Jason Lanier could you possibly do split screens for is when comparing two shots in future please? Just makes it easy to pause and see them side by side.. Cheers man
Jason, another wonderful video. I owned a Canon 85/1.2L for about 4 years and the fall off and color was phenomenal. I miss that. To be honest, both these lenses are awesome and nobody is going to be disappointed with the Batis. But from these shots, the G Master opens up some exciting opportunities at f1.4. Thanks so much!
Jason in all your videos you say use different glass your shots will get better and I just started using the 55mm 1.8. now I'm seeing everything you've been talking about in your videos. thank you so much for doing what you do.
Jason, I am thankful for your honest comments about the Batis vs. G-Master in your overall impressions. Your research has made my decision an easy one. I'll be purchasing the G-Master series lenses.
I knew the G - Master would win... YaY!! 77mm focal ring for ND filters with no step down rings, focus lock ( a killer must ) , the weight not too heavier than the Batis ( about the same ) ..... and finally a real professional like Jason Lanier presenting it ... Thank You Jason for sharing. Love your videos!! Amazing work :)
I've owned both these lenses and I agree between the two the GM is the better lens for many reasons. However, lets not BS anyone... the Batis is more than noticeably lighter. The numbers don't like. 820 grams vs. 475 grams. It's actually 39% lighter which is no joke. If you don't agree go to your boss and tell him you'll accept 39% less pay. Another factor not mentioned is the Batis not only locks on focus a hair faster in very low light (Not expected due to the wider max aperture) and the Batis is quicker on the AF (Not at all surprising considering the glass the GM has to move).
The video mentions weight... and makes it a point of discussion when he hands both cameras to people to compare. It's part of the review and part that I disagree with... is that not OK with you Monchichi?
He wanted people to feel the weight, and as they said, it was not much noticeable weight difference at all. They may though notice the weight difference more, if they were to hold the camera for several minutes.
I am a little late in this discussion, but the fact that Jason mentions that the GM would slaughter the batis in cinematography is very unfair, the batis is lighter and smaller, either to carry handheld or to mount in a gimbal, also many reviews showed that the Batis lenses have definitely the fastest and most accurate autofocus of all lenses to the Sony A series. Now for video with a fixed shutter at 1/50, it is true that the extra aperture range of the GM will be useful, but then you lose on weight and size for handheld or gimbal. I will buy one and I am on the fence between amazing aperture and bokeh, against a lighter, smaller Batis for video on a Ronin SC.
The clickless aperture ring is a big deal because when you are filming and move from one lighting situation to another, darker to bright for example, it makes it easy to adjust exposure. At weddings thats great and can save putting on a ND filter for shorter clips.
Pretty soon I'll be taking the kids out of college because of you! First it was sell the Nikon stuff and go with Sony... now, about the time I was ready for the Batis, you come out with this.....
Thanks for the great video Jason. Can you please comment on the autofocus performance between the Batis and GM ? The Batis is known to hunt in lower light and focuses slower compared to the FE 55mm.
All fine and right , what is missing is and why i buy the Zeiss Batis is because it s have image stabilization and Sony G Master have not ...and because my Sony cameras have not built in image stabilization is important for me the lens to have it :)
Regarding weight... The Zeiss is 475 grams. The Sony is 820 grams. The Sony is nearly 73% heavier than the Zeiss. After 8 to 10 hours of shooting, I'm not sure "imperceptible" is the word I'd use to describe that difference in weight. I often shoot with a wide zoom for 4 hours in a row. I was initially using the Nikon 14-24 which is 1000 grams. I almost immediately switched to the Nikon 17-35 2.8 which is 745 grams. Image quality was still great but at the end of a shoot, my hands were far less fatigued and the difference between those two lenses is 255 grams vs the Zeiss and the Sony which is 345 grams. Where the weight is distributed makes a difference too. The 17-35 is a better balanced lens than the 14-24 which has a lot of weight on the end. Not sure how the Zeiss and Sony would compare there. Given the difference in image quality between the two, and given the price... the lighter weight of the Zeiss might sway me. The longer I shoot, the more I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of image quality or convenience, for feeling less fatigued at the end of a long day of shooting. That's one of the things that I find attractive about the Sony bodies... lighter weight (and fortunately there is no sacrifice in terms of image quality there).
Just in time Jason, was waiting for this comparison. I have the Batis 25 and been waiting for 4 months for my Batis 85 order from B&H. Just cancelled out the Batis and pre ordered the G. Can't wait to use it!
+Jason Lanier mate, you could take a great composition, and that is the thing, with the littlest of means. this should speak volumes to your students. keep up this excellent work. thx again. j.
I was hoping you would do this soon ...thanks Jason for cranking out these comparison videos ...well it looks like I need to save 500 more dollars and purchase the BIG G Master!! LOVE the Bokeh in the G master just wish it wasn't so big !
+Jason Lanier I'm surprised you didn't mention the lack of the G Master's IS in your video, which was very comprehensive otherwise. I realize that my A7r2 has some in-body stabilization, but the stabilization on my Batis 85 makes the 5 axis stabilization combination wonderful for both video and stills. I can shoot at slower speeds on stills (even when shooting at slightly smaller apertures) and the video is stabilized perfectly without needing digital crop. Is that not something you'd miss if you got rid of your Batis in favor of the G Master? Either way, great review.
