Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 APO Sonnar T – A Detailed Review

Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 APO Sonnar T – A Detailed Review When it comes to lenses, Zeiss is one of those names that photographers love to throw around like it’s some sort of magical spell. Mention “Zeiss,” and you’ll see the eyes of any enthusiast light up with awe and reverence. So, when I got my hands on the Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 APO Sonnar T, I knew it was time for a serious deep dive. I mean, you don’t just look at a Zeiss lens; you get to know it on a personal level. So, let's take a closer look at this lens and see if it really lives up to the hype or if it’s just another lens with a fancy name. First Impressions: Fancy Packaging, Fancy Lens Let’s be real: when you open the box for a Zeiss lens, it’s like unwrapping the treasure chest of photography. The Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 comes in that unmistakable, sleek black packaging. As you take it out, it feels solid—because it is solid. It’s built like a tank, but a sleek, stylish tank that you’d actually want to take on your next photo adventure. The first thing that hits you is the smooth feel of the focus ring. It’s buttery, almost as if Zeiss designed it to give you a reason to twist it just for the fun of it. The lens is also weather-sealed, which means you can confidently take it out in less-than-perfect conditions without worrying about the elements (or that coffee spill we all hope doesn’t happen near expensive gear).