The Loxia 85mm vs other 85mm equivalents, please advise

[Bijo S]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

 

[MVDH]

Well, what can I say, my Loxia 85 is my favorite lens since I got it early this year. I like it a lot, haven't discovered any weakness. I like the corner to corner sharpness and rendering very much, and the lens is a joy to use. It is significant sharpner than my Loxia 50. The small details in an image are rendered so nicely with this lens, it pleases me all the time.

If you like your Loxia 50, and don't need AF, than I'm sure the 85 will not disappoint. Used you can find them at realy good prices nowadays.

Only downside of this lens is that it is a bit heavy, it feels very solid.

Some images in this thread:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4764735

Next week I'm heading into the mountains for a 2 week hiking trip. I will be carrying a 25 kg backpack with 12 days of food and camping gear, so weight reduction is a thing. But I decided to take my FE 20 F1.8 for asto, FE 20-70 F4 as my general landscape walkaround lens, and take the Loxia 85 as my supersharp telephoto.
85mm is close to 70mm, but I simply cannot convince myself to leave the L85 at home. The 20-70 is not bad at all at 70mm, but comparing with the Loxia 85 there is no match. I feel I can crop my L85 images a lot and still have very decent images.

I found this review very informative when I was deciding if I should get the Loxia 85:

 

[Rod McD]

Hi,

The lenses you are considering are all good lenses. My choice was the Sigma 90/2.8. I really like it. I've only owned the 90, so can't compare the others from experience.

I'm mostly interested in travel, hiking, landscape and nature. So small size and low weight are important to me and I don't need a faster lens. The Sigma's build quality is beautiful - as good as any - and I much preferred its 295g over the Loxia's 600g. It's very sharp right from f2.8 and offers good rendering. It happens to be AF, but that wasn't a critical factor for me. It also focuses reasonably close for the genre.

My other telephoto lens is the 70-200/4Gii. I take the zoom when I'm traveling with a vehicle, hiking lightly laden, or know I really need longer FLs. Truly excellent - best zoom I've owned. Highly flexible, prime-like sharpness, TC compatible, and distinct from every similar option because if its 1:2 macro capability. I take the Sigma 90 when I need a smaller, lighter or more discreet option.

Enjoy whichever you decide to buy.

Regards, Rod

 

[Impulses]

Hi,

The lenses you are considering are all good lenses. My choice was the Sigma 90/2.8. I really like it. I've only owned the 90, so can't compare the others from experience.

I'm mostly interested in travel, hiking, landscape and nature. So small size and low weight are important to me and I don't need a faster lens. The Sigma's build quality is beautiful - as good as any - and I much preferred its 295g over the Loxia's 600g. It's very sharp right from f2.8 and offers good rendering. It happens to be AF, but that wasn't a critical factor for me. It also focuses reasonably close for the genre.

0.2x max magnification for that Sigma, nearly every other short tele in the system is somewhere in the 0.1-14x range, that makes it way more versatile IMO. I'm still tempted by it, I know I'd prefer my Samyang 75mm for shooting people tho and I'm often shooting a mix of things... Hmm

I might reconsider the Sigma when that Viltrox 28/4.5 pancake comes out and after I try a few more waist packs for my most minimal kit.

 

[Rod McD]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

Hi

I posted my experience earlier and I've no plans to change lenses myself, but may I suggest adding the new 85/1.4GM Mark 2 to your list of possible primes to consider?

The rumor mill is heavily tipping its announcement in the next few days and there has been a leak with the specs. The leak puts the weight of the new 85GM at 642g, which makes it only about 50g more than the Loxia, though it remains larger in diameter. It is bound to be a refinement of the Mark 1 and likely to be an exemplary lens. R

 

[scrane]

Trust your instincts. Get the Loxia.

 

[Bijo S]

Well, what can I say, my Loxia 85 is my favorite lens since I got it early this year. I like it a lot, haven't discovered any weakness. I like the corner to corner sharpness and rendering very much, and the lens is a joy to use. It is significant sharpner than my Loxia 50. The small details in an image are rendered so nicely with this lens, it pleases me all the time.

If you like your Loxia 50, and don't need AF, than I'm sure the 85 will not disappoint. Used you can find them at realy good prices nowadays.

Only downside of this lens is that it is a bit heavy, it feels very solid.

Some images in this thread:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4764735

Next week I'm heading into the mountains for a 2 week hiking trip. I will be carrying a 25 kg backpack with 12 days of food and camping gear, so weight reduction is a thing. But I decided to take my FE 20 F1.8 for asto, FE 20-70 F4 as my general landscape walkaround lens, and take the Loxia 85 as my supersharp telephoto.
85mm is close to 70mm, but I simply cannot convince myself to leave the L85 at home. The 20-70 is not bad at all at 70mm, but comparing with the Loxia 85 there is no match. I feel I can crop my L85 images a lot and still have very decent images.

I found this review very informative when I was deciding if I should get the Loxia 85:

Thanks, amazing photos on that thread.

Do you know how it fares with portraits?

