Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Review – Introduction
When Sony launched its first full-frame mirrorless models in the form of the Alpha Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R in 2013, there were just a few lenses available. This shortage was typical of a system in its infancy and thankfully today the Alpha 7 series is looking in much better shape with no fewer than 11 full-frame E-mount lenses listed in Sony’s current line-up. The range comprises some magnificent fixed-focal-length primes and impressive telephoto zooms, but as any Sony Alpha 7-series user will tell you, the line-up of lenses feels anything but complete and there are still a few focal-length lenses missing that some photographers are calling out for.
Eager to capitalise on the success of Sony’s Alpha 7 series, Zeiss has developed a new range of professional Batis lenses, which, unlike Zeiss Loxia optics, offer full autofocus and feature a similar focus-by-wire motor as in native Sony/Zeiss lenses. There are just two lenses in the Batis range at present, which are designed to perform at their best when coupled to Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras. These lenses are the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 medium-telephoto prime – a lens that’s likely to draw attention from portrait, event and wedding photographers – and the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 wideangle prime, which could be an excellent choice for photographers specialising in landscape, architectural, street or documentary photography. Both look impressive in terms of their specifications and the great news is they fall below the four-figure price we’re used to seeing attached to premium Zeiss optics.
