Looking for a native FE lens for my A7Rii and 35/1.4

[kharnak]

Hi guys,

 

I just got my A7RII recently and has been adapting a Leica 35 1/.4 lens I borrowed from a friend who don't use it much. I never knew manual focus can be so much fun. (tried my friend's leica lens on a leica body, not so enjoyable.

 

now given the multiple interesting functions on A7RII requires a native FE lens, I'm now in the search for a new native e mount lens that I may take out together with my leica 35/1.4. I have been considering between FE 55/1.8 and Batis 85/1.8. Wonder what would be your recommendation. I think I might mostly be taking them during city strolls and travel, maybe some portrait infrequently. ultra wide angle can be assisted with my canon lenses (list at the end).

 

my current thoughts:

FE55: very light, fast AF, top notch IQ. all-rounded focal length, can do both street and portraits photography. but would I be able to somewhat replace it through cropping with leica 35?

Batis 85: relatively more specialised lens for portraits and tight framed scenes. might be more difference from (and potentially a better match with) leica 35? I have tried Batis 85 in Sony show room (but only on A7s), its AF seems slow. (manual focus 35 is not that quick for me so ideal the other lens could focus quick enough for capturing precious instants)

any other suggestions?

 

90 macro is a top notch lens and macro works can be fun, but would it worths for relatively limited amount of macro work?

 

I also have canon 16-35/4 IS, 24-70/2.8 II, 70-200/4 IS, Sigma 35/1.4. But they are just way too big for A7RII and only used in very limited specific occasions, or used on canon body directly (no longer any weight saving after adding the adapter and the AF speed of canon lens on A7Rii is just acceptable, esp 70-200. this also makes buying sony zoom less an ideal options, unless I decide to sell all my canon gears I guess.

 

Thanks a lot.

[JonathanStewart]

We're spoiled for choice in the high-end lens market with FE mount, despite what the critics say.  I think the 55 f/1.8 is an awesome lens.  It looks and feels like a little toy, but the lightweight is part of the appeal, and as you correctly mention, the IQ is beautiful.  I don't think you're going to have to worry about overlap with the 35mm focal length, and besides, as an AF lens, it's a totally different beast. 

 

I just received my Batis 85 last night and haven't had a chance to play with it (it had been backordered since June), but I have been using my Batis 25 for at least a month and the focus on that is not slow at all.  In fact, focus is quite smooth and nice.  The image quality is also superb.  I have to be honest and say I'm guessing the 85 is just as good (in 24 hours I could give you a better assessment).  The 85 is not as versatile a focal length as the 55 though, but it's still quite useful for stuff beyond portraits, and perhaps not as specialized as you think. 

 

I also have the 90 macro, and it is as sharp as everybody says.  The focus speed on the macro is a bit slow, however.  That said, there's nothing wrong with using the macro as a portrait lens at f/2.8, which I did extensively on a recent trip to Mongolia, again, without the Batis 85, which I could have really used: http://www.jonathanstewartphotos.com/Featured-Albums/Mongolia-Gobi-Desert-and-Altai/

 

My recommendation would be to go with the 55 f/1.8, which can be had without a wait, and often at a discount on ebay.  You won't be disappointed. 

[kharnak]

We're spoiled for choice in the high-end lens market with FE mount, despite what the critics say.  I think the 55 f/1.8 is an awesome lens.  It looks and feels like a little toy, but the lightweight is part of the appeal, and as you correctly mention, the IQ is beautiful.  I don't think you're going to have to worry about overlap with the 35mm focal length, and besides, as an AF lens, it's a totally different beast. 

 

I just received my Batis 85 last night and haven't had a chance to play with it (it had been backordered since June), but I have been using my Batis 25 for at least a month and the focus on that is not slow at all.  In fact, focus is quite smooth and nice.  The image quality is also superb.  I have to be honest and say I'm guessing the 85 is just as good (in 24 hours I could give you a better assessment).  The 85 is not as versatile a focal length as the 55 though, but it's still quite useful for stuff beyond portraits, and perhaps not as specialized as you think. 

 

I also have the 90 macro, and it is as sharp as everybody says.  The focus speed on the macro is a bit slow, however.  That said, there's nothing wrong with using the macro as a portrait lens at f/2.8, which I did extensively on a recent trip to Mongolia, again, without the Batis 85, which I could have really used: http://www.jonathanstewartphotos.com/Featured-Albums/Mongolia-Gobi-Desert-and-Altai/

 

My recommendation would be to go with the 55 f/1.8, which can be had without a wait, and often at a discount on ebay.  You won't be disappointed. 

 

Thanks and look forward to your hand-on thoughts on your new Batis 85!

[Gilgenberg]

i would take the zeiss  loxia 50... i like the character more than the FE55, it is a little bit sterile (boring)

 

for macro you can use extetion tubes with electronic contact´s like Meike Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Adapter

 

if i look what i usually take with me than it is a 50mm lens......but .......that depends on..... your...... shooting stile

 

my 90/85mm i use mostly only for projected portrait work

 

for walk around i take a small Sonnar contax G90mm as small tele but most time ....90%... i use 50mm

[christer]

I have both the 55mm and the 85 Batis. The 30mm focal length difference is more important in real life than the figures suggest. Outside advice as to what will suit you is .....preposterous.

 

Apart from that, the 55 mm is small, which I like, but that is because the focal length is shorter and because it does not have built in OSS. But your A7R2 has. (I have only an A7R.)

 

My advice   ;-)  would be the 55mm 1.8. And crop, if required. There is enough mass available.