The Sony A7Rii and A7Sii both have 5 axis in body stabilization. If OSS is built into the lens then that takes the place of 2 of the axis that the IBIS would normally take care of. The 5 axis stabilization only works on Sony lenses that can relate focus distance info to the camera, so both the Batis and the GM have 5 axis stabilization, they just work slightly different. From what I've read, the IBIS is just as good in real world situations as a lens with OSS.
Hello Jason, There're many claims on the net regarding irritating AF noise and grinding inside lens parts. Could you check this issue on the net and confirm with your sample? thanks.
Hey Jason, hope you doing well. Well I'm about to add the 35 1.4 Zeiss to my native lens bag but seen the new G series I'm a kind of undecided right now. Can you provide or bring a comparison between the Zeiss 35 1.4 and the new G series ? Appreciated your piece of advise on it, thanks in advance. You become my North and guide source in the matter, a lot of your advices made sense and worked out for me here in PR. Sergio
Wow I really wanted this lens shoot out, thank you so much! I just moved to Sony from Canon and am looking to get the best portrait lens. I appreciate it!
jason, seen this post lightroom? what do you do to get the beautiful golden skin tone on your models? i do understand the the golden hour has a little to do with this, but what else do you do. j.
yeah that 1.4 is sexy Jason but have you compared it to the Canon 85 1.2ii? I just got my a7rii and shots are pretty amazing! just have to use manual zebras fir best results
Jason I was surprised by the amount of time you spent praising the G master having a focus lock switch. I agree that it is a nice feature but the A7rII comes set up by default with the AF/MF center button being a toggle between AF and MF.... In other words any auto focus lens you put on an A7rII by default has a focus lock button... I find it very easy to toggle with my thumb while looking through the VF or live view. Also I don't have to think about where the focus lock switch is with different lenses because it's always in the same place when I use my A7r or A7rII with any lens.
+James Backer exactly so that lock button on the G masters is pointless... the a7rii has it in a easter spot and you can do it with out searching for the button on the lens..
+Jason Lanier Thanks for the reply.... My point was that with the default settings on the A7rII there is a built in ' Focus Lock' available for any lens you put on the A7r or A7rII and, for me, the AF/MF switch happens to be right where my thumb rests on the back of the camera.... So, for me, I don't need to think (or blindly feel for) the focus lock button on any lens I use... Also I have more lenses without focus lock buttons so I am used to using the AM/MF button on all my lenses that don't have a switch....
+James Backer I guess it depends on your shooting style. I love controlling it on the lens vs the camera. The camera seems like a more clumsy option to me.
Loved this test! Wanted the Batis but now I'm highly interested in the G Master! Is the sharpness equal? Zeiss is typically known for their fantastic sharpness that's almost unparalleled, but is the Sony either comparable or better? Thanks Jason, lots of love! 👍🏼
Hi Jason, There has been a lot of criticism on the lens having a grinding noise when the lens attempts to focus. I just recently bought the lens myself and initially was concerned about it when I heard it. after a while it just seems like that's the natural noise the motor makes. I'm new to lenses, I've never owned a DSLR or anything if this caliber so I was just wondering, from your professional experience working with many cameras and lenses, is some noise not normal when focusing? Thank you for your time and insight.
So true, been waiting for the Batis to arrive over 6 months and yet still no where to be found for me.... Guess it's time to think of getting the GM once its available in Malaysia.
Does f/1.4 regularly give you enough depth of field at 85mm to get the entire face in focus? I've been assuming we would get soft noses and blurred side of face, but I have not tried it. Great video, very helpful, thanks. Art
+Art Altman depends on how far you are from the subject and if their head is turned. If you're at headshot length, pretty much only the eyes will be in focus @ 1.4 (and only if they're both looking forward). If the head is rotated, then only the eye that's focused on will be sharp.
Jason, you are great! You were in Oceanside the other day, and I thought damn, I'm 15 minutes away, I would have loved to help out or observed. I was even going to send you a message. Then in today's vid you even invite us followers to come out. I'll definitely keep an eye for the next time you are in SD. Your videos are a big reason myself and my uncle switch from Nikon D800 to a7rII. You are a 100% pro? I'm always sharing your videos to illustrate a new lens or camera for people!
Hey! Can you make a video about the settings on camera you use for portraits on A7 R ii and a6000 ? I mean what do set the extra buttons for ? Thank you
Ordered a Batis 6 month ago....Still waiting.Last time i checked the camera store said it would be at least another 4 month ! What is the point of announcing a lens then keeping customers waiting for almost a year ? Will cancel and order a G Master.
+holsteincowboy You may as well. The G Master is impressive. I waited 6 months for both my Batis lenses and will keep both (I am genuinely very happy with them), but had I not yet received the 85, I'd have cancelled it and gone with the G Master for sure.
Great reviews Jason and I just got my Sony G Master 85mm f/1.4 after watching your videos. Can you please let me know what you think about the focus noise on the G master? I don't hear a focus sound in your video however, there are many videos on RUclips where users have reported noisy focus and I have got the same level of noise when focusing.
Wow, thanks for the comprehensive comparison & real-life testing experience. What struck me most was testing how they felt in the hand as regards to weight around the 19:00 mark. Even though the Sony is almost double the weight (820g vs 475g I believe) the persons handling the 2 bodies/lenses didn't seem to perceive that great a difference. Real-life user experience vs specifications, a marked difference.
