Carl Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF (E Mount) Lens
With a fixed focal length of 40 millimetres, this lens is ideal for applications with a normal focal length but also for typical shooting situations in the light wide-angle range. An all-rounder that is also suitable for the obvious with the best imaging performance. This CloseFocus lens (CF) is ideally suited for a wide range of applications thanks to its short focusing distance of only 24 centimeters in combination with its moderately wide-angle imaging. Thanks to high micro-contrast and an initial aperture of f/2, objects can be perfectly exposed. With the Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF on the camera you are always ready for the decisive moment no matter what comes. And if you only want to take one lens with you, this is the best choice for your demanding photography. Zeiss Batis autofocus lenses are designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirror-less system cameras. Matched to form a small, lightweight yet powerful system together with the camera. The lenses are fully compatible with all E-Mount cameras and offer fast and quiet autofocus as well as dust and splash protection. For creative work, the distance and depth of field can be read off the innovative OLED display so that the focus area can always be set perfectly. The powerful fixed focal lengths of the Zeiss Batis family offer perfect imaging performance thanks to the completely newly developed optical design. The legendary Zeiss T anti-reflective coating and experience from over 125 years of lens development combined with the latest technologies ensure that every moment captured with a Zeiss Batis lens is thrilled with the exceptional Zeiss look.
With a fixed focal length of 40 millimetres, this lens is ideal for applications with a normal focal length but also for typical shooting situations in the light wide-angle range. An all-rounder that is also suitable for the obvious with the best imaging performance. This CloseFocus lens (CF) is ideally suited for a wide range of applications thanks to its short focusing distance of only 24 centimeters in combination with its moderately wide-angle imaging. Thanks to high micro-contrast and an initial aperture of f/2, objects can be perfectly exposed. With the Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF on the camera you are always ready for the decisive moment no matter what comes. And if you only want to take one lens with you, this is the best choice for your demanding photography. Zeiss Batis autofocus lenses are designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirror-less system cameras. Matched to form a small, lightweight yet powerful system together with the camera. The lenses are fully compatible with all E-Mount cameras and offer fast and quiet autofocus as well as dust and splash protection. For creative work, the distance and depth of field can be read off the innovative OLED display so that the focus area can always be set perfectly. The powerful fixed focal lengths of the Zeiss Batis family offer perfect imaging performance thanks to the completely newly developed optical design. The legendary Zeiss T anti-reflective coating and experience from over 125 years of lens development combined with the latest technologies ensure that every moment captured with a Zeiss Batis lens is thrilled with the exceptional Zeiss look.
With a fixed focal length of 40 millimetres, this lens is ideal for applications with a normal focal length but also for typical shooting situations in the light wide-angle range. An all-rounder that is also suitable for the obvious with the best imaging performance. This CloseFocus lens (CF) is ideally suited for a wide range of applications thanks to its short focusing distance of only 24 centimeters in combination with its moderately wide-angle imaging. Thanks to high micro-contrast and an initial aperture of f/2, objects can be perfectly exposed. With the Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF on the camera you are always ready for the decisive moment no matter what comes. And if you only want to take one lens with you, this is the best choice for your demanding photography. Zeiss Batis autofocus lenses are designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirror-less system cameras. Matched to form a small, lightweight yet powerful system together with the camera. The lenses are fully compatible with all E-Mount cameras and offer fast and quiet autofocus as well as dust and splash protection. For creative work, the distance and depth of field can be read off the innovative OLED display so that the focus area can always be set perfectly. The powerful fixed focal lengths of the Zeiss Batis family offer perfect imaging performance thanks to the completely newly developed optical design. The legendary Zeiss T anti-reflective coating and experience from over 125 years of lens development combined with the latest technologies ensure that every moment captured with a Zeiss Batis lens is thrilled with the exceptional Zeiss look.
