For the NAB 2012 show Carl Zeiss announced the previously rumored 70-200/T2.9 CZ.2 Compact Zoom lens ($19,900) and three new 35mm, 50mm, 85mm/T1.5 CP.2 Compact Prime Super Speed lenses ($4,500):

Demo reel shot with Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses and Sony PMW-F3:

Press releases:

First full-frame cine zoom lens fitting all major camera types

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.04.2012.
During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 16-19, 2012, Carl Zeiss will show its first Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens to complement the Compact Prime CP.2 line of lenses. According to customer requests it is the first compact zoom lens of its kind with interchangeable mount and full frame capturing capability. The Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 gives the filmmaker the choice of a single lens in the short-long telephoto range, perfect for separating the fore- and background areas or for situations when the subject is a distance from the camera.

“The Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 is first in a line of zoom lenses designed for the owner- operator from Carl Zeiss that allows them to be used with a wide variety of current and future cameras, because of their compact design, full- frame coverage and interchangeable mounts”, notes Christian Bannert, Senior Director R&D, Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “There has never been a zoom lens on the market with similar features."

The Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens is a perfect complement to the smaller, lighter HD video and cine cameras introduced in the last year. Especially when used with Steadicam systems, the weight of the lens and camera becomes a critical factor. Weighing only 2.8kg (6.2lbs), it opens up new creative opportunities for action sequences by allowing the camera to be used hand-held for a greater range of motion.

The Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses feature an 18-blade aperture, which creates a round iris opening and a natural, out of focus rendition. As with the rest of the Compact Prime CP.2 family, the cine-style housing with gearing allows the attachment of any standard follow-focus system. By using the interchangeable mounts for PL, EF, F, MFT and E, the Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens can be easily adapted to numerous camera systems and ensures compatibility with future cameras as technology changes. The Carl Zeiss T* anti- reflection coating ensures the maximum contrast and color rendition by minimizing stray light and ghosting within the lens. The Compact Zoom CZ.2 delivers flare-free results and it has no focus shift over the whole zoom range.

More compact zoom lenses also made in Germany with additional focal lengths will be announced during the course of this year.

The Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2012 at a recommended retail price of €14,900 or US$19,900 (excluding VAT)*.

Carl Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses offer filmmakers new creative possibilities

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.04.2012.
During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 16-19, 2012, Carl Zeiss will present three new Super Speed lenses. Available with a fast T1.5 aperture and in focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm and 85mm, the new Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses offer filmmakers new opportunities for shooting in low-light conditions. Like the other Compact Prime CP.2 lenses, the new Super Speed lenses cover a full-frame sensor format and are equipped with the interchangeable lens mount system for use with a variety of cameras ranging from HDSLR to professional cinema cameras.

“With the new Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses with a fast T-stop of T1.5, we expand our family of CP.2 lenses with an even more powerful choice of lenses”, says Michael Schiehlen, Sales Director of the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “This opens up new creative possibilities in low-light situations, especially with the new high ISO HDSLR’s and HD video cameras. The Super Speed name has a long history at Carl Zeiss and these new lenses are a fitting tribute to their legacy”.

The faster T1.5 aperture is one of the key advantages to the Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses, especially for night-time shots or under low-light conditions. This helps to limit the need for artificial light, delivering more natural looking scenes with less effort and expense.

The cinematographer Sebastian Wiegärtner has tested the Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses and was very enthusiastic about the faster aperture while shooting a short film: “We filmed for three days in outdoor locations, with about eighty percent of the shots being taken at night. During the medieval-looking filming of two actors, the faster aperture was particularly effective by using lighting accents in the form of torchlight. The resulting images achieved the desired look and were appropriately stylish and soft.”

As with the rest of the CP.2 family, the Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses feature a 14-blade aperture, which creates a round iris opening and a natural, out of focus rendition. The standard cine-style housing with gearing allows the attachment of any standard follow-focus system. A long, 300 degree focus rotation and smooth action provides fine control, which is especially important given the shallow depth-of-field when using these lenses at wide open aperture. By using the interchangeable mounts for PL, EF, F, MFT and E, the Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses can be easily adapted to numerous camera systems and ensures compatibility with future cameras as technology changes. Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating ensures the maximum contrast and color rendition by minimizing stray light and ghosting within the lens.

The Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses can be purchased individually, or combined as set with other Compact Prime CP.2 lenses in the product line.

The lenses will be shipped in August 2012. The recommended retail price for the Compact Prime CP.2 35/T1.5 Super Speed is €3,700 or US$4,900 (excluding VAT)*. The recommended retail price for the Compact Prime CP.2 50/T1.5 Super Speed and Compact Prime CP.2 85/T1.5 Super Speed is €3,300 or US$4,500 (excluding VAT)*.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Carl Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 lenses available for PL-, EF-, F-mount, Micro 4/3 and A-mount
2. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”
3. Zeiss introduces Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with MFT and E mounts

Zeiss announced two new compact full frame prime cinema lenses:  CP.2 15/T2.9 and CP.2 135/T2.1. Both lenses will be available in PL, EF, F, MFT and E mounts. The price is US$5,700. Shipping will start at the end of 2012.