+Chavit Denninnart Yes, and where is that weight? Not in the body. The heavier the lens, the more imbalanced it's going to feel when you're holding it. If you've ever shot for 15+ hours, heck, even 6 hours, you'd know that even 250 grams in lens weight makes a significant difference in your level of fatigue at the end of a day. Might not seems like much, but it adds up over time. The Nikon 14-24 is a STELLAR lens but it's my backup. I use a Nikon 17-35 2.8 because it's 255 grams lighter, and feels more balanced on any body. On a typical 8+ hour shoot I'll end up using a wide for about 4 hours. Even at just 4 hours it makes a difference in how exhausted (or not) I feel. Also, I do a lot of long distance hiking (we're talking 20 to 30 miles in a single day carrying 30+ lbs). To a distance hiker, 345 grams is a very significant amount of weight. To say the difference is "insignificant" is disingenuous as it completely disregards application. Yeah... it's insignificant if someone in authority psychologically biases you by telling you the difference is insignificant, then hands it to you on a street corner, and you only hold it for 10 seconds. Of course you're going to agree. I guarantee you that tune would change if someone were to shoot with the Sony for 4 hours, and then they handed you the Zeiss.
+shewh0rn i agree that weight balancing play big role here, however you are too generalizing it. 14-24 have huge front elements and most of their weight are in front of the lens(that already extend further due to big mirrorbox space). while if you look at diagram of 85gm and 70-200gm you'll see that large portion of their glass is at the rear end (even more so than batis where it's a bit hallow at the rear) where on the Nikon that would still be the mirrorbox inside the body. anyway i agree about pacebo effect in your last paragraph.
Jason what about someone who has first generation A7(A7, A7R, A7S) and A6000 and A6300 none of which has IBIS, Zeiss has IS but GMaster does not. Is that a consideration in your mind, or not really? I know DSLR 85 1.4 lenses never had IS/VR but DSLR bodies were larger and heavier and balanced differently. Here if you own A7 which is about 400 grams and you are attaching a GMaster which is 800+ grams, is lack of IS/VR something that would drive a person to Batis because Batis has IS/VR. What are your thoughts on that?
I love Jason and his videos but i can see how people will get frustrated. He praised the batis so much that he made us all want it and now it's just a back up lol
+manuel ortiz TBH, in the short time I have been watching Jason's videos, I get the impression there will never be a negative Sony review. Like Steve Huff, every new lens is going to be the best ever. Perhaps I'm wrong.
+manuel ortiz Yeah, but people are always going to feel inept, and blame it on the gear. G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), is a big problem for most photographers; they'll chase the next best thing thinking it'll make their images better and it won't. Just b/c your images are more out of focus doesn't mean it's a better image. Sometimes I shoot my 85 1.4 at 2.8-5.6 just b/c I don't want the background to lose all shape. Fast lenses can make for lazy photographers (compositionally).
+Alex Whitehead (MetAlbert R) To be fair, Sony has put out some killer lenses lately (55mm, 90mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 and 1.4). Everyone is giving the lenses the same kind of respect that Jason has given them. The biggest dud in their lineup in the 24-70, which isn't much better than the kit (but at least it's a constant f/4).
Now the lens is available to buy and people are doing hands on review there are lots of reports of very noisy focusing motor and a grinding sound. Did you experience this?
+JasonLanier thank you for the honest and good review.. as i am one of the guys who is still on queue for the batis, and having sold my canon ef 85 1.2 L since i decided to go with the a7r2 for full frame instead of the 5d3, i really would love to see a comparison done by you between the G master 85 Sony and the Zeiss Otus 85 1.4.. Greetings from Germany
Hi, i'm in the market for a new lens for my Sony A7. Right now i only have the kit-lens that came with the housing and i'm not 100% satisfied with the quality of that lens, i use my camera mostly for portait and car photagraphy so would you say this G master lens fits my needs or do you have any other lens recomendation that fits my needs better?
OK, so I asked for this test and the GM is better enough for me to want one. Gonna keep my Batis though. Incidentally, I've had both Batis since October last year and am quite shocked that there is still a shortage.
How long did you wait for yours? My order took 6 months to fulfill! I imagine the 85's will now be a little easier to get now that Sony have stolen Zeiss' thunder, though...
+Jeff Sereno I don't really know how long I waited. What I usually do is when something I'm interested is announced, I let my guy in the local shop know that I'm interested and he'll contact me when he gets it in. I know I had the first pair of Batis in the country.
Problem that I see with Zeiss is that they're announcing all sorts of lens ranges and then they don't carry on extending the range. For example, since they released the Touit, Loxia and Batis ranges, they have now released the Milvus range but nothing more in those earlier ranges. No lens roadmap, too many different ranges with some duplication and no range evolution are definitely Zeiss problems. Spreading themselves too thin is another problem. Seemingly. I wish I knew what, if anything was coming for the Batis range. Love the design.
The g-master seems to have strange shapes towards the edge of frame on the bokeh.. whereas zeiss goes more ovally.. the g-master seems to have aperture shading?
I am also interested in this.. I hjave a G-master and its too slow to be usable for me. It generally take seconds to focus on my A7S boides (with latest firmware).. Which is not acceptable. It would be interetsing to know if the Batsi works well.
Hi Jason, love your video and the way you stay simple :) If i want to buy a 85mm lenses and really want to safe money is that a good idea to get the nikkor 85mm 1.8 with adaptator ? like half price of the batis ! Just want to know your opinion because i'm going to buy a 85mm for sur just dont know which one ^^ thanks Jason
Thanks for the video. I wonder if you would consider adding a blind test in post where you don't know which lens took which shot and see if you can tell. Or have someone play two-camera monte after you take the shots. I do have faith that you don't have any conscious biases but sometimes unconscious bias can be an issue with even the best intentioned people. And, of course, yes you could "cheat" on the blind test, but I have confidence you would not do that.
