Hey John I am a photographer but also film weddings. If my budget only allows for 2 lens which one would u choose to compliment the Batis 85mm either the Batis 25 or the 40 f2 ?
Depends on your style. I have the 25, 40 and 85. The 85 is my least used lens because I also have the 135mm F1.8 GM. The 25 ist really nice but I use it more often for landscape and milky way shots. The 40 is one of the most underrated lenses. First I was a little bit afraid that it wouldnt fit my style because 40mm is not that common. But over time is has become a favourite of mine. For weddings I would go with the 40!
@@jonaswicker6188 I have the 135 GM as well but that is too heavy on a gimbal. I have the Zeiss 55. Wouldn't the 40 be too close range to the 55? I'm trying to make due with what I have until I build up. That's why I was thinking the 85.
Have owned the lens for about a year. Personally, I think it's a bit frustratingly close to perfection in terms of being a "reportage" style standard prime. IQ is basically perfect in that while the Sigma 40 is better, it is also 4x the size. Optical flaws are few and far between even among modern lenses, and as you said Zeiss seems to put a bit more effort into maintaining "soft" characteristics like color and contrast that other makers do not. In terms of build, though I haven't tried every lens under the sun it mates to the mount tighter than G or GM lenses I have tried, and the outer shell seems sturdier and holds up well to abuse. My frustration mostly comes from the aperture behavior. There's a blog called 40 days of Batis wherein the blogger interviews a Zeiss engineer and they said the aperture behavior is a result of them not wanting to put all the glass in that would let the lens keep its performance to the desired level wide open. While I certainly appreciate the performance of this lens across the focal range and I *really* don't mind the affect on bokeh (if you calculate it, there is less than a cm difference in DOF across their automatic stop down range of 0.65-0.24m), I take issue with the effect this has on the lens' performance in low light situations. Beyond just IQ lost from raised ISO, loss of light from this behavior affects low light focusing as well. If they really wanted to keep the size down, a lower profile barrel and hood could have been engineered and still kept a 67mm filter size-or if they *really* want to make the most low profile build, make the barrel more appropriately sized and get a 58 or 55mm filter thread (the 18 already breaks from the 67mm filter after all). However, if they wanted to justify the 67mm filter thread: put more glass in. It's already an expensive optic, and lenses like the 24 GM or the recent 20 G really show that excellent performance is possible-even wide open-at this size. Granted, they do not have this lens' magnification, but the 35 1.8 FE does and while I would rate that lens' optics half a step behind the 40 CF's, it does respectably well at MFD. I will say though-that in good light I could hardly ask for better when looking for a light weight, high performance standard prime. If this lens were more reasonably priced, it wouldn't bother me at all that it doesn't do so well in lower light situations and maybe I could even put forward the money saved toward a low light prime for when I know it's getting dark. But it is almost the cost of a GM, haha.
The GM haha, in other words, Sony, doesnt have the experience in lenses by far, like Zeiss has. So it would be better to just be more modest in judging, James.
The Batis 25 and 40 are unnecessarily FAT. They have a narrow glass column with a fat barrel to maintain a 67mm thread on all but the 18mm/2.8. That said, even if they had wanted to keep the narrow glass column and fat barrel, they STILL DO NOT HAVE TO DO THE AUTOMATIC STOP DOWN. The lens will simply have more vignetting at close focus distances when wide open. I'll rather that they do that! If I didn't want the vignet, I can stop it down a stop or two myself! The firmware update basically does this... well partially at least. It stops down less and accepts a tad more vignet!
it's an interesting lens. I like 35mm too much to want this lens. The close focus is a good selling point, but the Sony 35mm F1.8 is close enough. It has a closer focus distance - but obviously has a wider focal length so may not get quite as close... probably very close though. I own the Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8 also. That's a lens I wish had a closer focal distance...
Yes some very good points! The 35mm F1.8 is an awesome lens! I like it too! Since you have the 55mm too, the 40mm probably isn't a lens that should be on your priority list hehe
It does have quite a few different and interesting points about it. The weather sealing, the oled screen, the build of it, the close focus abilities and of course it does have a certain look to it compared to the 55mm. If there is a camera store near you, see if you can get a hands on for it 😊
@@deathward990 Depends on what length you're after. I shoot on both the 40mm Batis and 55 1.8 and the batis images and colour are far more pleasing on the eye IMO
Shout out to the lady doing Tai Chi behind me 😅
And the dog sneaking up on you!
hahaha she wants more followers hhah
Haha that was unexpected!
Lol! 😆
Many Thanks for this honest opinion.
John will the FUpgrade work on the A7 (2014) ?????
Hey John I am a photographer but also film weddings. If my budget only allows for 2 lens which one would u choose to compliment the Batis 85mm either the Batis 25 or the 40 f2 ?
Depends on your style. I have the 25, 40 and 85. The 85 is my least used lens because I also have the 135mm F1.8 GM. The 25 ist really nice but I use it more often for landscape and milky way shots. The 40 is one of the most underrated lenses. First I was a little bit afraid that it wouldnt fit my style because 40mm is not that common. But over time is has become a favourite of mine. For weddings I would go with the 40!
@@jonaswicker6188 I have the 135 GM as well but that is too heavy on a gimbal. I have the Zeiss 55. Wouldn't the 40 be too close range to the 55? I'm trying to make due with what I have until I build up. That's why I was thinking the 85.
