Sony FE 85mm F1.8 vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8 Field Test (In Thailand!)

[@HansPacker]

I don't think there is a more likable duo for camera reviews than Chris and Jordan. I watch reviews for gear that I am not even interested in.

[@rishisanyal2444]

I agree. I love these guys.

[@MrAlexTech]

My copy is with the Courier! Will be here on Tuesday woo!! Going to do a little Q&A if anyone has any question about the lens not answered here?!

[@richaneesh]

7:46 top to bottom the whole left side, the Batis gives more detailed and sharp image and also, the portraits shows that the Batis has more natural tone to the skin. Add to it the weather sealing and image stabilizer, it really makes up for double the price, because in certain conditions one might end up not being able to use the Sony lens at all due to weather condition or as you yourself mentioned: a bumpy ride. Theoretically there may not be a huge difference, but in real life it may be huge depending on the situation.

[@southwestontario]

In the side by side photos, I did notice a difference. the Zeiss was sharper and warmer color (as you mentioned). I did like it much better than the Sony, but would I pay double? No way.

[@MarcoBagnoli]

6:10 one of the best example shot on the Channel :D

[@howardhsiao7917]

SooGehts don't know what happened to Chris, but his photos on this episode are fantastic

[@MiladJPanah]

National Geographic worthy image

[@_rhapsodist]

I wanted to say the same!

[@Rielestkid]

thought the same exact thing

[@PC-eu9gb]

came lookin for this comment, was not disappointed

[@proxyshooter]

this was my first lens ever, and as a beginner I didn't know how to use it properly. Now after shooting for a year and a half I have decided to purchase this lens again, and while watching this video I am jumping out of my seat at these shots and my good decision making in revisiting this old friend. It comes in tomorrow, cannot wait.

[@vpr5562]

For my A7R3 I bought first the Sony. Sold it when I saw a great deal for second hand batis. Paid 150$ more, but got stabilization and weather resistance. And to my eye a bit of more lens contrast.

[@dilloncallaway3621]

V PR do you ever actually use the weather sealing though?

[@LostInYoutube]

3:15 is that Chelsea????

[@criticaltinker]

The color of the Batis is a lot better. Warmer I should say. and the contrast looks better to me.

[@MyekalBenham]

Over a year later and yeah the Skin tones are more natural to my eye on the Batis. Also more Micro Contrast.

[@beyondestination]

Just shoot raw and color correct in post.

[@angel20503]

@@beyondestination extra work & waste time..

[@nordattack]

Both look like amazing lenses, but I can clearly see the Zeiss has greater color saturation and contrast and a slightly warmer rendering which I like. But besides that, they look so close in rendering that you could flip a coin and be very happy. Thanks for the review!

[@cameralabs]

Great video, particularly the parts with me in it.

[@dalibormrkic7808]

I think it was between your portrait and elephant shot at 6:10 for best shot.

[@renorecoco]

Gordon Laing .

[@raksh9]

Those parts were so good, I had to loosen my pants. Wait, what?

[@richardpcrowe]

I have been using the Sony 85mm f/1.8 on both APSC and full frame Sony mirrorless cameras since it was introduced and I just love it. It is great for portraits on both crop and full frame and also makes a nice lightweight combination on a crop format camera with the Sigma 18-50mm f/1.8 lens. The 122.5 mm equivalent meshes quite well with the 27-75mm equivalent of the Sigma. I am not a great fan of UWA lenses and the Sigma fills my needs in that area while the 85mm is a decent mid range zoom on a crop format camera. I use the 85mm on the Sony A7iii and on the A6600 and I do not miss stabilization in that lens.

[@Trevor-Watlington]

what if I can pick up a batis for 600? should i do it?

[@VioletGOKU]

I am a simple man...I see Chelsea, I hit Like!

[@iamfrankstallone]

3:14 - Hi there Chelsea Northrup! 😂

[@iamfrankstallone]

6:14 aaaaand howdy to Tony Northup! 🤣

[@zaironjacobs]

3:14 Chelsea

[@TevanAlexander]

Thanks for the review! Look at the shine on the eyes, the Batis is substantially sharper: 7:38

[@theizza68]

If sony keep producing these bargain lenses, more people will switch from canon and nikon to sony. 9:14 iso 10?

[@theizza68]

Oh I see, bitch.

