Batis 85mm Lens vs Sony 85mm G Master Lens - Lens Comparison
Photography Gear
Ever since I started using the Batis 18mm lens I have been extremely interested in Batis lenses.
Before we start this lens comparison, if you are looking for more information on the Batis 18mm or the lens comparison video for the Batis 18mm vs. the Sony 16-35mm make sure to check out the lens comparison blog here: Batis 18mm Lens vs Sony 16-35mm Lens
Now, I want to start off by saying that I do not own either of these lenses. I have been debating on grabbing an 85mm lens of some sort, but really didn’t know where to put my money. Do I buy the big boy, the Sony 85mm G Master? Do I spend all the money on the top of the line native lens, or do I save some money and not by a non native lens? Now, I figured if I had that question and that debate, others did too!
So, off I went to compare two lenses that I had my eye on. The Batis 85mm F1.8 vs. the Sony 85mm G Master F1.4 G Master. I was able to borrow these two awesome lenses from my friends down at Horn Photo. On a side note, if you are debating on equipment, or wishing you were able to check out equipment before you made that major purchase, make sure to check out your local camera shop like Horn Photo. You can actually rent gear for the day or the week! This could save you major money in the long run. I absolutely love this option, and have rented gear multiple times throughout the years. Whether I want to do a lens comparison, see if I like a certain item, or if I need something for an upcoming wedding but don’t want to purchase the item. Just rent it!!!
Ok, moving on :)
To start off there are a few huge differences for the Batis 85mm vs Sony 85mm G Master:
Price
Batis 85mm: $930
Sony 85mm G Master: $1800
Weight
Batis 85mm: 1 lb 3 ounce
Sony 85mm G Master: 2 lbs 7 ounces
Aperature Ring
Batis 85mm: No
Sony 85mm G Master: Yes
The aperature ring is super cool for video!
Aperature capability
Batis 85mm: F1.8 - F22
Sony 85mm G Master: F1.4 - F16
Filter ThreadFront: 67mm
Aperature: F1.8-F22
Length: 3.6 in.
Weight: 1lb 1 ounce
Price: $930
Filter Thread Front: 77mm
Aperature: F1.4-F16
Length: 4.2 in.
Weight: 1.8 lb
Price: $1800
Now lets talk about actual field experience and photo comparison…
An 85mm lens is typically used for portraits. I am debating on using the 85 as my second lens for backpacking. Right now I use the Batis 18mm and the Sony 24-70mm G Master. What I am thinking about doing is changing out the Sony 24 - 70 G Master with an 85mm. Now, with all that being said, I wanted to do a lens comparison for what these lenses are typically used for, Portraits!
Luckily I have the cutest model in the world that just loves to have her picture taken… my Boston Terrier Yota :) In order to do an accurate lens comparison, I kept my aperature at 1.8 for all the photos. This way I didn’t compare an F1.4 to an F1.8.
In the field and during post processing I noticed a few main things:
Bokeh differences
Vignetting
Chromatic aberration
Automatic Focusing
Lens Noisiness/ Loudness
Bokeh:
There isn’t a huge difference with the Bokeh at F1.8. The thing I noticed most here was that the Sony had a creamier bokeh and the Batis had more of a swirl that was counter clockwise. If you look at the Batis image, it looks more like you are spinning. Really focus on the images below. Notice the swirl on the Batis? Do you see how the Sony is much more creamy?
Vignetting and Chromatic Aberration
So there are two things here and each lens has its fault. The Sony has a bit of chromatic aberration compared to the Batis. The Batis didn’t seem to have any chromatic aberration during my little session with Yota. Now, this was only tested during this session, so this doesn’t go to say that the Batis doesn’t have chromatic aberration in certain scenarios. See the images below.
Now with that the Batis has a bit more vignetting than the Sony. See images below.
Automatic Focus Speed and Sound:
Wow, now this is really where there is a major difference. Honestly, this was where my decision was made and where the Batis really took the cake.
The Batis was able to automatically focus quickly, capture movement, and didn’t make hardly a sound. The Sony on the other hand didn’t focus quickly at all. Actually, I wasn’t able to capture a single motion image in focus. Plus, during the focusing, it made the loudest noise ever, and just really annoyed me lol. I am not sure why it was bothering me so much, but it was at the point where I didn’t even want to use it any more. The focusing sound it made was really not awesome. Imaging being at a wedding, where everyone is silent, and your lens is making a focusing/ kind of grinding noise? I think that would ultimately suck. People would start listening to your camera rather than the vows!
Batis:
Sony:
Conclusion:
So, with all that being said, I will definitely be getting the Batis 85mm. There is just absolutely no reason not to! It is cheaper, lighter, focuses quicker, quieter, and the photos are almost the exact same as the Sony 85mm G Master. The aperature goes to F22 which is awesome for Landscape Photography and there is less chromatic aberration. The down side to the Batis is the fact that there is a bit of vignetting and the aperature doesn’t go as wide as the Sony; however, these are definitely things that I can work with.
What lens is your favorite? Leave a comment below.
Would you like to see a certain lens comparison video? Comment below and I can add it to my list :)
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Bessie