In this review, we will be comparing Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8, two Telephoto Prime lenses from Sony and Zeiss. Both lenses have the same focal range of 135mm but different max apertures: Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM has a max aperture of F1.8 while the Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 has a max aperture of F2.8.
We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.
What type of photography are the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 lenses good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and the Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM |
Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 |
| Bird/Wildlife | Average | Average |
| Sports | Good | Good |
| Portrait | Excellent | Very Good |
| Travel | Fair | Fair |
| Street | Average | Average |
| Wedding | Very Good | Good |
| Walk Around | Fair | Fair |
| Vlogging | Average | Fair |
| Landscape | Fair | Fair |
| Macro | Average | Poor |
Size and Weight Comparison
Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 127mm. The Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 with a length of 120mm is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, the Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM's 90mm diameter.
Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 weighs 614g, 35% (336g) lighter than the Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM's weight of 950g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Sony E Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Prime Lenses in Sony E Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A7R V, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 IV.
Focal Range