Zeiss Batis 25 Infinity Focus

[Guest all8]

Last week I tried using the Batis 25 for Astro photography. One thing I noticed was that you can focus the Batis 25 beyond infinity, that is to say, when the Infinity Symbol first shows on the OLED then Lens is at infinity, but there is still some focus movement beyond that ... which caught me out a little. I was used to that from the Loxia, but did not think it was the case with the Batis. The same information shows in the EVF (manual focus assist), it is clear that Infinity is reached before the end of the lens moment as shown on the Focus Slider graphic.

 

Testing today (at 5°C) I found that the point when Infinity first shows on the OLED is quite accurate, which is helpful. I have a feeling that at colder temperatures (-10°C) that might not be the case because the photos I took last week included some distant landscapes (1km) and the OLED was telling me ca. 10 meters was the focal distance.

 

If I get a chance I will try at -10°C again, to see if the variance does exist, and if it is consistent.

[sensiblesensing]

Hi timde. Most lenses I have used for this purpose have the focussing beyond infinity 'feature'. So not surprised here.

May I ask how much comatic aberration you have noticed with this lens, specially at the edges? I am considering this lens for astrophotography, so curious. Also, which camera you used this lens with? If you have uploaded sample photo of astro shots uploaded somewhere, do share the link. Thanks.

[Guest all8]

hello,

 

unfortunately there was some very thin cloud which impacted on the images, due to length of exposure. That means none of the images were that great, I put two on 500px, perhaps they help you. Otherwise, I have to wait until we get a cloudless night so that I can try again.

 

A7m2.