With a fixed focal length of 40 millimetres, this lens is ideal for applications with a normal focal length but also for typical shooting situations in the light wide-angle range. An all-rounder that is also suitable for the obvious with the best imaging performance. This CloseFocus lens (CF) is ideally suited for a wide range of applications thanks to its short focusing distance of only 24 centimeters in combination with its moderately wide-angle imaging. Thanks to high micro-contrast and an initial aperture of f/2, objects can be perfectly exposed. With the Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF on the camera you are always ready for the decisive moment no matter what comes. And if you only want to take one lens with you, this is the best choice for your demanding photography. Zeiss Batis autofocus lenses are designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirror-less system cameras. Matched to form a small, lightweight yet powerful system together with the camera. The lenses are fully compatible with all E-Mount cameras and offer fast and quiet autofocus as well as dust and splash protection. For creative work, the distance and depth of field can be read off the innovative OLED display so that the focus area can always be set perfectly. The powerful fixed focal lengths of the Zeiss Batis family offer perfect imaging performance thanks to the completely newly developed optical design. The legendary Zeiss T anti-reflective coating and experience from over 125 years of lens development combined with the latest technologies ensure that every moment captured with a Zeiss Batis lens is thrilled with the exceptional Zeiss look.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Carl Zeiss Batis 2/40 CF (E Mount) Lens right now is $1,199.95 at Digital Camera Warehouse, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $636.04 on 15 June 2026 — today's price is 89% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 20 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 20/09/2026 23:39:39
Zeiss Batis 40mm f2 - Sony E | Secondhand
Delivery $9.95
Carl Zeiss Batis 2/40 Cf E-mount 40mm F2 Full Frame Af Lens From Japan
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originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I waited to write a review until after applying the recent firmware update that addresses concerns some people had when this lens came out. It was already excellent, and now its even better!It focuses quickly and silently, locking on with precision using eye AF or any other mode. Images are bright and sharp, with extremely versatile control over depth of field.Its close-focus abilities deserve special mention. So many new and interesting shots are available when its so convenient. Setting a scene or mood is easy when you can capture the wide view, then have a natural perspective when moving in for a closer look, and finally getting really close to see small details. Being able to do all this without changing lenses makes for really fun, rewarding ... MoreI waited to write a review until after applying the recent firmware update that addresses concerns some people had when this lens came out. It was already excellent, and now its even better!It focuses quickly and silently, locking on with precision using eye AF or any other mode. Images are bright and sharp, with extremely versatile control over depth of field.Its close-focus abilities deserve special mention. So many new and interesting shots are available when its so convenient. Setting a scene or mood is easy when you can capture the wide view, then have a natural perspective when moving in for a closer look, and finally getting really close to see small details. Being able to do all this without changing lenses makes for really fun, rewarding photography!When I bought my a7RIII, I chose the Sony 24-105mm f/4 zoom as the default go-to lens for general use, and it serves that role very well. Its excellent. However, since getting this Zeiss 40mm, Im using the prime at least as much as the zoom, and not really missing the range. (See last paragraph above.) Its that good.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I've returned 3 of them, maybe a 4th soon. I trying really hard to like this lens. Ive never owned a Zeiss before and Ive wanted one for so long. This lens is so versatile and so light. I love the focal length and the close focus ability. The focus distance LCD is gimmicky and inaccurate but I was willing to overlook it if it ended up being a good lens. It's just ok from my experience.The first one I returned was one of the originals without the update. I never even got around to testing image quality once I stumbled across it stopping itself down. 2nd had the update but it was decentered, top left corner was bad. 3rd was worse than the 2nd. Autofocus wouldnt lock on and once I manually focused the lens, it turned out to be more decentered than the 2nd. Im on my ... MoreI've returned 3 of them, maybe a 4th soon. I trying really hard to like this lens. Ive never owned a Zeiss before and Ive wanted one for so long. This lens is so versatile and so light. I love the focal length and the close focus ability. The focus distance LCD is gimmicky and inaccurate but I was willing to overlook it if it ended up being a good lens. It's just ok from my experience.The first one I returned was one of the originals without the update. I never even got around to testing image quality once I stumbled across it stopping itself down. 2nd had the update but it was decentered, top left corner was bad. 3rd was worse than the 2nd. Autofocus wouldnt lock on and once I manually focused the lens, it turned out to be more decentered than the 2nd. Im on my 4th copy which has been better than the 3rd but the bottom of the frame isnt good until f4, totally useable though.I thought I could work with the 4th but thats when I started testing the eye af. It got close 2 out of 15 times between f2 and f2.5. I then got online to find out that apparently eye af just doesnt work until 2.8. I planned on using eye af because Im having a baby soon.The lens looks to almost fully resolve a 42mp sensor. Its got corner to corner sharpness but IMO its a $900ish lens that Zeiss is charging $1300 for. I got mine on sale for $1100 and I dont feel great about it.The focal length is great for a lot, the CF ability is awesome but Im thinking about just giving up on it since Im still in my 4th return window(Haha). If you dont need AF dont bother and just go with the 40mm Voigtlander, Ive rented one and its a good lens.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Another Zeiss master piece. This lens has the typical Zeiss feel, solid and no tolerances or play, and despite it's size, the lens is surprisingly light. This lens is sharp across the frame and personally, I cannot see much of a difference at smaller apertures. Almost needless to say this lens also has the typical Zeiss image rendering character, but for clarification: The uploaded image I made with this lens, is HDR post processed. However, I assure you the out of camera jpg images are evident to the quality of this lens as well. I highly recommend this beauty.
