09-06-2012, 09:03 PM
http://blogs.zeiss.com/photo/en/?p=2745
See above link for their post.
Two things catch my attention. One is a manual focus full frame SLR lens, of 55mm f/1.4, claiming to be best in class, will be available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The prototype image shown doesn't look like their existing CaNikon range in styling, with a smooth plastic look as opposed to the machined metal. Also for a "50mm-ish" type lens, it seems physically longer than average so they may be doing something interesting there.
The other interesting comment is they say they will release AF lenses for mirrorless CSC around mid-next year. There is no hint as to the mount options, only saying they plan to "initially offer fixed focal lengths in the wide angle and standard range as well as a macro". AF definitely a nice to have for the more mainstream market. Given the Zeiss traditional positioning, this should be interesting from a performance perspective, if not price or small size. Side thought: while micro4/3 seems an obvious target with the biggest potential audience, they also have the most developed lens lineup. So I wonder if there's more potential sales on the more lens limited systems like Sony, Fuji and the unreleased Canon. Those all share APS-C sized sensors so have better reuse potential between them for a given optical design. But I'm not sure it'll be for NEX, as I would have expected Sony to make the announcement than Zeiss if that were the case.
See above link for their post.
Two things catch my attention. One is a manual focus full frame SLR lens, of 55mm f/1.4, claiming to be best in class, will be available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The prototype image shown doesn't look like their existing CaNikon range in styling, with a smooth plastic look as opposed to the machined metal. Also for a "50mm-ish" type lens, it seems physically longer than average so they may be doing something interesting there.
The other interesting comment is they say they will release AF lenses for mirrorless CSC around mid-next year. There is no hint as to the mount options, only saying they plan to "initially offer fixed focal lengths in the wide angle and standard range as well as a macro". AF definitely a nice to have for the more mainstream market. Given the Zeiss traditional positioning, this should be interesting from a performance perspective, if not price or small size. Side thought: while micro4/3 seems an obvious target with the biggest potential audience, they also have the most developed lens lineup. So I wonder if there's more potential sales on the more lens limited systems like Sony, Fuji and the unreleased Canon. Those all share APS-C sized sensors so have better reuse potential between them for a given optical design. But I'm not sure it'll be for NEX, as I would have expected Sony to make the announcement than Zeiss if that were the case.
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.