When comparing Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 and Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, which one is better?
The lens that weighs the least of the two is Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 which weighs 330 g, compared to the loser Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM which weighs 680 g.
Winner: Zeiss Batis 2.8/18
Regarding weight: When it comes to the lens's weight, it's actually more important than many people think that the lens weighs as little as possible — it's simply a pain to lug around a lens that's too heavy when you're photographing or filming for several hours, and a few hundred grams can make a real difference.
When it comes to minimum focusing distance, that is how close to the subject the lens can focus, Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 is the winner with a minimum focusing distance of 25 cm. This can be compared with the minimum focusing distance of 28 cm for Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.
Winner: Zeiss Batis 2.8/18
Regarding minimum focusing distance: The lens's minimum focusing distance determines how close you can photograph your subject, such as a face or an animal. If the minimum focusing distance is 50 cm then you cannot get closer to your subject than 50 cm. Macro lenses often have a very low minimum focusing distance so that you can take close-up shots (macro photography).
Full specifications table of Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM and Zeiss Batis 2.8/18:
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM | Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 | |
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Brand | Sony | Zeiss |
Weight | 680 g | 330 g |
Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Focal Length | 16 - 35 mm | 18 mm |
Largest Aperture | 2.8 | 2.8 |
Anamorphic Lens | No | No |
Minimum Focusing Distance | 28 cm | 25 cm |
Type | Zoom | Prime |
Filter Thread | 82 | 77 |
Stabilization | Missing | No |
Covers a Full Frame Sensor? | Yes | Yes |