§ 03 Head to head
Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE vs Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8
Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 has a newer design. Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 is 32 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II 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.
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 01
Key differences
Why is the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II 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 Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE?
- 32 g lighter (452 g vs 484 g)
- Has optical image stabilization
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 72 mm)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has the edge: it is 32 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.
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Specification
| Specification | Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE | Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Short telephoto prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 484 g (17.07 oz) | 452 g (1.00 lbs) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 80 x 92 mm | 105 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) | 0.8 m (31.5 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x |
| Image stabilization | No | Yes ◆ |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 10 elements / 7 groups | 11 elements in 8 groups |
| Filter size | 72 mm | 67 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Released | 2020 | 2015 |
| Price | $399 list price | — |
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Sample frames
Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE or the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8?
- The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 weighs 452 g, 32 g less than the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II FE (484 g).
- Do the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II 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 Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II 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 32 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Viltrox AF 85 mm f/1.8 II 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.
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Other comparisons
- Samyang 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF SE II vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF II vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- Samyang AF 85 mm f/1.8 P FE vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- Rollei VAF 85 mm f/1.8 STM vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- Meike 85 mm f/1.8 AF Pro vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- 7Artisans AF 85 mm f/1.8 vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
- AstrHori 85 mm f/1.8 AF vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8