Zeiss Batis 40mm f2 - Sony E | Secondhand
Delivery $9.95
Carl Zeiss Batis 2/40 Cf E-mount 40mm F2 Full Frame Af Lens From Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I waited to write a review until after applying the recent firmware update that addresses concerns some people had when this lens came out. It was already excellent, and now its even better!It focuses quickly and silently, locking on with precision using eye AF or any other mode. Images are bright and sharp, with extremely versatile control over depth of field.Its close-focus abilities deserve special mention. So many new and interesting shots are available when its so convenient. Setting a scene or mood is easy when you can capture the wide view, then have a natural perspective when moving in for a closer look, and finally getting really close to see small details. Being able to do all this without changing lenses makes for really fun, rewarding ... MoreI waited to write a review until after applying the recent firmware update that addresses concerns some people had when this lens came out. It was already excellent, and now its even better!It focuses quickly and silently, locking on with precision using eye AF or any other mode. Images are bright and sharp, with extremely versatile control over depth of field.Its close-focus abilities deserve special mention. So many new and interesting shots are available when its so convenient. Setting a scene or mood is easy when you can capture the wide view, then have a natural perspective when moving in for a closer look, and finally getting really close to see small details. Being able to do all this without changing lenses makes for really fun, rewarding photography!When I bought my a7RIII, I chose the Sony 24-105mm f/4 zoom as the default go-to lens for general use, and it serves that role very well. Its excellent. However, since getting this Zeiss 40mm, Im using the prime at least as much as the zoom, and not really missing the range. (See last paragraph above.) Its that good.
I've returned 3 of them, maybe a 4th soon. I trying really hard to like this lens. Ive never owned a Zeiss before and Ive wanted one for so long. This lens is so versatile and so light. I love the focal length and the close focus ability. The focus distance LCD is gimmicky and inaccurate but I was willing to overlook it if it ended up being a good lens. It's just ok from my experience.The first one I returned was one of the originals without the update. I never even got around to testing image quality once I stumbled across it stopping itself down. 2nd had the update but it was decentered, top left corner was bad. 3rd was worse than the 2nd. Autofocus wouldnt lock on and once I manually focused the lens, it turned out to be more decentered than the 2nd. Im on my ... MoreI've returned 3 of them, maybe a 4th soon. I trying really hard to like this lens. Ive never owned a Zeiss before and Ive wanted one for so long. This lens is so versatile and so light. I love the focal length and the close focus ability. The focus distance LCD is gimmicky and inaccurate but I was willing to overlook it if it ended up being a good lens. It's just ok from my experience.The first one I returned was one of the originals without the update. I never even got around to testing image quality once I stumbled across it stopping itself down. 2nd had the update but it was decentered, top left corner was bad. 3rd was worse than the 2nd. Autofocus wouldnt lock on and once I manually focused the lens, it turned out to be more decentered than the 2nd. Im on my 4th copy which has been better than the 3rd but the bottom of the frame isnt good until f4, totally useable though.I thought I could work with the 4th but thats when I started testing the eye af. It got close 2 out of 15 times between f2 and f2.5. I then got online to find out that apparently eye af just doesnt work until 2.8. I planned on using eye af because Im having a baby soon.The lens looks to almost fully resolve a 42mp sensor. Its got corner to corner sharpness but IMO its a $900ish lens that Zeiss is charging $1300 for. I got mine on sale for $1100 and I dont feel great about it.The focal length is great for a lot, the CF ability is awesome but Im thinking about just giving up on it since Im still in my 4th return window(Haha). If you dont need AF dont bother and just go with the 40mm Voigtlander, Ive rented one and its a good lens.