No it's not, the 85 1.2 is a dinosaur at this point. The only good thing about the 85 1.2 is that it opens to 1.2. But when wide open The CA is bad, it's soft, and the colors are limp. Matt Granger done a few 85mm comparisons and I was always left feeling the Canon was overpriced.
Awsome review.....Always enjoyed your real life live shoots.....Charlie is like from Charles Angeles..... she has this Matrix movie look that looks as pretty....hope u do a iconic head shot tutorial with her.....thank you
Can someone explain something to me please. When comparing the batís with the Sony 1.8 the conclusion seemed to be they were exactly the same. In this video the G master is sharper etc. And beats out the batís. So why is it that in the Sony 1.8 vs 1.4 video people say it’s sharper and better except for the blur? When in this video the 1.4 clearly beats out a lens that was compared as equal to the 1.8
I understand your question but it is all down to personal preference. Also it does not matter anymore because cameras have become very powerful now in terms of ISO performance. The Sony 1.4, the 1.8, and the Batis 1.8 perform the same for most people because they don't see minute differences. I have shot with the Nikkor 85 1.8D and I believe it still is great lens. My clients never asked me what kind of a lens did you use. They are just interested in the work you present. The best camera is the camera/lens you have with you. I know I went off topic but Jason was or is still a Sony ambassador. So he had to endorse Sony products... but I am not sure.
Well i got enough prime lens. I will keep my Batis on the pure fact it is cheaper and smaller.. love the small portability of the Batis and i love when Nikon and Canon folks look at my small Batis as it slays their Lens. I will buy the 70-200 2.8 lens but will pass on the 85 G. and keep loving my Baits.. Thanks Jason..
+Jason Lanier that's ya damn problem Jason. U to damn helpful and got me buying everything but I'm drawing the line here. I'm keeping my Batis. And u damn better use yours some too. And make more videos. Also what happen to the question video I had a few. Love ya stuff My next purchase will be the 70-200 so get that and get me excited.
Jason Lanier could you possibly do split screens for is when comparing two shots in future please? Just makes it easy to pause and see them side by side.. Cheers man
One of the most inspiring channel for going out their starting to do photography there is.
Thanks!
Jason, another wonderful video. I owned a Canon 85/1.2L for about 4 years and the fall off and color was phenomenal. I miss that. To be honest, both these lenses are awesome and nobody is going to be disappointed with the Batis. But from these shots, the G Master opens up some exciting opportunities at f1.4. Thanks so much!
Jason in all your videos you say use different glass your shots will get better and I just started using the 55mm 1.8. now I'm seeing everything you've been talking about in your videos. thank you so much for doing what you do.
Jason, I am thankful for your honest comments about the Batis vs. G-Master in your overall impressions. Your research has made my decision an easy one. I'll be purchasing the G-Master series lenses.
I knew the G - Master would win... YaY!! 77mm focal ring for ND filters with no step down rings, focus lock ( a killer must ) , the weight not too heavier than the Batis ( about the same ) ..... and finally a real professional like Jason Lanier presenting it ... Thank You Jason for sharing. Love your videos!! Amazing work :)
Thank you man!!
I've owned both these lenses and I agree between the two the GM is the better lens for many reasons. However, lets not BS anyone... the Batis is more than noticeably lighter. The numbers don't like. 820 grams vs. 475 grams. It's actually 39% lighter which is no joke. If you don't agree go to your boss and tell him you'll accept 39% less pay. Another factor not mentioned is the Batis not only locks on focus a hair faster in very low light (Not expected due to the wider max aperture) and the Batis is quicker on the AF (Not at all surprising considering the glass the GM has to move).
The video mentions weight... and makes it a point of discussion when he
hands both cameras to people to compare. It's part of the review and
part that I disagree with... is that not OK with you Monchichi?
Great points Jason Christopher. The Batis is also CHEAPER, while they are both expensive. The BATIS is more in my price range :)
Thanks for the info. What camera body are you using these lenses on?
He wanted people to feel the weight, and as they said, it was not much noticeable weight difference at all. They may though notice the weight difference more, if they were to hold the camera for several minutes.
I am a little late in this discussion, but the fact that Jason mentions that the GM would slaughter the batis in cinematography is very unfair, the batis is lighter and smaller, either to carry handheld or to mount in a gimbal, also many reviews showed that the Batis lenses have definitely the fastest and most accurate autofocus of all lenses to the Sony A series. Now for video with a fixed shutter at 1/50, it is true that the extra aperture range of the GM will be useful, but then you lose on weight and size for handheld or gimbal.
I will buy one and I am on the fence between amazing aperture and bokeh, against a lighter, smaller Batis for video on a Ronin SC.
Thanks Jason! Hoping to see my Batis arrive much sooner now thanks to your prodigious pitch..
Glad I could help
The clickless aperture ring is a big deal because when you are filming and move from one lighting situation to another, darker to bright for example, it makes it easy to adjust exposure. At weddings thats great and can save putting on a ND filter for shorter clips.
Now the wait for the G Ma$ter is going to be brutal!!! Great video!
Nice review Jason!
What picture profile, gamma, and color mode you used for the shots? I loved how they looked straight out from the camera.