@@meldajeanphotographyfilm1767 Just try. The 55 is very sharp, but a bit boring. I sold it. The Batis is a Batis. Just perfect lenses.
@@marcs.7699 Which would u use more for wedding videos? the 25 or the 40
Have owned the lens for about a year. Personally, I think it's a bit frustratingly close to perfection in terms of being a "reportage" style standard prime. IQ is basically perfect in that while the Sigma 40 is better, it is also 4x the size. Optical flaws are few and far between even among modern lenses, and as you said Zeiss seems to put a bit more effort into maintaining "soft" characteristics like color and contrast that other makers do not. In terms of build, though I haven't tried every lens under the sun it mates to the mount tighter than G or GM lenses I have tried, and the outer shell seems sturdier and holds up well to abuse.
My frustration mostly comes from the aperture behavior. There's a blog called 40 days of Batis wherein the blogger interviews a Zeiss engineer and they said the aperture behavior is a result of them not wanting to put all the glass in that would let the lens keep its performance to the desired level wide open. While I certainly appreciate the performance of this lens across the focal range and I *really* don't mind the affect on bokeh (if you calculate it, there is less than a cm difference in DOF across their automatic stop down range of 0.65-0.24m), I take issue with the effect this has on the lens' performance in low light situations. Beyond just IQ lost from raised ISO, loss of light from this behavior affects low light focusing as well. If they really wanted to keep the size down, a lower profile barrel and hood could have been engineered and still kept a 67mm filter size-or if they *really* want to make the most low profile build, make the barrel more appropriately sized and get a 58 or 55mm filter thread (the 18 already breaks from the 67mm filter after all). However, if they wanted to justify the 67mm filter thread: put more glass in. It's already an expensive optic, and lenses like the 24 GM or the recent 20 G really show that excellent performance is possible-even wide open-at this size. Granted, they do not have this lens' magnification, but the 35 1.8 FE does and while I would rate that lens' optics half a step behind the 40 CF's, it does respectably well at MFD.
I will say though-that in good light I could hardly ask for better when looking for a light weight, high performance standard prime. If this lens were more reasonably priced, it wouldn't bother me at all that it doesn't do so well in lower light situations and maybe I could even put forward the money saved toward a low light prime for when I know it's getting dark. But it is almost the cost of a GM, haha.
The GM haha, in other words, Sony, doesnt have the experience in lenses by far, like Zeiss has. So it would be better to just be more modest in judging, James.
The Batis 25 and 40 are unnecessarily FAT. They have a narrow glass column with a fat barrel to maintain a 67mm thread on all but the 18mm/2.8. That said, even if they had wanted to keep the narrow glass column and fat barrel, they STILL DO NOT HAVE TO DO THE AUTOMATIC STOP DOWN. The lens will simply have more vignetting at close focus distances when wide open. I'll rather that they do that! If I didn't want the vignet, I can stop it down a stop or two myself! The firmware update basically does this... well partially at least. It stops down less and accepts a tad more vignet!
Great stuff John - Batis 40mm very versatile... Probably one of the best walk around travel lens' with Autofocus for E mount ?? :)
It sure is!
Hi John! Great review! Will you be reviewing the Sony ZV1? I’m really be looking forward to it if so.
Hello my friend! Definitely will! It's such a good camera! 😁
was this the indo video the one where there was a guy in the back just watching ? lol this lens is expensive lol
Haha yeah I filmed this straight after I filmed the 24mm video when I was in Indo. It's pricey but so so good!
I have that lens, instead of a 35mm. Love that lens.
I know right! I like it a lot for what it can do!
I need a lens but confused whixch one I should select 35 mm Sony or 40 2 batis aperture only 2 ...Sony has 1.4 opening give an answer
I would definitely go with the 35mm F1.4 GM!
it's an interesting lens. I like 35mm too much to want this lens. The close focus is a good selling point, but the Sony 35mm F1.8 is close enough. It has a closer focus distance - but obviously has a wider focal length so may not get quite as close... probably very close though. I own the Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8 also. That's a lens I wish had a closer focal distance...
Yes some very good points! The 35mm F1.8 is an awesome lens! I like it too! Since you have the 55mm too, the 40mm probably isn't a lens that should be on your priority list hehe
Is there a reason to buy such a high priced lens over Zeiss 55 1.8 with being more than 200 dollars cheap than this?
Well its a batis. Did you ever try one out?
It does have quite a few different and interesting points about it. The weather sealing, the oled screen, the build of it, the close focus abilities and of course it does have a certain look to it compared to the 55mm. If there is a camera store near you, see if you can get a hands on for it 😊
@@marcs.7699 I already own a Batis 85 1.8 and a 24mm G Master. Just looking to add a 3rd one confused between this and 55 1.8
@@deathward990 Depends on what length you're after. I shoot on both the 40mm Batis and 55 1.8 and the batis images and colour are far more pleasing on the eye IMO
My favourite lens. The only other lens I have is the Zeiss Batis 85mm
Likewise! I love it!
HI John How are ya^^
I'm good!! Been doing really well. How are things on your end?
@@JohnSisonPhotography Fine too...Been doing much social distancing already...Feeling pretty good bout it ^^ LOL
@@MauricePhoenix Haha that's good to hear! I hope you've been going out shooting too!
@@JohnSisonPhotography Kind of...In my dream😅 still doing so much social distancing. Take care john...waiting ur next video review