Another Zeiss master piece. This lens has the typical Zeiss feel, solid and no tolerances or play, and despite it's size, the lens is surprisingly light. This lens is sharp across the frame and personally, I cannot see much of a difference at smaller apertures. Almost needless to say this lens also has the typical Zeiss image rendering character, but for clarification: The uploaded image I made with this lens, is HDR post processed. However, I assure you the out of camera jpg images are evident to the quality of this lens as well. I highly recommend this beauty.
I bought this lens hoping it could replace my FE 35/2.8 and FE 55/1.8 combo and be more in line with my other lenses. First, I rented a copy and was very disappointed because it was quite soft at f2 and f2.8, never really improving to really good performance. I assumed it was a damaged or faulty copy so I bought one from B&H. Apparently, I got a good copy. It is sharp across the frame. I tested it at all apertures. It gets progressively sharper and sharpness evens across the frame until f5.6 where it is very good. At f8 there is some diffraction but also increased depth of field. F5.6-8 is the sweet spot. Sharpness is still very good stopped down further. From a sharpness standpoint, my copy is better than my FE 35/2.8 and not quite as sharp as the 55/1.8 but very ... MoreI bought this lens hoping it could replace my FE 35/2.8 and FE 55/1.8 combo and be more in line with my other lenses. First, I rented a copy and was very disappointed because it was quite soft at f2 and f2.8, never really improving to really good performance. I assumed it was a damaged or faulty copy so I bought one from B&H. Apparently, I got a good copy. It is sharp across the frame. I tested it at all apertures. It gets progressively sharper and sharpness evens across the frame until f5.6 where it is very good. At f8 there is some diffraction but also increased depth of field. F5.6-8 is the sweet spot. Sharpness is still very good stopped down further. From a sharpness standpoint, my copy is better than my FE 35/2.8 and not quite as sharp as the 55/1.8 but very close. I consider that very good.I do like the 40mm focal length but that is something to get used to because not many of us have used 40's routinely. The close focusing is very helpful at times for travel shots.The 67 mm filter size is convenient for me because it pairs well with my travel kit: wide-angle zoom, Batis 40, Batis 85. If I want a fast wide angle, I can use a Sony GM 24/1.4 (67 mm) and the Batis 135 is also 67 mm. Now I can use a single filter wallet rather than 3.Some people complain about the size which is fair. However, it weighs less than my 35/55 combo and it takes up less space. Also, it is about the same size as my other two lenses so as I switch them out when using any of the lenses will fit in any of the slots in my bag. I feel like my kit is more standardized which I appreciate.As for Bokeh, I am not a bokeh snob but I don't like nervous bokeh either. I find this lens to be fine and with close focusing the bokeh is really soft.
First off, the images this lens produces on the A7R iii are amazing. The resolution and contrast of the lens, combined with the way colors are represented would make it a top choice for a lens that would stay mounted to my camera most of the time.Unfortunately there are a few issues:1. The lens automatically stops down when close focusing. This leads to two problems. First, if round bokeh balls matter to you, you can't close focus and get them with this lens. Second, by stopping down during close focusing in low light, you will need to raise the ISO in dim light.2. Close focus AF in low light struggles to lock onto the subject. I tested this against the 24mm G Master with roughly the same distance from the subject and the GM locks on without issue.Apparently ... MoreFirst off, the images this lens produces on the A7R iii are amazing. The resolution and contrast of the lens, combined with the way colors are represented would make it a top choice for a lens that would stay mounted to my camera most of the time.Unfortunately there are a few issues:1. The lens automatically stops down when close focusing. This leads to two problems. First, if round bokeh balls matter to you, you can't close focus and get them with this lens. Second, by stopping down during close focusing in low light, you will need to raise the ISO in dim light.2. Close focus AF in low light struggles to lock onto the subject. I tested this against the 24mm G Master with roughly the same distance from the subject and the GM locks on without issue.Apparently the issue of stopping down will be addressed in a firmware update sometime within the next two months. I'm not certain about the close focus in low light issue, but perhaps if the lens isn't stopped down it will lock focus better.I had to return it as these shortcomings weren't acceptable for the way I shoot. If Zeiss can correct these issues with their firmware update I will gladly purchase the lens again.
