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Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM vs Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8

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Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

Telephoto Prime | Sony E

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
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Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8

Telephoto Prime | Sony E

Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8
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Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM vs Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 Comparison Overview

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.

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM Key Specs

  • 135mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 950g.
  • Diameter: 90mm
  • Length: 127mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.7m
  • Max Magnification:0.25x

Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 Key Specs

  • 135mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 614g.
  • Diameter: 98mm
  • Length: 120mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.87m
  • Max Magnification:0.18x

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/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsGoodGood
PortraitExcellentVery Good
TravelFairFair
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodGood
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageFair
LandscapeFairFair
MacroAveragePoor

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
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE Lens Samyang AF 135mm F1.8 FE
130mm
93mm 772g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 85mm F1.8 Lens Sony FE 85mm F1.8
82mm
78mm 371g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM Lens Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM
108mm
90mm 820g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE Lens Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE
100mm
88mm 568g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS
449mm
164mm 3040g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM
141mm
91mm 1130g Amazon B&H Photo
Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8 Lens Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
78mm
105mm 475g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
359mm
158mm 2895g Amazon B&H Photo

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

Reasons to choose Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM over Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8

Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 11 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Diameter 90mm vs 98mm 8mm smaller in diameter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.7m vs 0.87m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.25x vs 0.18x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 over Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM

Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 614g vs 950g 336g lighter
Length 120mm vs 127mm 7mm shorter
Filter Thread 67mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM vs Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 135mm 135mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F22 F22
Aperture Ring Yes No
Diaphragm Blades 11 unknown
Optics
Optical Elements 13 14
Optical Groups 10 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.7m 0.87m
Max Magnification 0.25X 0.18X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor unknown
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 950g 614g
Diameter 90mm 98mm
Length 127mm 120mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 82mm 67mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No Unknown
Optional Accessories - -
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