[@ChristopherSoltis5]

don't go breaking bad on the guy.. :) jesse

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

theizza68 When I show someone all the advantages of A7R2, they already switch, HA! But yes, more under $1000 lenses will certainly help. (And not super heavy)

[@rkfan1012]

Epic foreshadowing 6:36

[@hababacon]

Did you take a peek at 4:48? I saw your eyes flow down then up and smirk!

[@TheHalferz]

Had similar problem at grand palace. Only a 50mm on and aps-c .. at some point in the day you decide to just take in the view yourself and make a pledge to return someday in the future with a wide angle.

[@Afiq_-lb5yz]

3.14minute from tony and chelsea channel?? Woow u found them

[@evenios2831]

think so! shes lovely! ;-)

[@BubuSnow93]

Zeiss colors looked better in every comparison, still really close lenses. Tbh the more I look at current f1.8 85mm lenses the less f1.4 or above make sense to me

[@georgepenrose7407]

I thought the Batis was a touch sharper, but unless you have the dollars I would go Sony. I did read at one point, as far as portrait photography is concerned the eye detect AF only works on Sony lenses, please correct me if I am wrong.

[@sgpork]

How to get permit to enter the Chonburi Sony factory? Would love to visit..

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Timeline 7:03 I see the difference if you were to look closer and see the model forehead and around the forehead, it's a bit soft and less details and sharpness, on the Sony FE 85. But feel that there is a slight lost in contrast. Also Timeline 8:22 the same. FE is slightly soft at the forehead and lost of sharpness and details on the hair.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

It's not out of focus, if you look closer you can see the eyes are in focus, as i said before a bit soft

[@kentao4]

@@ThePandaPhotographer maybe because the model's head is slightly tilted back in the FE picture (look at her nose- slightly pointed more up). I can def see the color difference. Is it worth the price difference to you? I nobody's pro but surprised at the slight difference based on price.

[@panoramictv9249]

I'd rather save $600 since they look so similar

[@crappytoe]

How long are you guys going to be in Thailand? Would like to meet you guys there if you guys have some time next week.

[@dipakmakwana190]

sir how can i use this lens for my sony a58..

[@3ddesign216]

"Shot and edited by Jordan Drake Shot on the Sony A6500" ...... but what kind of lens you used for the video 4:30 ?? Thanks!

[@cdphotography2]

If all A7 are manufactured there why do we have American versions and U.K. Versions of these cameras? Just asking. Thx

[@sadenb]

I see negligible difference between the Sony and the Zeiss. I think unless one is a brand lover, Sony 85 mm is perfect specially when the quality is similar.

[@JonathanPetersonlisten2EITS]

Guys, I love your videos and this one is no exception. I've got the 85mm f1.4 GM lens already, but this was great information. More than anything...I was thoroughly impressed by the images showcased in this video. Seriously some awesome work here! Bravo

[@franklee813]

6:16 that hair got be Tony

[@rocklobster112]

What about the Sigma Art 85mm? How does this compare? Side note: i already own the sigma adapter for Sony.

[@KChalermpanth]

Welcome to Thailand! Hope you guys are liking it here. How long will you be here?

[@Zetaphotography]

What camera was used for the Stills.

[@motomanvlog]

Very cool you guys got to come out here. Love the video as always

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

Chris are you saying 85 1.8 Sony is not weather resistant? I find it surprising, since Sony came out at the time they introduced FE mount with A7 and said EVERY FE lens they make will be weather resistant. [Stress is on FE, not E, as we all know weather resistance on lenses like 16-70 is crap.] But I thought that was the rule for FE lenses, per Sony, every FE lens they make is weather resistant per se. Has anything changed since they made that initial statement?

[@leonche64]

I don't think they made that statement. But the website says "Dust and moisture resistant".

[@WitChyy14]

Do you still in Bangkok ? I'm a big fan from Thailand

[@LuxioRhapsody]

I find it strange that you will not occupy the f2.8 / f4 foals that are usually the sweet points of these lenses so that it reaches its maximum quality from the center to the corners and something

[@davidmonak114]

just saw this lens for sale and wondering how well it works for video on the sony a7sm2?

[@foxtowercommunications]

More contrast in the Batis, as evidenced in the skin tones close up.

