Life with the Zeiss Batis range.
Let's roll back the years…
It's October 2015, and I've just bought my first professional camera. It was a Sony A7RII, and I purchased the Zeiss Batis 2.0/25 lens to go alongside it. For the first year, I used only this setup. The lens was and still is four years on, lightweight, hella sharp, and a great focal length to learn the trade.
Using a prime lens forced me to move around my subject more as the option to zoom wasn't available. When I look back, I realise how much this shaped my learning curve and approach to a shoot.
During 2017 I bought the Batis 1.8/85, in 2018 the 2.8/18, and in 2019 Zeiss contacted me to test the new 2/40 CF … you can see there's a pattern occurring! I now use four Batis lenses alongside my Sony G Master equipment and others in the Zeiss range.
All Batis lenses are sealed from weather and dust, which I can say has never let me down.
Zeiss Batis 25mm 2.0 in action.
Three key points I love about the Batis range as a whole…
Weight: Three of my four Zeiss Batis lenses weigh less than a can of Coca Cola. That’s 350 grams, pretty crazy! Having such light equipment allows me to bring a selection of lenses for each photoshoot without the worry of back busting weight.
OLED Screen: A unique part which I love about the Batis range is the OLED depth of field display on the top of the lens, which clearly shows the current focus distance and depth of field. When Zeiss released the 25 Batis back in 2015 this was the worlds first.
Sharpness: All four lenses are incredibly sharp. At a lower aperture, you can create a beautiful depth of field, while retaining incredible sharpness. The images on these lenses, paired with a Sony Alpha body, are near perfect corner to corner.
Examples of which lenses I use and when…
Batis 2.8/ 18
Out of the four lenses discussed today, this is probably my most seldom used from the set. I’d say this is being I'm not shooting ultra wide scenes that often. A good example of when to use this lens would be an image from inside of a car where the 25 doesn't quite manage the get the full view into the frame. Another would be the example on the right just here where I'm attempting to get the foreground, cabin, mountain and sky all into one frame.
The key reason that I haven't used the lens as much recently is due to my change in photography projects. If you've been following me for a while, you'll see that I've been moving away capturing vast landscapes and moving into compact lifestyle and action moments.
In the coming weeks, I do have a selection of underwater equipment coming which I will pair with the 18, and I'm very excited to share the results with you.
Glencoe, Scotland. Shot on Sony A7RII and Zeiss Batis 2.8/ 18 back in 2017!
Zeiss Batis 2.0/ 25
I would call this one of my “go-to” lenses which are always in my bag. Whether I’m hanging out of a helicopter or shooting a motorbike, the Batis 25 comes in handy. The focal length is fantastic for both capturing the scene and focusing on a product, and it’s a happy medium. An example would be shooting a watch campaign. With the 2.8/ 18 I’m a little too wide and loose the product amongst a colossal landscape. Also with the 40 or 85, I’m a little too close.
The 25 is the perfect all-rounder if you’re unsure on if you should be going for a wider lens or something around a 35. It has so many uses.
Image taken on Zeiss Batis 2.0/ 25. One of my first during summer 2016 in Norway.
2019 on the Portuguese coast. Shot on Zeiss Batis 2.0/ 25.
Shooting out of a helicopter window in Namibia with the Batis 2.0/ 25.
Zeiss Batis 2.0/ 25. Shooting in South Africa for a campaign with Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Okay, let’s move onto the Zeiss Batis 2.0/ 40.
Released in early 2019, I’d say this was undoubtedly a big one for Zeiss and Sony shooters. A lens which offers a very different focal length, creamy bokeh and 1:3 macro/close focus ability. Having the macro capability opens a whole new world under commercial photography.
In both South Africa, and across The Alps at the end of 2019, this was my most used lens. I couldn’t fault it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new lens for their kit bag. See a few example images below.
Having the ability to shoot a broad scene at 40mm and then get close to your subject and capture details with the macro option are priceless. There's no need to change lenses or mess around in your camera bag which can often lead to a change in light or missing the moment.
The 2.0 / 40 CF with the Sony A7RIV in action. Shot above the mountains of Drakensberg, South Africa.
In the mountains of Austria testing the Batis 2.0 / 40 CF with the Sony A7RIV.
Capturing rolling shots in South Africa with the Batis 2.0 / 40 CF with the Sony A7RIV.
On assignment for Audi in Switzerland, shooting with the Batis 2.0 / 40 CF and the Sony A7RIV.
Last but not least, Zeiss Batis 1.8/ 85
A lens which I often pair with the 25 or 40. I refer to this lens as the “commercial dream”. If I’m shooting for a company it’ll be with me. The bokeh on the 85 at 1.8 is stunning. It’s a great lens for capturing moments a little further away and when you don’t want to get too close to your subject.
Shooting on the coast of South Africa. The 1.8/ 85 brings the mountains right in.
Example of the bokeh @ 1.8 on the Batis 85. Shot in Glencoe, Scotland for AudiUK.
Shooting on the border of Lesotho, Africa. Shooting at 1.8 on the 85 in low light.
Shooting details with the 1.8/ 85 Batis for AudiUK.
Video and RAW files!
If you’re looking for a high-quality lens to go with your Sony Alpha camera, then the Batis range should be on your radar.
Blog in collaboration with Carl Zeiss Lenses.