Zeiss has released the firmware update for this lens. It was a great lens in my opinion already, sharing much of the qualities that make the Batis line so desireable for the A7 system. But now, with the firmware update that only took me about a minute to install, the aperture stays wide open at F2 until about 0.7 meters distance, where it will gradually darken to F2.8 at the closest focus. This is much better and has minimal unexpected impact on image quality. The lens used to gradually close from F2 at infinity down to F4 at closest focus, (yes, across the *whole* focus range,) so now that it stays at true F2 and just 2.8 at closes focus theres a NOTICEABLE gain in depth of field, and Im getting more true/accurate exposures at all other normal focus ... MoreZeiss has released the firmware update for this lens. It was a great lens in my opinion already, sharing much of the qualities that make the Batis line so desireable for the A7 system. But now, with the firmware update that only took me about a minute to install, the aperture stays wide open at F2 until about 0.7 meters distance, where it will gradually darken to F2.8 at the closest focus. This is much better and has minimal unexpected impact on image quality. The lens used to gradually close from F2 at infinity down to F4 at closest focus, (yes, across the *whole* focus range,) so now that it stays at true F2 and just 2.8 at closes focus theres a NOTICEABLE gain in depth of field, and Im getting more true/accurate exposures at all other normal focus distances.Close focusing *will* be sharper at F4 or lower, but Im happier that Zeiss now gave us a choice over setting F4 ourselves manually or choosing greater DOF if we wanted it for our shot.If you werent getting this lens before because you were concerned about the aperture issue --- its been solved, get it now, its a great lens that serves as well as a 35mm or a 50mm but in a single light weight, superbly sharp package.
1st. I need to clarify that I didn't get the lens here on b&h, sorry, a deal pop up out there, but,... I post questions here and they were answered, also reviews from b&h were the ones help me on my decision, since in the other website reviews are placed anywhere but not in the lens they should be, right?Ok, I have samyang 35 1.4 and Planar 50 mm 1.4, I love these lenses, but wanted a lens all terrain, sometimes I needed narrowed , others needed wider, but without loosing low light/bokeh abilities. Only a week with it but I never have a situation where I felt on the situation previously described. Of course I pair this lens with the 85 batis 1.8, both made an incredible combo.This batis 40 is then, fast enough, perfect fov for any situation, and also the size I ... More1st. I need to clarify that I didn't get the lens here on b&h, sorry, a deal pop up out there, but,... I post questions here and they were answered, also reviews from b&h were the ones help me on my decision, since in the other website reviews are placed anywhere but not in the lens they should be, right?Ok, I have samyang 35 1.4 and Planar 50 mm 1.4, I love these lenses, but wanted a lens all terrain, sometimes I needed narrowed , others needed wider, but without loosing low light/bokeh abilities. Only a week with it but I never have a situation where I felt on the situation previously described. Of course I pair this lens with the 85 batis 1.8, both made an incredible combo.This batis 40 is then, fast enough, perfect fov for any situation, and also the size I loved to have ( I sold fe 35 1.8 since I felt it to small, maybe because I was use to the planar and samyang).Sharp?, well , Mama mia!... yes it is, I have the planar lens that it is at 1.4 sharper than the tamron 28-75 at 2.8!,...and this batis do not make me miss my planar, so I'm super happy for that.And then, something maybe more important that just sharpness, it color rendition, the zeiss je nais sais quoi for what we buy a zeiss over other lenses. Yes!! it is here!.. It remind me my voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Vm which I used via techart and I regretted to have sell it, but with this batis, not any more!, thanks zeiss!..If I should mark a negative aspect of the lens, it would be that the bokeh at some aperture begin to get a not rounded shape, but I only notice it that, because I have the planar that it never happen, there are some onion ring, but definitely not as pronounced as on the zeiss 55,..... and on planar they do not exist at all.I will be in Europe next summer and I'm intended to bring this batis 40 among the 85,...and maybe the future tamron 20mm, and I will leave at home the planar!...what is a lot to say about this lens.So, yes, I do recommend this lens, if you can buy it new, better, if you can get a deal on it even better.Regards!