Pretty soon I'll be taking the kids out of college because of you! First it was sell the Nikon stuff and go with Sony... now, about the time I was ready for the Batis, you come out with this.....
Lol I'm glad I could help..:)
Excellent! I gotta G Master 85mm coming this Friday. I can't wait!
Always good to see one of your vids in my sub box dude. Another great real video!
Thanks!!
Thanks for the great video Jason. Can you please comment on the autofocus performance between the Batis and GM ? The Batis is known to hunt in lower light and focuses slower compared to the FE 55mm.
Jason you're great thank you for doing this. Just being real is the key! and man you do it well.....Thank you!
Thank you!
Great review, Thanks! Don't suppose you're going to have that lens with you at the workshop in Vegas next month??? Yes, maybe???
I'll have to beg Sony...
I'll send you some knee pads if you need
Dropping G Master Videos everyday! Thanks
All fine and right , what is missing is and why i buy the Zeiss Batis is because it s have image stabilization and Sony G Master have not ...and because my Sony cameras have not built in image stabilization is important for me the lens to have it :)
Great review. Will definitely be working towards one or the other, but that G Master is niiiiice.
Regarding weight... The Zeiss is 475 grams. The Sony is 820 grams. The Sony is nearly 73% heavier than the Zeiss. After 8 to 10 hours of shooting, I'm not sure "imperceptible" is the word I'd use to describe that difference in weight. I often shoot with a wide zoom for 4 hours in a row. I was initially using the Nikon 14-24 which is 1000 grams. I almost immediately switched to the Nikon 17-35 2.8 which is 745 grams. Image quality was still great but at the end of a shoot, my hands were far less fatigued and the difference between those two lenses is 255 grams vs the Zeiss and the Sony which is 345 grams. Where the weight is distributed makes a difference too. The 17-35 is a better balanced lens than the 14-24 which has a lot of weight on the end. Not sure how the Zeiss and Sony would compare there.
Given the difference in image quality between the two, and given the price... the lighter weight of the Zeiss might sway me. The longer I shoot, the more I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of image quality or convenience, for feeling less fatigued at the end of a long day of shooting. That's one of the things that I find attractive about the Sony bodies... lighter weight (and fortunately there is no sacrifice in terms of image quality there).
475 x 1.73 = 821 :-)
Hi Jason, thanks for your videos. You also shoot the Canon 85mm 1.2. Which one do you prefer, Canon or Sony. Many Thanks Andreas
Great job Jason. I think i will go for the Batis. I like the smaller portability of it. But wish i could have both!
Jason whats the difference between the lens focus lock and using the lock on focus via the body focus menu?
Finally a video that could make up my mind of which lens to get. Sony G Master 85mm f/1.4 - you are now in my shopping cart. Thank you Jason! :-)
Just in time Jason, was waiting for this comparison. I have the Batis 25 and been waiting for 4 months for my Batis 85 order from B&H. Just cancelled out the Batis and pre ordered the G. Can't wait to use it!
Thanks Jason!
I have been waiting for you to say it! for video the G master is it hands down!
Cheers from Thailand, Ed
A straight and honest review. I'm also sold on the G Master and have the Batis 25mm which I love! But for the 85mm I'll get the G Master!
Great video! Looks like I will be selling my Batis and upgrading to the G master. I cant believe I just said that...wow
I know right? Same here.
Thanks Jason !!!, hoping to see my 85 Gm arrive 😍😍
true actual review, in real world conditions. good stuff, jason, thx. j.
I like real things. I grow tired of laboratory scientists telling us scour photography gear.
+Jason Lanier mate, you could take a great composition, and that is the thing, with the littlest of means. this should speak volumes to your students. keep up this excellent work. thx again. j.
Superb video Jason. Very informative!
Welp. This is what I was looking for. G Master it is.
Jason, I live in the IE. I'm down to join and help out. HOLLA!
Jason, thanks for the advise. G is the winner.
Would love to join you one day J! Thanks for another excellent video. :)
Thanks for the test!
Congrats to your model!
You're welcome!
Great video! Which of the two would you recommend for filmmaking? I need quick autofocus.
Damn you Jason, now I need to relinquish my tiny Batis and wait eagerly for the monstrous 85 GM Q_Q
I like the part "good lighting, you get a good-shot", its all about lighting folks! Now go out and shoot with my Minolta lenses
I was hoping you would do this soon ...thanks Jason for cranking out these comparison videos ...well it looks like I need to save 500 more dollars and purchase the BIG G Master!! LOVE the Bokeh in the G master just wish it wasn't so big !
+Jason Lanier I'm surprised you didn't mention the lack of the G Master's IS in your video, which was very comprehensive otherwise. I realize that my A7r2 has some in-body stabilization, but the stabilization on my Batis 85 makes the 5 axis stabilization combination wonderful for both video and stills. I can shoot at slower speeds on stills (even when shooting at slightly smaller apertures) and the video is stabilized perfectly without needing digital crop. Is that not something you'd miss if you got rid of your Batis in favor of the G Master?
Either way, great review.
The Sony A7Rii and A7Sii both have 5 axis in body stabilization. If OSS is built into the lens then that takes the place of 2 of the axis that the IBIS would normally take care of. The 5 axis stabilization only works on Sony lenses that can relate focus distance info to the camera, so both the Batis and the GM have 5 axis stabilization, they just work slightly different.
From what I've read, the IBIS is just as good in real world situations as a lens with OSS.
