§ 03 Head to head

AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF vs Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

AstrHori 85mm f/1.8 focuses 1 cm closer. Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 is 174 g lighter.

Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF is an 85mm f/1.8 prime, and the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is an 85mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF better than the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?

  • Focuses 1 cm closer (0.79 m vs 0.8 m)
  • Newer design (2022 vs 2015)

Why is the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 better than the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF?

  • 174 g lighter (452 g vs 626 g)
  • Has optical image stabilization
  • Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 72 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 174 g lighter to carry.
  • low-light For low-light shooting, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has the edge: it has optical image stabilization.
03

Specification

18 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationAstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AFZeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8
Focal length85mm 85mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8 f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16 f/22
Lens typePrime lens Short telephoto prime lens
FormatFull frame Full Frame
Weight626 g (22.06 oz) 452 g (1.00 lbs) ◆
Dimensions94 x 80 mm 105 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.79 m (31.1 inches) ◆0.8 m (31.5 inches)
Maximum magnification—0.12x
Image stabilizationNo Yes ◆
Weather sealing—Yes
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 9
Optical construction9 elements / 8 groups 11 elements in 8 groups
Filter size72 mm 67 mm ◆
Lens mountSony E, Nikon Z Sony E
Released2022 2015
Price$276 list price —
05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

Spotted me
Spotted me by Ka Gee Ka
Thinking how to solve the math questions
Thinking how to solve the math questions by Ka Gee Ka
Finally, leaving
Finally, leaving by Ka Gee Ka
It can sense us
It can sense us by Ka Gee Ka
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF review 1
Video thumbnail for AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF review 2
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 review 1
Video thumbnail for Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?
The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 weighs 452 g, 174 g less than the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF (626 g).
Which focuses closer, the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?
The AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF focuses down to 0.79 m, against 0.8 m for the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8.
Do the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF and the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 have image stabilization?
Only the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has optical image stabilization.
Is the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 174 g lighter to carry.
Is the AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 better for low-light shooting?
For low-light shooting, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has the edge: it has optical image stabilization.
08

Other comparisons