Bought my Batis 2/40 CF from B&H 6 months ago. Intent was to use it on my a7iii. In this role it soon relegated my beloved Loxia 2/35 to neglect, as wide open the Batis produces better images, is weather sealed, and has AF for when wanted.Bonus is the macro performance of the Batis on my a6500. With cropped sensor this 40mm lens with 1:3 reproduction becomes equivalent of a FF 60mm with 1:2. Have found I prefer the Batis on the a6500 to both my Micro Nikkor 55mm and Minolta Maxxum 100mm f2.8 macros on either camera. (The Zeiss Touit 50mm macro which I previously coupled with the a6500 became an inferior redundancy so was sold.)So had I 2 copies of the 2/40 CF each would live mounted, one on the a7iii, the other on the a6500. But since I own only one, until ... MoreBought my Batis 2/40 CF from B&H 6 months ago. Intent was to use it on my a7iii. In this role it soon relegated my beloved Loxia 2/35 to neglect, as wide open the Batis produces better images, is weather sealed, and has AF for when wanted.Bonus is the macro performance of the Batis on my a6500. With cropped sensor this 40mm lens with 1:3 reproduction becomes equivalent of a FF 60mm with 1:2. Have found I prefer the Batis on the a6500 to both my Micro Nikkor 55mm and Minolta Maxxum 100mm f2.8 macros on either camera. (The Zeiss Touit 50mm macro which I previously coupled with the a6500 became an inferior redundancy so was sold.)So had I 2 copies of the 2/40 CF each would live mounted, one on the a7iii, the other on the a6500. But since I own only one, until wildflower season ends, mine remains on the a6500 as my macro of choice.In macro use the Batis 2/40 CF will manually focus with precision not found in my other macros. This facilitates multi image focus stacking. When position or bright daylight preclude manual focus, I rely on the superb autofocus. Since flower photos are often more interesting with water droplets during light rain, and the Batis is weather sealed, no longer do I need a rain sleeve for these conditions.Attached photo was taken at twilight with aperture set at f/11 and in awkward position, so relied on AF and the AF assist light. Note the perfect focus and excellent detail (a6500 @ ISO 200, f/11, 1/160 with Bolt VM-260 Flexible Macro Flash).
I've had my eye on the Zeiss Batis 40mm CP for a while and made the purchase based on Zeiss' recent cashback.The 40mm is a very fine lens. I immediately updated the firmware to V02 to overcome the close focusing concerns when the lens was first released and can confirm that it now stops down to a maximum of f2.8 (gradually from about 0.6m. This is quite respectable as most macro lenses have a maximum aperture of f2-f2.8 anyway. At that sort of 1:3 magnification the depth of field is minimal anyway (which I quite like), so f2.8 doesn't spoil the Bokeh.The lens's normal focusing distances are equally excellent in terms of resolving quality. F5.6-f8 is the sweet spot but it's extremely sharp at most apertures from f2 (only dropping off due to diffraction from f11 ... MoreI've had my eye on the Zeiss Batis 40mm CP for a while and made the purchase based on Zeiss' recent cashback.The 40mm is a very fine lens. I immediately updated the firmware to V02 to overcome the close focusing concerns when the lens was first released and can confirm that it now stops down to a maximum of f2.8 (gradually from about 0.6m. This is quite respectable as most macro lenses have a maximum aperture of f2-f2.8 anyway. At that sort of 1:3 magnification the depth of field is minimal anyway (which I quite like), so f2.8 doesn't spoil the Bokeh.The lens's normal focusing distances are equally excellent in terms of resolving quality. F5.6-f8 is the sweet spot but it's extremely sharp at most apertures from f2 (only dropping off due to diffraction from f11 through to f22 where the overall softness is very apparent / unusable).I both like and dislike the style of the lens in terms of ergonomics. It's light but bulky and minimal but can take some getting used to finding the slick focus ring. Once found, however, I really like the implementation of the focus by wire on the Sony a7r iii. I forget that it isn't a manual focus in fact, it's that smooth. I know some people don't like the non-linier design of the focus (the quicker you move the ring the quicker it moves focus; so with a rapid twist it will go from infinity to close focus for example). I find this design to work fine for me. I like the fact that it's speed sensitive and will become very precise when you're slowly moving the ring, especially for semi-macro subjects.The auto focus works great too. I've not had it long enough to test it properly but I have taken the lens on a couple of commissions so far and not been disappointed with the af.I know the design excludes a manual / auto focus switch which is in line with the other Batis line up but I would have liked this feature (it is, of course, possible to set up the Sony to change from auto to manual focus with a button, so it's not a big problem).The irksome little dark blue spot to indicate the lens mount position was always a poor design move on the Batis line. I've added a bright sticker so I can see at a glance where to position the lens for mounting! While I was at it, I stuck stickers on the lens caps to tell the difference from the other Batis at a glance.
