Batis 18mm tests by Christian Dandyk, Brian Matiash, Diglloyd and David Clifford
The new Batis 18mm used by David Clifford
Four Zeiss ambassadors posted image samples and previews of the new Batis 18mm f/2.8 lens. Here is where you can preorder the lens:
in USA at BHphoto. Adorama. FocusCamera.
in Europe at Amazon.de. Photo Porst. ParkcamerasUK.
Zeiss Lens Shade for Batis 18mm F2.8 Lens at Adorama.
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David Clifford posted the image you above (lens in the snow). He used the new Batis 18mm in harsh conditions and writes:
It was an amazingly sharp, well built, weather sealed, fast and accurate auto focus which was a dream to use. 18mm is one of my favorite focal lengths. It’s super wide with minimal distortion. In fact when I was using Canon I picked up a Zeiss 18mm 3.5 lens because my 16-35 was not very sharp at all. I quickly replaced my 16-35 with an 18mm and a 28mm. I felt much better carrying 2 small light fast primes than risking soft shots wide open in late light for clients. With 5 axis image stabilizer and the 42 mega pixel files it’s rivaling medium format for a fraction of the cost. Thank Zeiss for constant pushing to make superior lenses that do exactly what I need.
Christian Dandyk tested the lens and writes:
Just as photography is a very diverse field, so too are the applications for which the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 can be used. For example, thanks to its large field of vision with extremely low distortion, it’s perfect for architectural photography. The ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 fulfilled a long-held wish he had had for a wide angle with excellent imaging performance.
Diglloyd posted a full review of the lens (for subscribers only). And his conclusion is:
The Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 Distagon is the finest 18mm lens ever to be produced for full frame cameras.
Brian Matiash posted an introduction with image samples:
All in all, I was exceptionally impressed with the performance of this lens and the image quality it produced.
I know those are Zeiss ambassadors reviewing the lens. So some may have concerns about the value of such reviews. But I am 100% confident the new Batis 18mm is as good as all four photographers are saying it is!