High resolution images from the Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8, shot using the Sony Alpha 7 II
The Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 is an image stabilised short telephoto prime designed for Sony’s Alpha 7 range of full-frame mirrorless cameras. In our full review we were very impressed by its image quality; not just its biting edge-to-edge sharpness. We were also impressed by its practically complete lack of chromatic aberration, and impressive resistance to flare.
Quality optics
Here we present a series of full-resolution sample images shot on the 24MP Sony Alpha 7 II. We’re fully aware that with a lens this sharp (and, at £1750, expensive!) the 42.4MP Sony Alpha 7R II would have perhaps been a better match. But sometimes in an imperfect world we’re simply limited by the cameras we have to hand at the time. Besides, not everyone who will love this lens is going to own the A7R II.
This gallery contains a range of scenes and subjects that we feel the Zeiss Bats 135mm f/2.8 is best suited to, such as portraits, still life and street scenes. The flawless separation between the subject and the surrounding scene is one of this lens’ most attractive features. This gallery illustrates that feature and some of the other points regarding image quality made in our review, including a set of aperture series illustrating sharpness and bokeh. We also have hand-held slow shutter-speed shots illustrating the system’s image stabilisation and test shots which we’d expect to reveal any chromatic aberration the lens might exhibit (which turns out to be practically none).
For any image sample you can click the included link to download and view the full-size file. We’ve used a mixture of JPEGs from the camera with no additional adjustments, and processed raws (denoted by an -acr suffix). These files are for personal use only to assess the image quality of the Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8, and may not be used for any other purpose.
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
The Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 is stunningly sharp wide open with lovely bokeh. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO 125
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
Still life, captured with Zeiss Batis 135mm
The lens focuses accurately regardless of where the focus point is placed in the frame. 1/1600sec at f/2.8, ISO1600
Monochrome street scene, captured with Zeiss Batis 135mm
Choosing a small AF area helps prevent the camera getting confused by layered scenes. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/800sec at f/2.8, ISO800
Still life, captured with Zeiss Batis 135mm
Shooting directly into the light posed no problems at all for the Batis here. Sony Alpha 7 II. 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO 100
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
The lens’s natural vignetting can often complement the background blur to help frame your subject. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/160sec at f/2.8 ISO 160
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
Plant life, captured with Zeiss Batis 135mm
The Batis maintains its wide-open sharpness at close focus distances. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/1600sec at f/2.8, ISO 100
Plant life, captured with Zeiss Batis 135mm
Aperture series illustrating edge sharpness and bokeh: f/4
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO 640
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
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Effective image stabilisation gave me sharp images hand-held at shutter speeds as low as 1/15sec. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/15sec at f/2.8, ISO100
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Another hand-held shot reliant on image stabilisation. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/40sec at f/8, ISO800
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/200sec at f/2.8, ISO 250
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/200sec at f/2.8, ISO 250
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
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This shot is a torture test for chromatic aberration, but there’s none to be seen. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/2500sec at f/2.8, ISO100
Portrait captured with Zeiss 135mm f2.8
Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO200
Credit: Model: Kirby-Anne Akindeinde
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Choosing a small AF area helps prevent the camera getting confused by layered scenes. Sony Alpha 7 II, 1/800sec at f/2.8, ISO800