§ 03 Head to head

Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE vs Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

Tokina 85mm f/1.8 has a newer design. Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 is 193 g lighter.

Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE 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 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE better than the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?

  • Newer design (2020 vs 2015)

Why is the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 better than the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE?

  • 193 g lighter (452 g vs 645 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 193 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 ◆
SpecificationTokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FEZeiss 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
Weight645 g 452 g (1.00 lbs) ◆
Dimensions93 x 80 mm 105 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.8 m 0.8 m (31.5 inches)
Maximum magnification—0.12x
Image stabilizationNo Yes ◆
Weather sealing—Yes
Aperture ring—No
Aperture blades9 9
Optical construction10 elements / 7 groups 11 elements in 8 groups
Filter size72 mm 67 mm ◆
Lens mountSony E Sony E
Released2020 2015
Price$499 launch 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 Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE review 1
Video thumbnail for Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE 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 Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?
The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 weighs 452 g, 193 g less than the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE (645 g).
Do the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE 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 Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE 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 193 g lighter to carry.
Is the Tokina ATX-M 85 mm f/1.8 FE 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