Some of us have looked at the MTF for the two CZ 25s - Batis and ZEF. Very different lenses obviously in physical dimensions, and it seems Zeiss has traded a little center performance for high image quality across the whole frame, which we can understand given the likely buyers of the Batis 25. Both are very good of course, but the Batis looks more versatile maybe, Zeiss are promoting this aspect. At f2 on a 600 gram body it will see plenty of street/off the cuff/creative work where bokeh is important. It looks more like a short telephoto in its signature. TBH, more portrait lenses should look like its chart wide open, I bet it's great for enviro portraits.
The Batis 85 fits in well with the other high end Zeiss lenses of recent years, loses a little in corners compared to lenses that are far better re distortion and old school design acceptability, thinking of say 135/2 APO and 100MP. But the MTF look the business, and no one will complain of lack of sharpness, as it is in that league for sure. I agree with Matt Granger that it is a good buy at the asking money.
And a note (if not made elsewhere on GDPI) that the Batis MTF and other info described in the data charts are now available at the Zeiss download center here:
http://www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/en_de/service/download_center/batis_lenses.html
I'd say these MTF charts reflect s/w profile adjustments, they are a little lower and less 'woolly' than the ones Lloyd published, and distortion data is clearly post s/w.
The charts also provide lens construction, and yes, the B85 config is near identical to the Tamron design patented recently. Even if so, Zeiss are doing the glass selection, and Zeiss QC staff oversee the assembly, tolerance handling and final QA/certification process, and of course coatings, and material selection and ancillaries like OLED. Just a few weeks now.
I hope they keep up with demand in the initial flurry. Unlike the FE 35/1.4 where price and other choices dampen the demand for what is clearly a great lens, this B85 is going to appeal to a very important user group - portrait (formal/studio and street/family/general) and event shooters especially, and there is nothing else that matches it in the FE lineup, no real legacy competitor, it's a new Zeiss, it's a new design, it has new AF/OIS, new OLED..and if images look as gorgeous as some pre-release ones it will be very popular.
Looks like another reason to join the FE brigade.