Non-professional photographer here, shooting for family, hikes, travel, etc.
What would you choose for street photography, general walk around lens?
I read that Batis image quality does not support it's price new, but what about used, when price is the same as a new Sony pancake lens? Which one is better at the same price?
It seems that most people on this thread favour the 40/2.5.
I had both but my verdict is somewhat different: the 40/2.5 is remarkably small, ultra sharp but also boring as. Nothing special, character is bland, sharp and imho forgettable.
The Batis 40/2 CF (close focus) has character and in particular the oof rendering is remarkable, the sometimes disputed 3-D look at work. One of the best lenses I have ever used.
And yet, I sold it, the Batis with regrets and the Sony 40/2.5 with pleasure. Here is why: although the Batis had some remarkable rendering and was light enough, it was also rather voluninous. During the day, I typically use a non-offensive canvas bag, that screams hippie, but not camera so much, the Batis felt odd. I use vented sunshades on my lenses, but the design of the Batis only really allows the use of the original sunshade, it was always a matter of reversing the sunshade every time I put it away.
I now use the 35/1.4. Similar if not the same volume, but F1.4.
But to be honest, if another 402 Batis comes my way, I might just re-buy it. Posting on my phone, otherwise I could have posted some pics.
Good luck with your decision, but don't disregard character
Deed
