subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 29 February 2020 29
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF
ZEISS Batis is a range of compact, fixed focal length lenses
developed to offer fast, quiet autofocus and outstanding
optical performance on Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The 2/40 CF offers a slightly wider-than-standard
focal length that’s ideal for street photography. Its
close focusing distance of just 24cm is useful
for detail shots, while the high micro contrast
max aperture of f/2 is great for shallow depth
of field shots. An innovative OLED display
screen shows the distance and depth of
field information, while the legendary ZEISS
T* anti-reflective coating and revamped
optical design ensure unparalleled image
quality. The all-weather protection ensures you
can keep shooting in the most hostile conditions.Mike Farley
Sony A7 II
I really enjoyed it, despite the weather. I was impressed
by the Batis lenses I tried: the 18mm and 40mm. In one
shot there’s a distant taxi that only occupies about 15%
of the scene, but it’s possible to make out individual
raindrops on the roof. While sharp, the lens renders
smoothly to give a pleasing result.
Andy Semple
Sony A7R III
The lenses were really well made and
complemented my camera with their
size and weight. Balance was very nice.
Image quality was great – sharp
where needed, with pleasing bokeh in
the out-of-focus areas. Autofocus was
responsive and accurate. Overall, I was
impressed enough that I’ll consider
Zeiss for my next lens purchase.Tony Exall
Sony A7R III
I don’t normally use prime lenses, which
is why I was interested in joining the
walk. The lens was very light and well
balanced with my body. I was trying to
shoot quickly because of the heavy rain
and it had no trouble focusing at all.Tudor Prisacariu
Sony A7R II
One of the things I wanted
to see was whether it was a
bit chunky, for the focal
length, but it was fine. The
perspective is a little more
compressed compared with
my 35mm lens, which I
thought was good.Wai Liu
Sony A7R III
I tried the 85mm and 40mm. I found
the face and eye detection worked so
much better with the Batis lenses than
with my usual lens. I was taking a lot of
portraits and it nailed the focus almost
every time. I liked the LED display on
the lens too. The 40mm was great to
use. It’s close to 35mm, which is my
favourite focal length. I also loved the
bokeh I got with the 85mm.Tudor photographed the ice
rink at Somerset House
Sony A7R ll, Zeiss Batis 40mm lens,
1/60sec at f/4, ISO 800Mike Farley chose to shoot
moody black & white
Sony A7 ll, Zeiss Batis 40mm lensOur participants braved a
rainy day in London
Sony A7R lV, Zeiss Batis 40mm lens,
1/160sec at f/4.5, ISO 3200