and there are plenty of them.

[@radimpalus]

@@novayorkbrasileiros I know I'm answering a bit late, but there is an older version of the Sigma, which is incredibly sharp and has zero distortion and much less vignetting than the newer sigma. And buying this used with cost You the same as an used Zeiss Batis. The main difference is the size and weight. If You are ok with a heavier lens, You can buy the old Sigma and get stunning results. From my experience, the Zeiss doesn't focus as well as the Sigma's do on certain camera bodies. On the A7III both lenses focus perfectly, but on the A7IV the Batis often fails to achieve exact focus, for an unknown reason (maybe Sony wants to get rid of these old lenses and makes the cameras focus worse with them ... hard to understand). So this is to be considered. I have no idea how it performs on other bodies.

[@CO8848_2]

Never understand the obsession about sharpness in portrait lenses. Color rendition is so much more important than sharpness. When comparing my sigma and zeiss images, the zeiss is just so much more pleasing, not even close. And looking back at all my sigma pictures, I’d say modern optics is too flat, clinical and a bit boring for my and my family’s taste.

[@TomCalton]

I guess it depends how much editing you like to do. For me, sharpness is either there or it isn't and there's not a huge amount you can do about a soft shot in post production without your image looking over synthetic. Colour on the other hand I find waaaaay easier to adjust in post, especially when shooting raw. Even if colours are muted or inaccurate, a few slider adjustments and you have a good looking shot. Just my two cents on the matter - thanks for sharing!

[@astrayproductions]

@@TomCalton facts

[@DanceDeepDas]

True... Zeiss is the winner , In Zeiss i see a dreamy look

[@Basedboomerchadbear]

@@TomCaltoncouldn’t agree more. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

[@hlavyn5655]

Great review, i absolutely love this lens too. Did you check the internet today? Rumours: "The next announcement coming from Sigma will be a new 35mm f/1.4 DG DN, a replacement for the current 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art version." What a beatiful day! 😎

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Yes, I saw the rumours - fingers crossed it's true! 🤞

[@megapixelphotos338]

Sigma make it very easy to take my money 😅 35mm 1.4 ❤

[@Collin2377]

This guy says "I absolutely love this lens too" but he doesn't specify which one. Pssshh...people these days.

[@jaikavi5464]

It should be noted the Batis has been out a while and can be easily purchased used for close to half the retail price

[@TomCalton]

I think that's the case for most second hand lenses. But you do run the risk of second hand lenses being faulty or out of warranty - just be careful.

[@curtisb1824]

I'v repeatedly stated . Sigma makes some outstanding Optics ! Here is just one example of their lenses capabilities !

[@TomCalton]

You're not wrong! Sigma make fantastic lenses (mostly). 👍

[@MrDCPatterson]

Thanks for the best head to head comparison of these 2 lenses... I have been debating a set of Batis vs Sigma for FE and I'm happy to go Sigma (Batis are almost impossible to "demo" before purchase in New Zealand). Many thanks for such a quality video.

[@TomCalton]

You're more than welcome! I'm glad the video helped! 👍

[@marcs.7699]

Bokeh is a feeling, not a technical thing. I do fotos for a lots of years with my Batis, and believe me, the bokeh is just fantastic, the microcontrast an the rendering the same. The fotos out of cam just amazing. No matter, what your five second-judgement says. I never felt 100 Percent well with the Sigmas I owned. What you forgot: The Sigma ist far more heavy. This is a point too.

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Is the zeiss batis a Little bite longer in between of optical focal length?

[@darckghostrider6743]

Hi Tom love you videos and also this one is really inspiring and interesting. I just wanted to highlight two detailed of this video that I think you could easily fix with 2min: at the beginning you say Sigma 85mm F1.8 DG DN ART when it is F1.4 and then at the end with the chart comparison I think the Batis has a minimum focal distance of 0.80m.. Thanks again for your attention and keep posting video of high quality and inspiration. 😊

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching and for commenting. Yes, I am indeed an idiot and you are in fact correct sir - thanks for setting me straight! 😂😅

[@darckghostrider6743]

@@TomCalton no problem. We are here just to watch your amazing contenutes and support your channel in any way possible 😊

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, really do appreciate it! Have a good one ☺️

[@boristahmasian9604]

I have shot with the Sigma but not the Batis. The Sigma is FANTASTIC. Focus is fast and the lens is tack sharp even at f1.4. I have a chance to pick up a used Batis for less than $500. The Sigma goes for around $800 used. I am going to give the Batis a try and see if I like the images it produces. I did not realize the Batis has OSS. That is a big plus for low light shooting. I always wanted a Zeiss and couldn't afford it.

[@RicochetForce]

The Sigma 85 DG DN really is something special. That level of performance at that size and weight? With all of those features? Sigma made an instant classic with the 85mm DG DN.

[@TomCalton]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rectape]

Is the Tokina 85 1.8 as good as these?