Hello Jason,
There're many claims on the net regarding irritating AF noise and grinding inside lens parts. Could you check this issue on the net and confirm with your sample? thanks.
Great "Live" comparison in the environment with audience!
It really shows u what a solid deal the Ziess is.
Hey Jason, hope you doing well. Well I'm about to add the 35 1.4 Zeiss to my native lens bag but seen the new G series I'm a kind of undecided right now. Can you provide or bring a comparison between the Zeiss 35 1.4 and the new G series ? Appreciated your piece of advise on it, thanks in advance. You become my North and guide source in the matter, a lot of your advices made sense and worked out for me here in PR. Sergio
GMaster has rounder bokeh balls, but Zeiss has more contrast.
Great job, nice review and thanks for the video.
Wow I really wanted this lens shoot out, thank you so much! I just moved to Sony from Canon and am looking to get the best portrait lens. I appreciate it!
jason, seen this post lightroom? what do you do to get the beautiful golden skin tone on your models? i do understand the the golden hour has a little to do with this, but what else do you do. j.
yeah that 1.4 is sexy Jason but have you compared it to the Canon 85 1.2ii? I just got my a7rii and shots are pretty amazing! just have to use manual zebras fir best results
Jason I was surprised by the amount of time you spent praising the G master having a focus lock switch. I agree that it is a nice feature but the A7rII comes set up by default with the AF/MF center button being a toggle between AF and MF.... In other words any auto focus lens you put on an A7rII by default has a focus lock button... I find it very easy to toggle with my thumb while looking through the VF or live view. Also I don't have to think about where the focus lock switch is with different lenses because it's always in the same place when I use my A7r or A7rII with any lens.
+James Backer exactly so that lock button on the G masters is pointless... the a7rii has it in a easter spot and you can do it with out searching for the button on the lens..
It's much easier to use your finger on the lens than it is to use the back button...it is for my anyways.
+Jason Lanier Thanks for the reply.... My point was that with the default settings on the A7rII there is a built in ' Focus Lock' available for any lens you put on the A7r or A7rII and, for me, the AF/MF switch happens to be right where my thumb rests on the back of the camera.... So, for me, I don't need to think (or blindly feel for) the focus lock button on any lens I use... Also I have more lenses without focus lock buttons so I am used to using the AM/MF button on all my lenses that don't have a switch....
+James Backer I guess it depends on your shooting style. I love controlling it on the lens vs the camera. The camera seems like a more clumsy option to me.
Great real-world test. Thank you. G Master is amazing.
Thank you Jason for this great video
Jason, any difference in speed of focus for low light situations between the two?
Yeah lots of people have asked so I'm gonna see if I can do a video on that.
Thank you!
come back to Sydney Australia and do some workshops pleasesssss
Loved this test! Wanted the Batis but now I'm highly interested in the G Master! Is the sharpness equal? Zeiss is typically known for their fantastic sharpness that's almost unparalleled, but is the Sony either comparable or better? Thanks Jason, lots of love! 👍🏼
Hi Jason, thanks for the review. Does the Eye AF on the A9 work equally well with both the Batis and Sony lenses? Thanks!
good to see this comparison, thank you, I wish to know where is this location
Hi Jason,
There has been a lot of criticism on the lens having a grinding noise when the lens attempts to focus. I just recently bought the lens myself and initially was concerned about it when I heard it. after a while it just seems like that's the natural noise the motor makes.
I'm new to lenses, I've never owned a DSLR or anything if this caliber so I was just wondering, from your professional experience working with many cameras and lenses, is some noise not normal when focusing?
Thank you for your time and insight.
So true, been waiting for the Batis to arrive over 6 months and yet still no where to be found for me.... Guess it's time to think of getting the GM once its available in Malaysia.
Yep. That's Zeiss' biggest problem is lack of supply.
Does f/1.4 regularly give you enough depth of field at 85mm to get the entire face in focus?
I've been assuming we would get soft noses and blurred side of face, but I have not tried it.
Great video, very helpful, thanks.
Art
+Art Altman depends on how far you are from the subject and if their head is turned. If you're at headshot length, pretty much only the eyes will be in focus @ 1.4 (and only if they're both looking forward). If the head is rotated, then only the eye that's focused on will be sharp.
Jason, great video as always! One question, do you recommend the Sigma 20mm 1.4 for video over a 35mm
When will you do a review of the Sony SF-M or G Series UHS-II SD Memory Cards. What cards are you currently using?
Jason, you are great! You were in Oceanside the other day, and I thought damn, I'm 15 minutes away, I would have loved to help out or observed. I was even going to send you a message. Then in today's vid you even invite us followers to come out. I'll definitely keep an eye for the next time you are in SD. Your videos are a big reason myself and my uncle switch from Nikon D800 to a7rII.
You are a 100% pro? I'm always sharing your videos to illustrate a new lens or camera for people!
Hey! Can you make a video about the settings on camera you use for portraits on A7 R ii and a6000 ? I mean what do set the extra buttons for ?
Thank you
Come to El Paso. I'm buying you dinner. All this great information. Totally getting me back into photography after 15 years.
Ordered a Batis 6 month ago....Still waiting.Last time i checked the camera store said it would be at least another 4 month ! What is the point of announcing a lens then keeping customers waiting for almost a year ? Will cancel and order a G Master.
+holsteincowboy You may as well. The G Master is impressive. I waited 6 months for both my Batis lenses and will keep both (I am genuinely very happy with them), but had I not yet received the 85, I'd have cancelled it and gone with the G Master for sure.
