![]() Technically it is an interesting solution but we suspect that for most users it's probably not really more than a gimmick. The display is back-illuminated thus unlike a conventional distance-scale you can also read the numbers in the dark. However, Zeiss implemented a digital OLED display that provides both distance and depth-of-field guidance in manual focus mode. Normally that would also translate to omitting a focus scale (because the focus ring is free floating). Typical for most mirrorless lenses, manual focusing works "by wire" thus you are driving the internal motor by turning the focus ring. The Batis lens uses a linear autofocus motor which is reasonably fast and silent. ![]() A deep barrel-shaped lens hood is part of the package. Zeiss is also continuing with its long tradition of providing the worst lens caps of the industry. It remains a mystery how Zeiss came to the conclusion of using these surfaces but it seems as if they aren't willing to fix this. However, the body coating is very prone to fingerprints and scratches and the rubberized focus ring is exceedingly prone to dust. The broad rubberized focus ring operates smoothly. Professional and outdoor photographers will also appreciate the weather-sealing. The lens body is made of metal and it maintains a constant physical length throughout the focus range. The quality of the construction is generally superb except for some well-known Zeiss oddities. although the Zeiss isn't exactly cheap at around 1100USD/1200EUR. That being said, the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM is faster still but therefore also bigger and quite a bit more expensive. It is a so-called "Sonnar" design which relates to fast Zeiss lenses. ![]() Among the 85mm gang, there's the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 which we'll discuss in the scope of this review. There are no less than 4 different Sony/Zeiss 85mm lenses plus the Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro and, of course, the Sony 100mm f/2.8 STF (and a bunch of exotics). Sony mirrorless camera users are quite blessed with a variety of medium tele prime choices. Review by Klaus Schroiff, published December 2017
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