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Zeiss has added the 2.8/18, a super wide-angle autofocus lens, to its Batis line for Sony E-mount. The full-frame lens joins the current 25mm F2 and 85mm F1.8 offerings. The 18mm lens provides the same dust and weather seals as its siblings, along with an OLED to display focus distance and depth of field information.
The Batis 18mm F2.8 comprises 11 elements in 10 groups, and four of those elements are aspheric on both sides. The lens provides a minimum focus distance of 0.25m/9.8in. Weighing in at 330g/0.74lb it measures 80mm/3.1in in length.
Scheduled to arrive in May, the Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 will cost $ 1499/€1260.
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
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.
“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.
A vast range of applications
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.
Features for discerning users
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.
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 specifications
| Principal specifications |
| Lens type |
Prime lens |
| Max Format size |
35mm FF |
| Image stabilisation |
No |
| Lens mount |
Sony E (NEX) |
| Aperture |
| Aperture ring |
No |
| Optics |
| Elements |
11 |
| Groups |
10 |
| Special elements / coatings |
4 aspherical, 7 'special glass' elements |
| Focus |
| Minimum focus |
0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification |
0.11× |
| Autofocus |
Yes |
| Motor type |
Linear Motor |
| Full time manual |
Unknown |
| Focus method |
Internal |
| Distance scale |
Yes |
| DoF scale |
Yes |
| Physical |
| Weight |
330 g (0.73 lb) |
| Diameter |
78 mm (3.07″) |
| Length |
80 mm (3.15″) |
| Sealing |
Yes |
| Colour |
Black |
| Filter thread |
77.0 mm |
| Hood supplied |
Yes |
| Tripod collar |
No |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
