The GM 135 can create some very bright "bokeh balls", you can see it in Jannick's pics, in the mobile01.com sample shots and in Fred's shots. It can be used for great artistic effect if you are aware of this trait and use it to your advantage. The Batis 135 is more of a "normal" character there, so no fireworks but also won't ruin the pic if you're not careful with it.
Between the GM and Batis 135 I would personally go for the GM as I like "excess" in one direction or other, be it FL or character or whatever (I got the 100 STF over the GM 85 for exactly the same reason). Can't afford it right now though.
darbo wrote:
Busy looking bokeh. Not a criticism - I don’t dislike the rendering - was just expecting to see more background obliteration at F1.8. I don’t recall such busy bokeh in my time with the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 2/135mm. My comments here are in reference to my interest in upgrading from my Batis. What is the image quality upgrade?
Interesting comment.
The new GM renders like the Sigma 135/1.8 Art and I never heard anyone saying the Sigma's rendering was busy.
One of the reasons I wanted to do blind rendering comparisons: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1588217/4#14795720
I really think it depends on how harsh the lighting is. I find the OOF rendering smoother than the Batis when both are at f/2.8.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Interesting comment.
The new GM renders like the Sigma 135/1.8 Art and I never heard anyone saying the Sigma's rendering was busy.
One of the reasons I wanted to do blind rendering comparisons: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1588217/4#14795720
I really think it depends on how harsh the lighting is. I find the OOF rendering smoother than the Batis when both are at f/2.8.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Interesting comment.
The new GM renders like the Sigma 135/1.8 Art and I never heard anyone saying the Sigma's rendering was busy.
One of the reasons I wanted to do blind rendering comparisons: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1588217/4#14795720
I really think it depends on how harsh the lighting is. I find the OOF rendering smoother than the Batis when both are at f/2.8.
My comment was limited to Jannik’s photos.
Regardless I do like what I’m seeing and may need to adjust my expectations. I didn’t love my FE 50 1.4 ZA bokeh initially either.
“Busy” is an inadequate word. I need a better one.
vdo1 wrote:
The really nice thing is that we have these 4 lenses (50, 85, 100, 135) that are not only outstanding, but also have specific personalities / signatures when used at large apertures. They’re not just the same thing in different FL, they also complement each other in “character”. One of them surely must have your name written on it
I'm probably an exception, but I don't use shorter focal lengths than 50mm - I like some distance from my subjects. I don't even use 50mm much these days. So I think I can resist the 50mm - I have the lovely Zony 55mm for those moments I need it. But I have all of the other three...
Today is a very good Friday (pun intended) for me to be taking my first serious shots with the 135 GM. Minimal cloud cover, cool, and bright Australian sunlight.
BTW: the lens hood has a locking button - I was surprised to see that on another GM lens (the 85, I think), but I've decided that I like it :-)
Tony Rogers wrote:
I'm probably an exception, but I don't use shorter focal lengths than 50mm - I like some distance from my subjects. I don't even use 50mm much these days. So I think I can resist the 50mm - I have the lovely Zony 55mm for those moments I need it. But I have all of the other three...
Today is a very good Friday (pun intended) for me to be taking my first serious shots with the 135 GM. Minimal cloud cover, cool, and bright Australian sunlight.
BTW: the lens hood has a locking button - I was surprised to see that on another GM lens (the 85, I think), but I've decided that I like it :-)...Show more →
Tony we are all jealous of your early orders coming in.
Jannik Peters wrote:
Some more samples from my garden at f1.8 (except of image 1). Contrast and lack of aberrations wide open are truly outstanding. No need to stop down except of gaining DoF or taming cat eyes.
Speaking as an STF snob, these fine images exhibit the best structured bokeh I've ever seen. Almost enough to make my a convert. Please, God, I don't need another 135mm!
Jannik Peters wrote:
Some more samples from my garden at f1.8 (except of image 1). Contrast and lack of aberrations wide open are truly outstanding. No need to stop down except of gaining DoF or taming cat eyes.
Any tips on a US online retailer from whom I might be able to get one in a not-ridiculous time? I know if I order from B&H I'll still be waiting in November.
After reflecting on it all day, I've decided I am needing the 135mm GM along with the 24mm GM to use in concert with my FE 50 1.4 ZA to be truly happy in life.
darbo wrote:
Any tips on a US online retailer from whom I might be able to get one in a not-ridiculous time? I know if I order from B&H I'll still be waiting in November.
After reflecting on it all day, I've decided I am needing the 135mm GM along with the 24mm GM to use in concert with my FE 50 1.4 ZA to be truly happy in life.
I know that feeling. It’s possible that given the pricing on it that not everyone and there cousin Joe pre ordered it. So the chance one could pop up in stock is a real possibility. I would start lining up stores on the web, make bookmarks and follow them starting on the 30th. By than everyone should know there stock on hand vs the pre-orders. Get the small stores too, make some calls. Don’t forget Best Buy they sell Sony as many others do. It’s not as specialized as buying a Zeiss lens for instance. I gave some of this same advice on the 24mm and folks got them. But you gotta work at it too. You might want to look at Sony website and find there authorized dealers in the US. Good luck
I placed my pre order earlier this week at my local authorized Sony dealer and I was first in line! They're supposed to receive 2 of them in the first shipment, one of them is mine!
The one issue is a lot of folks have been waiting for a fast 135. But buying it is another matter. Hard to say . The 24 you still can’t get. That one flew off the shelves. Reason I pre ordered this one right away. I don’t want to wait to get one later
GMPhotography wrote:
The one issue is a lot of folks have been waiting for a fast 135. But buying it is another matter. Hard to say . The 24 you still can’t get. That one flew off the shelves. Reason I pre ordered this one right away. I don’t want to wait to get one later
I picked up my 24 GM locally in November, no pre order (they had 2 in stock), and they told me they don't have any pre orders and get them frequently too.
Please, God, I don't need another 135mm!