Zeiss just announced the Batis 2.8/18 lens for the Sony α system with E-mount. The lens features a diagonal field angle of 99 degrees It is currently the shortest full-frame fixed focal length with autofocus.
“Capture unique moments with the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 – manually or with autofocus.”
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 sample application: © Christian Dandyk
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18’s key features include:
- A diagonal angular field of 99 degrees which is currently the shortest full-frame fixed focal length with autofocus.
- OLED display to show focus distance and depth of field, even in low light.
- Dust and weather seals, allowing the lens to be used in even the harshest weather conditions.
The lens will be available from May 2016.
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18’s Technical Data:
Technical Data: ZEISS Batis 2.8/18
PRESS RELEASE
New ZEISS Super Wide-Angle Lens with Autofocus
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 Expands Full-Frame Lenses for Sony Cameras with E-Mount
The ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 on the Sony α7 II
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 14/04/2016.
The ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 expands the Batis range of lenses with a super wide-angle lens. For the Sony1) á system with E-mount the new lens, which features a diagonal angular field of 99 degrees, is currently the shortest full-frame fixed focal length with autofocus. The new ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 with innovative OLED display to show focus distance and depth of field is also impressive thanks to its high image quality across the entire image field. The lens will be available from May 2016.
Batis range of lenses (left to right): super wide-angle lens ZEISS Batis 2.8/18, and lenses ZEISS Batis 2/25, ZEISS Batis 1.8/85
“The ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 follows on from the highly successful first two focal lengths the ZEISS Batis 2/25 and the ZEISS Batis 1.8/85. In spite of the extremely wide angle, we have succeeded in adapting the image quality of the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 perfectly to the two different lens types,” says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Product Manager of ZEISS Camera Lenses. “With the expansion of the ZEISS Batis range of lenses, we are offering creative and discerning photographers yet another professional tool,” says Pollmann. With the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 customers can now enjoy the super wide-angle full-frame lens they’ve been waiting for.
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18: Image Courtesy of Zeiss
A vast range of applications
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 sample application – Sony α7R II, f/11, 0.62 sec, ISO 100, © Drew Gardner
The new ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 is impressive on account of its high image quality across the entire image field. “By virtue of the large diagonal angular field of 99 degrees, this lens is ideal for capturing unique images in landscape, architectural and astro photography and for impressive interior shots of small spaces,” continues Pollmann.
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 sample application – Sony a7RII, f/9, 1/40sec., ISO 100, © Christian Dandyk
Features for discerning users
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18: Distagon lens design
The super wide-angle camera lens has 11 lens elements in ten groups and draws on the ZEISS Distagon optical design. Four of the lens elements are aspheric on both sides and seven are made from special types of glass. The Floating Elements design permits constantly high image performance in the focal plane – from the minimum object distance to infinity.
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18
The new ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 also features an innovative OLED display to show focus distance and depth of field depending on the camera sensor used. “The electronic display is easy to read even in low light,” explains Pollmann. The fast, quiet AF drive with linear motors keeps the subject sharply in focus. In addition to the autofocus, a handy, rubberized focus ring supports precise manual focusing – meaning the photographer has full creative freedom when it comes to image composition. ZEISS Batis lenses are also equipped with dust and weather seals, allowing them to be used in even the harshest weather conditions. All ZEISS Batis lenses support all the operating modes and functions of the current range of E-mount cameras.
The origins of the name Batis
Since 2013, new ZEISS lenses in one series have been given the same family name that conveys a common identity. These family names have been derived from the Latin names for birds. The name Batis is derived from a small bird that is found in the forests and scrub of Africa. These birds are characterized by great speed, excellent reflexes and boast a plumage rich in contrasts. Metaphorically speaking, this also applies to the ZEISS Batis lenses, whose fast autofocus enables photographers to capture stunning shots rich in contrasts.
In addition to the ZEISS Batis range of lenses, there are two further ZEISS ranges for Sony E-mount cameras: the ZEISS Touit and the ZEISS Loxia.
Available from May 2016
Orders are now being accepted for the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18. The lens will be available from May 2016. The suggested retail price is €1,260 or US$1,499 (excl VAT) 2).
ZEISS Batis 2.8/18
About ZEISS
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. The ZEISS Group develops and distributes semiconductor manufacturing equipment, measuring technology, microscopes, medical technology, eyeglass lenses, camera and cine lenses, binoculars and planetarium technology. With its solutions, the company constantly advances the world of optics and helps shape technological progress. ZEISS is divided up into the four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Research & Quality Technology, Medical Technology, and Vision Care/Consumer Optics. ZEISS is represented in over 40 countries and operates more than 30 production sites, over 50 sales and service locations and about 25 research and development facilities.
In fiscal year 2014/15 the company generated revenue approximating €4.5 billion with around 25,000 employees. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Carl Zeiss AG is the strategic management holding company that manages the ZEISS Group. The company is wholly owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation).
Further information at www.zeiss.com
Consumer Optics
The Consumer Optics business group combines the company’s business with camera and movie lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes, hunting optics and planetarium technology. It is represented at the Oberkochen, Wetzlar and Jena sites. The business group is allocated to the Vision Care/Consumer Optics segment. In fiscal year 2014/15 the segment generated revenue of €1.007 billion with around 9,100 employees
You can pre-order / buy the Zeiss Batis lenses at B&H:
- Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 Lens for Sony E Mount – USD $1,499.00
- Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Lens for Sony E Mount – USD $1,299.00
- Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens for Sony E Mount – USD $1,199.00
- Zeiss Lens Hood for Batis 25mm f/2 Lens – USD $55.00
