Thornwood, NY—The Zeiss Batis 2/25 and Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 lenses are the first full-frame autofocus lenses for Sony E-mount cameras to be exclusively developed and distributed by Zeiss. The new lens family, offered in a wide-angle and portrait focal length, is designed to be particularly suited for use with Sony’s Alpha a7 mirrorless system cameras.
“The Batis family of lenses is the first time we have launched autofocus lenses for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras which are Zeiss through and through—in other words exclusively developed and distributed by us,” said Dr. Michael Pollmann, Product manager at Zeiss Camera Lenses.
The new Zeiss Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85 lenses are the first full-frame AF lenses with an OLED display for the mirrorless Sony α series. The OLED display shows the distance of the focal plane from the camera system and the depth of field, allowing photographers to quickly recognize the focusing parameters. In addition, for working in inclement conditions, both lenses feature dust- and weather-sealed construction.
Batis 2/25. Pairing a Distagon design of 10 glass elements within 8 groups with modern functionality, the 25mm f/2 lens employs linear motors for fast, smooth autofocus performance. Four double-sided aspherical elements within a floating elements design help control aberrations and distortions throughout the focusing range and contribute to even edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination. In addition, a T* antireflective coating reduces flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color neutrality. The lens’s 82° angle of view pairs with a 7.9-inch minimum focusing distance for producing creative perspectives and unique close-ups. The lens can be used on APS-C-size E-mount cameras, where it will provide a 37.5mm-equivalent focal length.
Batis 1.8/85. This portrait-length, short telephoto lens features a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for greater focus control and enhanced low-light shooting. Combining the Sonnar lens concept of 11 glass elements within 8 groups with a floating elements design, the 85mm f/1.8 lens is engineered to be adept at controlling aberrations throughout the focusing range. Again, a T* antireflective coating was added to minimize flare and ghosting. The 1.8/85 also incorporates optical image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds. It can also be used on APS-C-size E-mount cameras, providing a 127.5mm-equivalent focal length.
Scheduled to ship in July 2015, the Zeiss Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85 lenses will retail for $1,299 and $1,199, respectively. zeiss.com
