ZEISS Batis 1.8/85

Reviewers praised its centre sharpness from f/1.8, its contrast and its attractive bokeh, and found the OIS genuinely effective. Lateral colour is low, but some longitudinal colour fringing and modest vignetting appear wide open.

Early units were criticised for AF that was slower and less decisive than Sony's own lenses, which firmware updates improved. Later tests note that Sony's 85mm GM and newer third-party designs resolve more in the corners and focus faster.

Portrait shooters love the skin rendering, colour and three-dimensional look, and many call it their favourite 85mm on Sony. The stabilisation and compact size are frequent reasons for choosing it over larger f/1.4 options.

Complaints include AF hunting in low light on older bodies, the rubber focus ring collecting dust, and some purple fringing on high-contrast edges at f/1.8. Several owners note it frequently sells below MSRP, which makes it better value.