Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Distagon T* Review

The Batis range of lenses from Zeiss is intended for Sony E-mount full frame cameras, reviewed here with the Sony Alpha 7 camera body. The name of Zeiss gives us a high expectation of quality and performance, so let's see how the lens lives up to the reputation of its marque.

Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Handling and Features

The Batis lenses are minimalistic in appearance, with a dark window, a smoothly operating electronic focusing ring and inlaid plaque either side of the lens barrel showing the Zeiss name being the only things to disturb the total black of the design. Removing the pinch-type lens cap reveals the lens name to be a Zeiss Distagon 2/25 T* lens, with a 67mm filter thread. Removing the bayonet rear cap reveals the electronic contacts on the metal mount and a baffle to protect the rear element from stray reflections. The petal bayonet-fit lens hood is an object lesson in smooth, slick operation, fitting with a feeling of precision that reflects the overall superb construction of the lens.


OLED Distance Display Close

When the lens if fitted via an equally smooth bayonet mount and the camera powered up, the name ZEISS appears briefly in the window cut out on the top of the lens. If in manual focus mode this crisp OLED display then shows not just the distance set, but also the depth of field limits for the aperture set. If this is also required in AF modes, then rotating the focusing ring 360 degrees anti-clockwise reveals the option to have the display active in AF and manual modes, manual mode only or off. Rotating the focusing ring 360 degrees clockwise gives the option of distances in metres or feet. The default is metres and MF only. The only thing that spoils this system a little is the caveat that it is an approximation only and may not be totally accurate. Still, a very impressive and potentially useful feature.

OLED Distance Display Distant

The Distagon is a retrofocus, classic design, this version having 10 elements in 8 groups. It weighs a modest 335g, and is certainly best described as chunky. The OLED display is the only adornment that gives any information. The seal around the rear of the lens reveals this to be a weather resistant design, something which seems increasingly important and does enable us to keep shooting when the weather turns bad.