[@samspace81]

Quality review, looking at one of these to go with my new A6500 Sony to use on my KZbin channel ;)

[@MrAdilRehman]

awesome video , can you compare it to G master 85mm F1.4 ?

[@tcurdt]

How on earth is focus-by-wire a feature? Especially for video?

[@XTpF4vaQEp]

Will there be a factory tour/video?

[@benwelles2160]

Hey Chris and Jordon, back in the days of film how did a photographer shoot an event like a hockey game or something, considering they only had 36 shots in a roll, did they have to time reloading their film during a lull in the action or did they have separate film bodies? I've been wondering about that since the last Nikon f4 video.

[@JoshuaBoldt]

Yep, someone covering the Olympics would shoot rolls and rolls of film, give them to a delivery service who would deliver them to AP or whatever service they use for delivery to places like Sports Illustrated, and they would get developed and put into papers and magazines the same day sometimes. With a camera like the Nikon F5 it rewinds and reloads very quickly -- you can do the whole rewind/reload in about 7 seconds -- maybe faster if you are a ninja at it -- so you can just wait for a lull during sports, reload, and strategically shoot the important shots like starts, finishes, famous athletes, crashes, etc. You might even sacrifice a partial roll so that you have a full roll at the beginning of something important. You just learn to shoot in shorter bursts like bursts of 3 instead of 20 like with a D5, or be willing to waste a huge burst on a front page moment or huge bursts all around and reload like hell. I've seen guys on TV shoot a half a roll or sometimes a whole roll as basketball players come down the court toward them, then reload while the players go to the other side then shoot another half or full roll on the way back -- you never get back a Micheal Jordan playoff moment. And, yes, some shooters have a roll in a body with a tele lens and roll in a body with a wider lens for when the play gets close, or even a long tele and a slightly shorter tele, or an emergency backup in case they get caught at the end of a roll, etc. You just had to be prepared and know WTF you were doing.

[@AnandaGarden]

Okay, I can go back all the way to 1972-76 when I worked as a photo editor at a U.S. sports magazine. We would get photos mailed from the Olympics and other major events at a speed that, for the time, seemed astonishingly quick. Obviously, Mark Shearman and Tony Duffy were sending film daily to their favorite labs that would develop and make prints - very beautifully, I might add - nothing beat Tri-X expertly developed in HC-110 for a dramatic sports mood. At any rate, those wonderful photos were indeed taken on (many) rolls of 36-exposure film, on motor-driven Nikon Fs.

[@MrJhuang999]

Ben Welles multiple camera bodies

[@santillanmusic]

Are either of these weather sealed?

[@KAVINSKY311]

are you guys going to do an a9 review?

[@hamroz1]

What was the camera bag you were using at the beginning of the video?

[@amoxintubeu]

Chris, are you still in Thailand? Anyway, have a good time overthere.

[@Michaelmaggimee]

but are they better than Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC USD?

[@leonche64]

Not really germane, as Tamron does not make that for Sony e-mount.

[@dgbrownnt]

I think he's alluding to the fact that the Batis is (for all intents and purposes) the e-mount version of the Tamron. We can also compare a Scion FRS (Toyota 86) to a Subura BRZ ;-)

[@leonche64]

I am a moron when it comes to cars, so that reference is way over my head. But the Batis and Tamron are different internal designs...external as well.

[@eneko4562]

could I use this for my SONY a68 camera mount a? I wanna buy a 85mm but I dont know what to search for

[@QuietOC]

No, the Sony 85mm F2.8 SAM is your inexpensive option. You can use any of the Minolta AF 85mm F1.4's or ger the new Tamron 85mm F1.8

[@eric8588]

Batis is a fantastic lens. Love mine.

[@muffemod]

love it as well, it's a modern classic.

[@test0815iii]

which camera bag did you use in the video

[@MajorMotions]

Wow look at that incredible DR at 1:18!! What camera was that?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

GH5 in V-Log. The deepest shadows are a bit blue, I'd grade it differently now. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@mallred4347]

Hi TCS - SONY A99II REVIEW PLEASE

[@MrPhilbautista]

How does a Canon 85/1.8 on an MC-11 compare?

[@23Scadu]

3:46 That's a great smile, glad it was caught on more than just a selfie.

[@AntonCaines]

What camera was this video recorded on? The dynamic range of the shot by the window was impressive

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That was shot on the GH5. We also used a Sony A6500 & A7R II for some sequences. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@TripleFork]

TheCameraStoreTV When are you reviewing the GH5?