[@TomCalton]

Yes, it really is in terms of image quality. The Tokina is only really lacking in features (no weather/dust sealing, manual buttons, etc) but if you can get past that, the Tokina is (in my opinion) the BEST budget 85mm option.

[@mauibuilder1239]

With longer focal lengths lens stabilization makes a big difference particularly in video even though IBIS does help some.

[@TomCalton]

Oh for sure! It's not a bad thing to have. It's just not something that's vital any more with Sony camera's having built-in IS. Plus, for video, why not just save the additional £400/500 and buy a gimbal instead? That way ALL of your lenses have stabilisation. Just a thought.

[@Brian-ss2dp]

@@TomCalton I totally agree. I actually kind of like filming with a gimbal, when the situation calls for stability. I got the Weebill S for $300 and it handles any lens I’ve thrown at it. Great for the low shots. I am also interested in Sony’s gyro data. I keep waiting and waiting for the A7IV and am hoping it has is compatible with Catalyst Browse.

[@richardnayfilms2812]

@@TomCalton Sorry man, but a gimbal has nothing to do with the conversation. If someone wants IBIS and OSS, saying “use a gimbal instead” negates the reason someone would want IBIS and OSS to begin with, which is to NOT use a gimbal.

[@smallbizdigitalmedia]

@@richardnayfilms2812 so true. I think Tom’s review is excellent but somewhat biased in favour of the sigma which is also a heavier lens so is less versatile for use on a slider with a limited payload. It all comes down to use cases in the end

[@TomCalton]

Just to be crystal clear, I hold absolutely no bias toward Sigma or any other manufacturer for that matter. All of my reviews are purely my own opinions based off the test results and my own experience using these lenses, and I have never, and would never, accept any form of payment to create review videos on this channel. Obviously you're more than welcome to disagree with my conclusions if that doesn't suit your own requirements or I've maybe overlooked something (like your mention of sliders - I don't use personally use sliders therefore it's not something I had considered, so that's a fair and valid observation), but to suggest that I'm favouring Sigma in this test is complete and utter BS.

[@ushren]

Is Tokina 85mm sharper than the Sigma? The Tokina was sharper than the Zeiss in your previous video.

[@TomCalton]

Good question! Find out the answer here 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWjSZ5KYZZimgLM

[@ushren]

@@TomCalton a good question and even a better answer!

[@JoaoFonsecaAlmeida]

Thanks for the review. Suggest you include "Image stabilization" category.

[@liamriley9816]

Should be worth noting that the Sony 85 1.8 is optically very similar to the Batis and is significantly cheaper. That said, for video, I would use the Batis as it's stabilized.

[@FuadOrko]

Can you compare Sigma 85 1.4 to Nikon Z 85 1.8S ?

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't currently own a Nikon camera to test with, but I do have plans to expand our tests to other camera manufacturers in the future 👍

[@mjphotos]

You cut off the photo AF from the Zeiss ? Why...

[@RainmakerAnton]

You called the Sigma "1.8" instead of "1.4", twice :)

[@TomCalton]

Yep, that's because I'm a moron 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@eduard.amihai7545]

@@TomCalton hahahahahah 😂😂 the problem is that I've searched the sigma 85 f 1.8 to buy it😅

[@radimpalus]

It is interesting, that You gave both lenses a point for Photo AF but in the final list this point is missing on the side of the Batis, which makes it look worse.

[@pradyumnas916]

kinda like a kids play, lil unfair he did to batis tbh.

[@novayorkbrasileiros]

Tom if I can get Zeiss for $500 usd used vs Sigma 85mm 1.4 at $845? Which would you choose? I also do video and love having OSS on a lens if I can. Thanks!

[@v3zMedia]

Zeiss easily in this case. It also has OS so it's better for video.

[@metarts]

Du machst super Videos ! Ich gucke immer deine Tests ! Aber warum hast du nur so wenig Leute die dir folgen ? Unverständlich!!!

[@asamxs]

Ziess is ready to use, ruduce color grading time.

[@kerwinjavenc4858]

I've used them both and the Batis is better build, has better contrast and color rendering and needs less post production than the Sigma.

[@TomCalton]

Respectfully, I would disagree about the build. There's really not much between them - both are solid. The pincushion distortion is marginally worse on the Sigma, but the Zeiss isn't far behind (just check the lens chart results). But in either case, fixing lens distortion in post is literally a click of a button, so not a big deal. That is, if it's something that's even worth fixing? None of the photos I've displayed in this video had the distortion corrected for - could you honestly tell? Thanks for the comment!

[@kerwinjavenc4858]

Maybe I had a bad copy, I had sold my Batis for the Sigma, I didn't like it, sent it back and bought another Batis again, it was an expensive adventure.@@TomCalton

[@TomCalton]

The right lens is the one you enjoy using most, so ultimately, although the Sigma wins my test, if you don't enjoy using it, I think you made the right choice sticking with the Batis in the end. It's still a brilliant lens!