Great reviews Jason and I just got my Sony G Master 85mm f/1.4 after watching your videos. Can you please let me know what you think about the focus noise on the G master? I don't hear a focus sound in your video however, there are many videos on RUclips where users have reported noisy focus and I have got the same level of noise when focusing.
Nice.
Thanks for sharing this
Wow, thanks for the comprehensive comparison & real-life testing experience. What struck me most was testing how they felt in the hand as regards to weight around the 19:00 mark.
Even though the Sony is almost double the weight (820g vs 475g I believe) the persons handling the 2 bodies/lenses didn't seem to perceive that great a difference.
Real-life user experience vs specifications, a marked difference.
+Joseph Farrugia compare weight with body, A7rII weight 625g so it's 1445g vs 1100 , less than 30% difference.
+Chavit Denninnart Yes, and where is that weight? Not in the body. The heavier the lens, the more imbalanced it's going to feel when you're holding it. If you've ever shot for 15+ hours, heck, even 6 hours, you'd know that even 250 grams in lens weight makes a significant difference in your level of fatigue at the end of a day. Might not seems like much, but it adds up over time. The Nikon 14-24 is a STELLAR lens but it's my backup. I use a Nikon 17-35 2.8 because it's 255 grams lighter, and feels more balanced on any body. On a typical 8+ hour shoot I'll end up using a wide for about 4 hours. Even at just 4 hours it makes a difference in how exhausted (or not) I feel. Also, I do a lot of long distance hiking (we're talking 20 to 30 miles in a single day carrying 30+ lbs). To a distance hiker, 345 grams is a very significant amount of weight.
To say the difference is "insignificant" is disingenuous as it completely disregards application. Yeah... it's insignificant if someone in authority psychologically biases you by telling you the difference is insignificant, then hands it to you on a street corner, and you only hold it for 10 seconds. Of course you're going to agree. I guarantee you that tune would change if someone were to shoot with the Sony for 4 hours, and then they handed you the Zeiss.
+shewh0rn i agree that weight balancing play big role here, however you are too generalizing it. 14-24 have huge front elements and most of their weight are in front of the lens(that already extend further due to big mirrorbox space). while if you look at diagram of 85gm and 70-200gm you'll see that large portion of their glass is at the rear end (even more so than batis where it's a bit hallow at the rear) where on the Nikon that would still be the mirrorbox inside the body.
anyway i agree about pacebo effect in your last paragraph.
Chavit Denninnart 6
Jason what about someone who has first generation A7(A7, A7R, A7S) and A6000 and A6300 none of which has IBIS, Zeiss has IS but GMaster does not. Is that a consideration in your mind, or not really? I know DSLR 85 1.4 lenses never had IS/VR but DSLR bodies were larger and heavier and balanced differently. Here if you own A7 which is about 400 grams and you are attaching a GMaster which is 800+ grams, is lack of IS/VR something that would drive a person to Batis because Batis has IS/VR. What are your thoughts on that?
I've been shooting the 85mm on the A6300 and it works like magic. No concern at all.
Zeiss Batis was fine outside but returned mine after 3 indoor portrait shoots with strobes, wouldn't focus correctly.
I love Jason and his videos but i can see how people will get frustrated. He praised the batis so much that he made us all want it and now it's just a back up lol
+manuel ortiz TBH, in the short time I have been watching Jason's videos, I get the impression there will never be a negative Sony review. Like Steve Huff, every new lens is going to be the best ever. Perhaps I'm wrong.
+manuel ortiz Yeah, but people are always going to feel inept, and blame it on the gear. G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), is a big problem for most photographers; they'll chase the next best thing thinking it'll make their images better and it won't. Just b/c your images are more out of focus doesn't mean it's a better image. Sometimes I shoot my 85 1.4 at 2.8-5.6 just b/c I don't want the background to lose all shape. Fast lenses can make for lazy photographers (compositionally).
+Alex Whitehead (MetAlbert R) To be fair, Sony has put out some killer lenses lately (55mm, 90mm 1.4, 35mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8 and 1.4). Everyone is giving the lenses the same kind of respect that Jason has given them. The biggest dud in their lineup in the 24-70, which isn't much better than the kit (but at least it's a constant f/4).
+Alex Whitehead (MetAlbert R) wait until you see my comparison video on the 24-70. The grade I give the f/4 isn't too kind.
No doubt, but most people know by now that lens isn't very good.
Now the lens is available to buy and people are doing hands on review there are lots of reports of very noisy focusing motor and a grinding sound. Did you experience this?
+Chris Stewart Amazon reviews says this. I would hold off on buying for a while.
will you be reviewing the 24-70 2.8 G Master zoom
ordering the master one asap for my a7r2
Cool Video Jason, thanks
+JasonLanier thank you for the honest and good review.. as i am one of the guys who is still on queue for the batis, and having sold my canon ef 85 1.2 L since i decided to go with the a7r2 for full frame instead of the 5d3, i really would love to see a comparison done by you between the G master 85 Sony and the Zeiss Otus 85 1.4..
Greetings from Germany
Thank you!
Did you encounter the G-master to noise. I just got my and it make lots of noise when focusing
how well is the 85 1.4 on an A7ii ? I thought someone once said it didn't work well on it or the A600
Focus lock can be solved by back button focusing if you have a Batis...
Did you travel back in time. You photos have 2015 on them. LOL Just a little heads up.