[@nikolaszikakis1046]

6:18 ISO 20???

[@Ranblv]

Could you guys explain about the DOF scale on the batis? I know the slider on lightroom is it the same effect? Any info would be appreciated.

[@ObelixCMM]

It is not actual scale. On electronic display, to the right of the focal length, you can see how much is in focus. Plus for behind focal plane and minus for in front of the focal plane.

[@MultiMattRogers]

what @ObelixCMM said, it's essentially a digital version of the markings on a manual lens. which (in theory) allow you to focus precisely without looking through the lens, either by measuring out your scene in the studio or eyeballing it in the street.

[@cizcalodiablopanzon]

hello John ....great comparison! please help! need your advise since you are an experienced photographer and you have used lots of gear. i want to buy an 85mm for my a6000, but this is the thing, i would like to change my camera in a couple of years for an a7 model, and this is my dilemma, on the one hand, i can buy this sony 85 to futureproof my buy when i get my full frame camera, but on the other hand my camera came with the laea4 adapter, so i have seen the zeiss 85 f1.4 A-mount used in good condition on EBAY for as low as 800 dlls, what would you do? buy this sony 85 or the zeiss 85 A- mount?

[@mtp_studios]

i could listen to you talk about lenses all night long.

[@p7272]

When will you be doing a review of the SF-M or G Series UHS-II SD Memory Cards. What cards are you currently using?

[@iamfrankstallone]

9:14 10 ISO -- Wow, or typo?

[@invhincible2300]

I just got zeiss batis 85mm 1.8 yesterday for 600$ in a pristine condition..

[@paolomarcellogrant30]

i was literally just looking for a comparison of these lenses and then u guys make one. wow. u guys are great thanks.

[@manibamiri]

hei... where is the gh5 full review??????

[@Yonsawad]

Is there a chance to meet up Thai fan here?

[@SuperChi11]

Why not just stick a rode videomicro on top of the camera? No need for the whole XLR setup

[@carlj1964]

I've always wanted to own a Zeiss, there's this kudos with the brand. I'm also a realist. I have to pay bills. Just got my A7ii and the FE85mm f1.8 hit the shop the same day. I'm so glad that I'm not relinquishing iq with this. Great comparison.

[@ellavarkumnamaskaram]

hello , I use a sony a7(no IBIS) . would like to purchase Sony 85mm .. but even tat doesnt hav IBIS.. so would u recommend me getting the Batis 85mm or should i stick with sony?

[@DannyTrombley]

Jojo Sunny I personally would go with the Batis. Should result in sharper results for you without a stabilized body even at high shutter speeds. Plus if you do any video at all it'll be a massive difference. And although more expensive you get a more rugged and durable lens.

[@ellavarkumnamaskaram]

Danny Trombley thanku Danny

[@chosenideahandle]

@@ellavarkumnamaskaram Danny Tromblay sounds a bit mixed up. Buying the Batis only makes sense if you're shooting video. If you have a portrait lens, you'll be shooting wide open at high shutter speeds most of the time. High shutter speeds is precisely when stabilization is not required (the complete opposite of Danny's comment). Portrait photographers have been shooting without stabilization (or even a tripod) for decades, and fast lenses kept wide open is why. If there is some reason you shoot in poor light often, then that's a different story.

[@YuttapoomJinachai]

I'm glad you come. Welcome to Thailand. Hope you enjoy here.

[@themattenthehat]

Just went to the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour yesterday (in Costa Mesa, California), and saw the Camera Store sponsorship. Its awesome that you guys sponsor things like that, not to mention providing these fantastic videos and review, and for free no less! Keep up the great work, and keep the passion in what you do!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Helping with Banff Mountain Film Fest Adventure Filmmaking Workshop is always one of the highlights of my year! Glad you checked out the festival tour, there were some great films last year! Jordan @ TCSTV

[@XDR2201]

Wow! You're in Thailand right now? Really wanna see you.

[@banemitic]

"This episode was shot on the Sony A6500, A7R II & Panasonic GH5" - and average viewer just wet his pants.

[@TheInternetEnzyme]

This video brings up a question in my mind: how important is OSS in lenses when paired with a body without stabilization? In particular, I'm trying to decide between the Sony 35mm f1.8 and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 The Sigma is sharper and slightly faster (when looking at the T-Stop the Sigma isnt actually much faster) but doesnt have stabilization. Which would you get on a unstabilized A6300? How important is stabilization to you?