 

[ZilverHaylide]

Well, what can I say, my Loxia 85 is my favorite lens since I got it early this year. I like it a lot, haven't discovered any weakness. I like the corner to corner sharpness and rendering very much, and the lens is a joy to use. It is significant sharpner than my Loxia 50. The small details in an image are rendered so nicely with this lens, it pleases me all the time.

If you like your Loxia 50, and don't need AF, than I'm sure the 85 will not disappoint. Used you can find them at realy good prices nowadays.

Only downside of this lens is that it is a bit heavy, it feels very solid.

Some images in this thread:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4764735

Next week I'm heading into the mountains for a 2 week hiking trip. I will be carrying a 25 kg backpack with 12 days of food and camping gear, so weight reduction is a thing. But I decided to take my FE 20 F1.8 for asto, FE 20-70 F4 as my general landscape walkaround lens, and take the Loxia 85 as my supersharp telephoto.
85mm is close to 70mm, but I simply cannot convince myself to leave the L85 at home. The 20-70 is not bad at all at 70mm, but comparing with the Loxia 85 there is no match. I feel I can crop my L85 images a lot and still have very decent images.

I found this review very informative when I was deciding if I should get the Loxia 85:

Thanks, amazing photos on that thread.

Do you know how it fares with portraits?

I think optical quality of ANY manual-focus lens is secondary if your application is portraits, because the MF lens will be at a severe disadvantage against ANY AF lens, simply because of MF. That need to manual focus will also pull your attention away from composition, and interaction with the subject. Frankly, I think use of a MF lens for portraits nowadays is unwise.

 

[ZilverHaylide]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

My choice would be either the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 for size, close-focus, haptics, and reportedly better quality in the outer field than the Sony 85mm f/1.8, or the new Sony GM II for ultimate optical quality in an AF lens.

But if seriously interested in the Loxia, note the current substantial sale discount at B&H -- expires in a couple days.

 

[Bijo S]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

My choice would be either the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 for size, close-focus, haptics, and reportedly better quality in the outer field than the Sony 85mm f/1.8, or the new Sony GM II for ultimate optical quality in an AF lens.

But if seriously interested in the Loxia, note the current substantial sale discount at B&H -- expires in a couple days.

do you think a loxia 85 in mint condition for $650 is worth it?

 

[mferencz]

The Loxia 85 is a great lens. I have it. The issue though is AF vs no AF. I use mine mostly for nature and longer landscape. If you are primarily going to be doing portraits, I would get something with AF. At 85 mm it is a bit of a challenge focusing and if the subjects are moving it is a bit more difficult. That being said the Loxia 85 has that special Zeiss magic to that is comparable to my Loxia 25.

 

[Bijo S]

The Loxia 85 is a great lens. I have it. The issue though is AF vs no AF. I use mine mostly for nature and longer landscape. If you are primarily going to be doing portraits, I would get something with AF. At 85 mm it is a bit of a challenge focusing and if the subjects are moving it is a bit more difficult. That being said the Loxia 85 has that special Zeiss magic to that is comparable to my Loxia 25.

No, it will be primarily used for street, architecture (external), city scapes, landscapes and the occasional portrait.

I am a bit concerned that it might be too contrasty for portraits?

 

[Bijo S]

Trust your instincts. Get the Loxia.

My instints say "Do it!"

My wallet says "How many 85mm do you need?"

Me: "yes"

 

[mferencz]

That is how I use it and it is great for what you mentioned.

I have the 35 and the 25. The 35 just pops off the screen with bright colors and contrast.

The 25 is sharp and contrasty but pants a picture almost rendering wise.

The 85 will not shock you with contrast. It is more subtle. It takes post processing really well if you like super contrast, but it has a transparency they clearly built in that portraits might benefit from.

Here is a review of what I'm talking about.

#512a. New Zeiss Loxia 2.4/85 : the full review - DearSusan

 

[ZilverHaylide]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

My choice would be either the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 for size, close-focus, haptics, and reportedly better quality in the outer field than the Sony 85mm f/1.8, or the new Sony GM II for ultimate optical quality in an AF lens.

But if seriously interested in the Loxia, note the current substantial sale discount at B&H -- expires in a couple days.

do you think a loxia 85 in mint condition for $650 is worth it?

Could be -- if it's really mint. That would be 1/3 off of B&H's current sale price of just under $1k for new (which is in itself $500 off the usual price). Though I expect regular price to regularly drop (at least until it's no longer available), because it's too close to the new GM II, which, like the Loxia, is supposedly excellent optically, but adds really-good AF and a significantly brighter max aperture. At $650, (again, assuming it's really mint) I think you wouldn't lose much, and maybe even gain, if you decided to re-sell after awhile.

 

[ZilverHaylide]

That is how I use it and it is great for what you mentioned.

I have the 35 and the 25. The 35 just pops off the screen with bright colors and contrast.

The 25 is sharp and contrasty but pants a picture almost rendering wise.

The 85 will not shock you with contrast. It is more subtle. It takes post processing really well if you like super contrast, but it has a transparency they clearly built in that portraits might benefit from.

Here is a review of what I'm talking about.