Hi, i'm in the market for a new lens for my Sony A7. Right now i only have the kit-lens that came with the housing and i'm not 100% satisfied with the quality of that lens, i use my camera mostly for portait and car photagraphy so would you say this G master lens fits my needs or do you have any other lens recomendation that fits my needs better?
Sony 85 f/.1.4 GM vs Zeiss Milvus 85 f/.1.4? Which is the best (I don't care the MF / AF or adapter)!
OK, so I asked for this test and the GM is better enough for me to want one. Gonna keep my Batis though. Incidentally, I've had both Batis since October last year and am quite shocked that there is still a shortage.
How long did you wait for yours? My order took 6 months to fulfill!
I imagine the 85's will now be a little easier to get now that Sony have stolen Zeiss' thunder, though...
+Jeff Sereno I don't really know how long I waited. What I usually do is when something I'm interested is announced, I let my guy in the local shop know that I'm interested and he'll contact me when he gets it in. I know I had the first pair of Batis in the country.
Problem that I see with Zeiss is that they're announcing all sorts of lens ranges and then they don't carry on extending the range. For example, since they released the Touit, Loxia and Batis ranges, they have now released the Milvus range but nothing more in those earlier ranges. No lens roadmap, too many different ranges with some duplication and no range evolution are definitely Zeiss problems. Spreading themselves too thin is another problem. Seemingly. I wish I knew what, if anything was coming for the Batis range. Love the design.
Loved that comparison thankd bro❤️🤘🏻
What are the camera setting. Love ur vids brotha...
The g-master seems to have strange shapes towards the edge of frame on the bokeh.. whereas zeiss goes more ovally.. the g-master seems to have aperture shading?
Time for me to take the leap and it looks like for it comes down focusing speed. SO??? Which lens focuses faster the Batis or the GM lens?
I am also interested in this.. I hjave a G-master and its too slow to be usable for me. It generally take seconds to focus on my A7S boides (with latest firmware).. Which is not acceptable. It would be interetsing to know if the Batsi works well.
Hi Jason, love your video and the way you stay simple :) If i want to buy a 85mm lenses and really want to safe money is that a good idea to get the nikkor 85mm 1.8 with adaptator ? like half price of the batis ! Just want to know your opinion because i'm going to buy a 85mm for sur just dont know which one ^^ thanks Jason
Thanks for the video. I wonder if you would consider adding a blind test in post where you don't know which lens took which shot and see if you can tell. Or have someone play two-camera monte after you take the shots. I do have faith that you don't have any conscious biases but sometimes unconscious bias can be an issue with even the best intentioned people. And, of course, yes you could "cheat" on the blind test, but I have confidence you would not do that.
The bokeh with the G-Master is like perfect circles the Batis is more shaped like footballs.
+chris shawver
The difference is not worth the money! The price difference is huge and the "quality" difference is minor to none!
+Insight Eins the quality difference is substantial just from the overall build of the lens from what I can see and feel.
Will you sell the Batis then? :)
Jason, could you please put a like to a couple of these raw files? It would be really helpful.
G Master crushed the Batis! How will it do against the Canon 85mm 1.2L II? I think they are in the same price range so it's a worthy comparison.
No it's not, the 85 1.2 is a dinosaur at this point. The only good thing about the 85 1.2 is that it opens to 1.2. But when wide open The CA is bad, it's soft, and the colors are limp. Matt Granger done a few 85mm comparisons and I was always left feeling the Canon was overpriced.
Awsome review.....Always enjoyed your real life live shoots.....Charlie is like from Charles Angeles..... she has this Matrix movie look that looks as pretty....hope u do a iconic head shot tutorial with her.....thank you
Can someone explain something to me please.
When comparing the batís with the Sony 1.8 the conclusion seemed to be they were exactly the same.
In this video the G master is sharper etc. And beats out the batís.
So why is it that in the Sony 1.8 vs 1.4 video people say it’s sharper and better except for the blur? When in this video the 1.4 clearly beats out a lens that was compared as equal to the 1.8
I understand your question but it is all down to personal preference. Also it does not matter anymore because cameras have become very powerful now in terms of ISO performance. The Sony 1.4, the 1.8, and the Batis 1.8 perform the same for most people because they don't see minute differences. I have shot with the Nikkor 85 1.8D and I believe it still is great lens. My clients never asked me what kind of a lens did you use. They are just interested in the work you present. The best camera is the camera/lens you have with you. I know I went off topic but Jason was or is still a Sony ambassador. So he had to endorse Sony products... but I am not sure.
But it has that extra part at the base!!!! LOL
GREAT VIDEO +Jason Lanier
Lol! Yeah what a deal breaker...
You don’t really need to focus lock, you can use the AF on button
how you consider betwwen fe 100 and 85 gm，if i can only afford one Lance. Thank you
Well i got enough prime lens. I will keep my Batis on the pure fact it is cheaper and smaller.. love the small portability of the Batis and i love when Nikon and Canon folks look at my small Batis as it slays their Lens. I will buy the 70-200 2.8 lens but will pass on the 85 G. and keep loving my Baits.. Thanks Jason..
Yep I'm keeping my Batis as well. Prefer all my primes to be from Zeiss.
As long as it helped you I'm happy.
+Jason Lanier that's ya damn problem Jason. U to damn helpful and got me buying everything but I'm drawing the line here. I'm keeping my Batis. And u damn better use yours some too. And make more videos. Also what happen to the question video I had a few. Love ya stuff My next purchase will be the 70-200 so get that and get me excited.
+T Rice lol will do!