Zeiss makes an 85mm lens that is, for all intents and purposes, as optically perfect as a lens can be. It's the Otus 85/1.4 ($4,490.00 at Amazon) , and it's huge, heavy, manual focus only, and priced at nearly five grand. For the rest of us—at least the rest of us that shoot with Sony's mirrorless camera system—Zeiss makes the Batis 1.8/85 ($1,199). The lens isn't quite as perfect as the Otus, but it renders similarly, supports autofocus, and while it's not a budget lens by any means, it's a bargain when compared with the Otus. That make the Batis 1.8/85 an easy pick for Editors' Choice honors. DesignThe Batis is styled much like newer Zeiss manual focus SLR lenses, including the Otus and Milvus series. But it's an autofocus lens, compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Sony mirrorless cameras. The barrel is black metal, with the Zeiss brand badge on the side in blue. The manual focus ring is finished in smooth black rubber, and sits at the rear of the barrel, near the base of t...
The Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 isn't a perfect lens, but it's close. Sony Alpha shooters should take note.
Very sharp form edge to edge; Wide aperture; Dust- and splash-resistant construction
Pricey; Noticeable pincushion distortion