[@tangoromeo556]

Hello Tom ! Awesome video as always ! I’ve seen your other review and other people reviews ..from what I understand the sigma 85mm dg dn have significant distortion ..so I was wondering is that something that you have to use the lens correction every time ? Or will it be obvious if you don’t use the lens correction ?

[@TomCalton]

Hey Tim, thanks for watching mate! Yes, you are right, it does has some pin cushion distortion (in fact, both of these lenses are quite bad for it). However, the images I show at the end of this video have not been corrected for this issue and personally, I don't think you can tell at all! There will be some situations where it does effect the image (straight lines in the background appearing warped) but it's a very simple fix in PS or LR using the Lens Correction Profiles. I hope this helps!

[@tangoromeo556]

@@TomCalton ok nice ! Thank you so much for the info Tom ! Always looking forward to see your new videos !! 👍 thank you again !

[@krasikoychev]

@@tangoromeo556 You made a mistake in the end .The winner is Sigma 85 f1,4!!!!! Just to be correct!

[@TomCalton]

No worries Tim, you're welcome! 😁

[@nawar9261]

Why do you have just 6000 subscribers !!??? Your work is really really very good bro. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍 Respect

[@TomCalton]

Haha! Thanks dude - I'm working on the sub count. YT is a long game. Thanks for the support 🤘

[@nawar9261]

@@TomCalton I wish you all the best

[@kovre]

ok, thank you but i'll go with the zeiss :-)

[@charruaporelmundo]

Sorry but disregard oss build in is a huge mistake. The batis is a piece of art made lens.

[@TomCalton]

It's a very well made lens, but my arguement is that OSS is fairly redundant these days due to most Sony cameras having IBIS.

[@andreathode3782]

The pincushion distortion is not good on noth lenses BUT holy smokes the Sigma has a serious issue here. Not good for video thats for sure! @5:26 😮

[@valeriovalerio3406]

Zeiss better

[@EUFORIAPORMEXICO]

Batis solo es mejor en la representación de color. Es más natural, en todo lo demás Sigma gana

[@zhendongfu6871]

Anyone else can hear that sigma 85 motor sounds when shooting video

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Wow this model 😍

[@philipkwon3710]

is it the lens? or the model? hmmmmmm

[@TomCalton]

Can't it be both? 😂

[@Sola-h8h]

Спасибо, super!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks!

[@RobertsIslandLivingAdventures]

Nope, Batis was better. Much sharper image. From what I saw in your demonstrations. I guess we want very much for our lens to win, and see differently?

[@megapixelphotos338]

The King of 85mm! And Amber... #girlfriendgoals

[@TomCalton]

I can put in a good word for you if you like? 😂

[@megapixelphotos338]

@@TomCalton lol.. its maybe tricky to make that work as I'm in Sweden 🤪 However, I have shown your video clips that feature her to my own models to show them "How it's done" Thanks for another entertaining and spot on review yet again Sir 👏

[@TomCalton]

@@megapixelphotos338 No distance is too far for love though, right? 😂 Thanks brother - always enjoy seeing your comments. Thanks again for the support 🤜🤛

[@megapixelphotos338]

@@TomCalton always a pleasure my good man! Looking forward to the next episode 😀

[@inocencioc.madriagajr.2221]

Captain Joe is that you?? hahahah

[@AlexandruVladutu]

There is a 0 price difference between them where I live.

[@TomCalton]

Where are you based?

[@AlexandruVladutu]

@@TomCalton Romania. There was a weekend with good discounts here.

[@martinhotmann7868]

6:21 Sigma is f1.4 not f1.8 :)

[@TomCalton]

Yup. I'm an idiot 👍🏻

[@Basedboomerchadbear]

Zeiss 3D pop

[@hunterxhunter6957]

Sigma doing grate leneses

[@valeriovalerio3406]

1.8 - 1.4 ? What wrong with you man 🤣

[@FilmDad]

I feel like this review was bias. Every time the Zeiss won, he said "it's not enough to make such a big difference."...but then on parts when the Sigma barely wins he gives the point to Sigma lol

[@TomCalton]

Not sure what you're on about mate. There were only 3 rounds where the Sigma won over the Zeiss - Handling, Bokeh & Image quality. Handling was because the Sigma has more useful features (IMO). Bokeh, because the Sigma has thicker bokeh and better bokeh balls. Image quality, because as the lens charts show, it's sharper and has less fringing when compared to the Zeiss (it's close, but the Sigma's results were better). Just to be clear, at no point do I say that the Zeiss is a bad lens. In fact it's one of the best 85mm's out there. It just doesn't win against the Sigma head to head. If you disagree with my outcome because of your own personal shooting style/preferences, you're more than welcome to do so. But to suggest that I'm biased when I show all of the test results on screen as I'm discussing them is just moronic.

[@robertkrysik100]

Please tell me if you will always praise cheaper lenses, this is some kind of disease?

[@robertkrysik100]

I still see the same technical stuff, but no one talks about the quality of the image that comes out of the camera. Rubish, not test.