I have been looking for a prime lens in the range of 40 to 50mm for baby photography. There are several features of this lens that really attract me. I like the focus length since 35mm is a bit wide for me and 50mm is a bit tight to include parents in the photo shooting indoor. 40mm seems to be more versatile for me. The close focus feature is also a good plus so I can take some fun close shots. The lens is also well build. I hope there is more buttons for convenience, but on the other side, with no buttons and minimum ring, it seals very well and feels easier to clean up in case food or drink splashed onto it.This is my first true Zeiss lens and I was really excited when I opened the box and saw the sentence This is the moment we work for on the box.However, ... MoreI have been looking for a prime lens in the range of 40 to 50mm for baby photography. There are several features of this lens that really attract me. I like the focus length since 35mm is a bit wide for me and 50mm is a bit tight to include parents in the photo shooting indoor. 40mm seems to be more versatile for me. The close focus feature is also a good plus so I can take some fun close shots. The lens is also well build. I hope there is more buttons for convenience, but on the other side, with no buttons and minimum ring, it seals very well and feels easier to clean up in case food or drink splashed onto it.This is my first true Zeiss lens and I was really excited when I opened the box and saw the sentence This is the moment we work for on the box.However, after some indoor and outdoor test, the results are really mixed.Pros: The sharpness from f2.8 is really good, corner to corner. No decenter problem for me. The close focus results are good and as expected. There is no cat-eye of the bokeh ball.Cons: It is very soft at f2. The image look hazy and lack of contrast wide open. I have to use some large radius sharpening in Lightroom to increase the sharpness/contrast of the image. The sharpness improves a lot at f2.2, usable at f2.4 or f2.5.The eye focus is not very reliable (6/10 got sharp focus at f2, indoor, ISO ~1000, and 8/10 when outdoor f2). When stopping down to f2.8, the eye-af works better, roughly 9/10 outdoor and 8/10 indoor for me. Following some advices from fm camera, I tried AF-S and AF-A and it also helps the focus to be more accurate.Last complain is there are bright circles around the bokeh balls, which can be nice if the bokeh ball are generated by sparse point light source, but can leads to very busy background for some scene (e.g., foliage).I think the sharpness problem may be a copy variation since I saw many sharp wide open examples on the net, so I decided to ask a new copy to try. Right before I sent back for replacement, I notice there is a used copy selling on another site, and I decided to order that used copy to have a try since it can be cheaper and I feel more comfortable to open box and test used item than testing new item again and again. I first tested that used lens and it is sharp wide open. Then I realized that used lens was in firmware version 1 so I upgrade it to the latest version 2. Then shooting exactly the same scene, the softness problem now shows up at wide open, just like my new copy from BH. Seems like the softness problem wide open may relate to the firmware. Is this the reason why some review sites show sharp images wide open while some other sites show soft results at f2? The eye-af and bokeh problems are similar.I have been debating whether to keep it or not after my tests. I have to say the lens is a good one starting from f2.8 or even f2.5, and there is probably not better option on the market now for my purpose. However, if I can only use this lens from f2.5 or f2.8, does it justify the price? Should I just got a f2.8 zoom?I searched for alternative again and decided to give Samyang 45mm f1.8 a try. In term of sharpness, my Samyang copy actually performs better wide open, on par at f2.5 and is slightly worse from f2.8. The AF of Samyang is better wide open. There is noticeable cat-eye of the bokeh ball on Samyang, but it doesn't have the highlight bokeh boundary and renders less busy background. The CA and flare resistance are slight worse than Batis, but not much. My Samyang 45mm f1.8 copy is a totally usable lens wide open, which gives about 1 stop benefit compared to the usage range of Batis. This is important to me since the high iso performance on my a7r4 is not that great...So in the end, I decide to save some money for the future potential 35GM by keeping the Samyang and just return the Batis.