[@saiiiiiii1]

This really depends on how you plan to use the lens. If you're shooting a lot of portraits with available light, OSS is of pretty much no use. Because you need a minimum shutter speed to make sure you freeze the motion of the person and this shutter speed will be higher than the safe to handhold time for a 30/35mm lens anyway. Using it for the studio with flashes, OSS again doesn't matter.

[@MarkDeu]

Thanks for the review. I received my Zeiss Batis 85mm one day ago and realize in silent environment that i can hear always a motor sound inside the lens. Even i switch off the OSS, is that normal? Please can someone who owns the Batis 85mm as well help me??? Thank you very much. Cheers Mark

[@suya_alliluya]

Hi, I just got mine and I hear the same rattling sound inside the lens when the camera is powered off. However, it goes away once I turn the camera on. Did you find what the problem was? Some people say it's the OSS but some people say their copy is dead silent all the time. Thanks.

[@amoxintubeu]

Chris, I am not sure. But, when you said "Muay Thai", your Thai accent was very good. It's like you know how to speak Thai.

[@andreathode3782]

Still interesting in 2023🎉

[@acrinacrin6925]

Another awesome review. Can you compare it (or both) with Nikon 85mm 1.8 G lens? I am really curious how (relatively) old Nikon G lens performs against new Sony-Zeiss.

[@llvideos6268]

Thanks for the video! Confused sometimes: You should have put the camera you used on the images stills, as you did with the speed, ISO, ....

[@XillOverdrive]

@03:14 I see Chelsea from Tony Northrup

[@stagger9660]

whats with the high iso?

[@ForzaDerpGuy]

I wonder why I like your reviews so much even though I'm not looking for a camera/lens to replace my D7100 with 18-140mm 3.something - 5.6 ED

[@estebanisswimming]

No mittens? Love your work. Great to see the setting change

[@frankie_CALB]

Hey guys, big fan, anywho, what would you recommend? I do primarily weddings and portrait work but I’m torn. I like the 1.8 of this lens however I can cover more of a range with the new Sony 24-105 f/4. What would you do @thecamerastoretv ?

[@JohnSisonPhotography]

One of my favourite camera channels. Great work guys! Sony 85mm FE looks good for its price.

[@abhisheksadhu2719]

Hi, I am recently using a6500. Since, your reviews are the best, I watched so far, do you think the Sony FE 85 mm 1.8 would be a good choice for a6500? I have noticed, that a school of thought believes that full frame lenses do not work it's best on a crop sensor body. What do you think???

[@chosenideahandle]

I know it's 8 months late, but FE lenses are often even better on crop sensor cameras. I regret selling my Sony FE 85 mm 1.8.

[@RichardsWorld]

That temple is a good place to use a wide angle lens. An 85mm isn't such a great choice there.

[@chosenideahandle]

So he said.

[@Celestialrob]

I purchased the Batis but would buy the Sony today for my a7r2. I think the digital readout on the Batis is a waste of time and I never use it. I'd like the assignable button to eye AF and the ability to switch the MF on the lens.

[@Mortalbeing1]

Nice comparison... But I'm think of ordering the Sony FE 85mm F1.8.... P.S. what brand of camera is that you have in the video?

[@LowLightVideos]

0:40 - It's 6 months away, and bigger than anything they have offered previously. 4:42 - Ouch, that's gotta hurt. 😹

[@1iblock]

Hey guys thanks for the review and great meeting you on the Thailand trip. I know what lens i will be getting.

[@subirthapa8542]

Does the A6300 not have IBIS ?

[@chosenideahandle]

No.

[@TY-yskm]

That's a awesome comparison review. I'm wondering between the FE 85mm f1.8 and FE 90mm f2.8 macro, which one is better value? Does the 90mm shoot as great portrait images as the 85MM?

[@chosenideahandle]

Do you need a macro? If you don't and you're serious about a portrait lens, it's hard to leave all that extra headroom and shallow DOF for a paltry 2.8. Yes 10 months late.

[@MrSk8long]

Good job! Going to get the FE after seeing your review.

[@KrinYongvongphaiboon]

Welcome! Good to see you in Thailand!