#512a. New Zeiss Loxia 2.4/85 : the full review - DearSusan

Here's an excellent review at PhillipReeve.net

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/rolling-review-zeiss-loxia-85mm-2-4/

Review is years old so many of today's alternative lenses weren't available then, but otherwise, review is very thorough.

 

[Dan_168]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

Same here, a huge Zeiss/Voigtlander fan and still buying from them. if I have to make the purchasing choice all over again, among the lenses you listed, i will still go with the Loxia 85. I know most people may consider manual focus a drawback but I am on the opposite side and try to avoid AF lens when possible for a lens that is not use for fast action, I use my Loxia 85 for landscape only, therefore MF is preferable. I use the Milvus 85 1.4 for portrait regularly on my Nikon system and Canon 85 1.2L on Canon system for many many years before the Z mount 85 1.2 was introduced , with mirrorless it's just so easy with MF, the Loxis 85 is really really good in opinion and I can recommend it to anyone.

 

[Bijo S]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

Same here, a huge Zeiss/Voigtlander fan and still buying from them. if I have to make the purchasing choice all over again, among the lenses you listed, i will still go with the Loxia 85. I know most people may consider manual focus a drawback but I am on the opposite side and try to avoid AF lens when possible for a lens that is not use for fast action, I use my Loxia 85 for landscape only, therefore MF is preferable. I use the Milvus 85 1.4 for portrait regularly on my Nikon system and Canon 85 1.2L on Canon system for many many years before the Z mount 85 1.2 was introduced , with mirrorless it's just so easy with MF, the Loxis 85 is really really good in opinion and I can recommend it to anyone.

Thank you, since you own both the Loxia and the Milvus, how does it compare to the Milvus at similar apertures. I also happen to have the Zeiss 85mm !.4 Classic ZE which I opted for over the Milvus.

I dont have any Voigtlanders yet as they are hard to come by where i live. I have my eye on getting one of the APO-Lanthar series at some point in the future.

 

[Dan_168]

I am considering getting a Loxia 85mm. I am a Zeiss fan, Zeiss has yet to disappoint me (except for the Sony manufactured Zeiss 24-70mm F4). They are very intentional about their lens designs and are masters in the field of optics.

I have the Loxia 50mm and enjoy the colors it produces and I enjoy manual focus with it because of how well it integrates with sony cameras such as providing exif information and automatically triggering manual focus aids.

The dilemma I have is that there are so many other good 85mm options currently. The Sigma 90mm F2.8 is smaller and lighter, the Sony 85mm 1.8 is faster and has AF but the images are lacking punch, the Sigma 85mm 1.4 is a lot faster and possibly slightly sharper but renders a bit clinical. From looking at the reviews, the general consensus is that the Loxia 85 is sharper and punchier than Sony manufactured equivalents such FE 85mm 1.8, Batis and even the GM.

So the main contenders I am comparing the Loxia against are the following, ranked in order of preference.

1. Sigma 90mm F2.8
2. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
3. Batis 85mm F1.8
4. Sony FE 85mm F1.8

Same here, a huge Zeiss/Voigtlander fan and still buying from them. if I have to make the purchasing choice all over again, among the lenses you listed, i will still go with the Loxia 85. I know most people may consider manual focus a drawback but I am on the opposite side and try to avoid AF lens when possible for a lens that is not use for fast action, I use my Loxia 85 for landscape only, therefore MF is preferable. I use the Milvus 85 1.4 for portrait regularly on my Nikon system and Canon 85 1.2L on Canon system for many many years before the Z mount 85 1.2 was introduced , with mirrorless it's just so easy with MF, the Loxis 85 is really really good in opinion and I can recommend it to anyone.

Thank you, since you own both the Loxia and the Milvus, how does it compare to the Milvus at similar apertures. I also happen to have the Zeiss 85mm !.4 Classic ZE which I opted for over the Milvus.

I dont have any Voigtlanders yet as they are hard to come by where i live. I have my eye on getting one of the APO-Lanthar series at some point in the future.

In my own observation, I love the Bokeh the Milvus produces much better than the Loxia, at F2.4, the Loxia never give me the background isolation and smooth rendering I want for portrait unless I am standing right in front of the model, but even I get the isolation from shooting close distance the rendering of the Out of Focus area is not great, so I only use the Loxia for landscape, but I use my Milvus for portrait all the time on my Nikon platform side by side with the 105 F1.4, until the new Nikon 85 1.2 arrived

I have the old Zeiss 85 1.4 Planar in EF mount long time ago too, used it on my 1DS MK III and 1Dx, but I like the newer Milvus 85 so much better, to my own eyes, the Milvus is just so much sharper even wide open, like a totally different class lens to me.

All the Voigtlander APO are just fantastic, the 35 is my all time favorite landscape lens, the 50 F2 is also great, 110 is just as good. those Voigtlander and Zeiss can be addictive, those Loxia and Voigtlander is one of the main reason I still have one foot in the Sony land, I don't like Sony body at all, but the E-moumt lenses is just hard to give up. LOL.

 

[scrane]

If you need AF there's always the Batis 85. Used Batis lenses have been going for very reasonable prices.

I have the Batis 135 and the IQ is astonishing!