Press release:

Carl Zeiss is expanding its Compact Prime CP.2 product range with 15mm and 135mm lenses

OBERKOCHEN, GERMANY – April 5, 2012
During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 16-19, 2012, Carl Zeiss will present two new cine prime lenses. Carl Zeiss is expanding its product range of the Compact Prime CP.2 series with two compact and uncommonly lightweight lenses. With new focal lengths of 15mm and 135mm, filmmakers can enhance their portfolios with these remarkable lenses.

The new focal lengths allow professionals to realize creative ideas by expanding the angle-of-view-coverage of the Compact Prime CP.2 series from super wide through telephoto. Thanks to interchangeable mount system, the lenses can be attached to all standard HDSLR models, as well as on professional PL-mount cine and HD video cameras, providing the highest possible versatility. One of the key features of the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses is the full-frame coverage on 36x24 sensors. In this way, the complete angle of view is fully employed and the lenses will remain compatible with future cameras employing this sensor size.

"The two new focal lengths round out our existing range of nine lenses between 18mm and 100mm at both ends of the spectrum”, says Michael Schiehlen, Sales Director of the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “We have expanded our product range with the two new focal lengths in accordance with our customer feedback and in the course of working with photographers and filmmakers. We can therefore offer professionals greater possibilities for their creative process and through a variety of different focal lengths and related accessories, provide everything they need."

Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are ideally used on film sets for shooting in small, confined spaces. Especially with the Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 the images appear more natural and can be realized without distortion of the image and editing tricks. Thanks to the cine-style housing, all current, standardized follow focus systems can be attached to the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses. The long standard focus rotation of 300° and smooth focus resistance provide excellent control for accurate follow focusing, especially with the shallow depth-of-field found with the large sensor cameras. The 14-blade aperture of all Compact Prime CP.2 lenses creates a round iris opening, resulting in a smooth and natural transition to the out of focus areas.

The Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 super wide angle lens provides a broad field of coverage and is perfect for use in confined spaces or to provide dramatic panoramas to help set the scene. Distortion is extremely well controlled and horizontal and vertical lines are accurately captured in architectural settings. The Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 incorporates two aspheric lenses and special types of glass material with abnormal partial dispersion to provide an extraordinary correction of chromatic aberration. Even on cameras with full-frame sensors, the image remains razor sharp out to the edges and details are recorded in the highest resolution. On cameras with smaller sensors the new Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 lens also provides a super wide angle of view. The Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 weighs only 900 grams (1.98lbs).

The Compact Prime CP.2 135/T2.1 lens is the longest lens ever added to the Compact Prime CP.2 product line. With its focal length of 135mm and the shallow depth-of-field that comes from using a telephoto, the cameraman can maintain a relatively long distance from the subject while also isolating the subject from the background area. This is especially important for scenes in which the main characters are the main focus and the camera needs to capture expansive movement throughout the scene. Due to the working distance and the long focal length, the captured image looks very natural. At 1.6kg (3.52lbs), the 135mm lens is very lightweight for this product class, and yet, as with all Compact Prime CP.2 lenses, it is sturdy and suited for use in rugged filming environments.

“For several years now the trend is towards the use of HDSLR and HD video cameras with accompanying accessories on the set, especially for independent filmmakers, as well as for blockbuster productions. The quality of the filming is approaching a level that just a few years ago was only attainable with professional movie cameras in a much higher price class,” explains Schiehlen. Carl Zeiss offers lenses for every budget – from SLR lenses up to professional cine lenses.

Another key advantage of the entire Compact Prime CP.2 series is the availability of interchangeable mounts for PL, EF, F, MFT and E. The mounts can be dismantled easily interchanged by the owner using the instructions provided on the Carl Zeiss website (http://www.zeiss.com/cine/cp2). This broad range of all major mounts offers filmmakers greater flexibility in the choice of choice of cameras depending on their budget of the needs of the project. Filmmakers also benefit from interchangeable mounts when upgrading to other equipment classes, helping to protect their investment from the inevitable changes in digital technology. For example, as independent filmmakers expand their repertoire after their initial success, they can continue to use Compact Prime CP.2 camera lenses thanks to the interchangeable mounts. Filmmakers can continue to use the professional lenses they are already familiar with, regardless of the mount type required by the camera and avoid the costs for expensive new lenses.

The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are color-matched throughout the series and can be mixed and matched without correcting for changes in post. The lenses are available for purchase individually or as part of a custom lens set at additional savings. An extensive range of accessories consists of lens cases, test chart, interchangeable mount sets, as well as adjustment shims are available. The lenses are compatible with camera rigs and follow-focus systems from most major suppliers.

The Compact Prime CP.2 15/T2.9 and Compact Prime CP.2 135/T2.1 will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2012. The recommended retail price of each lens is €4,200 or US$5,700 (excluding VAT)*.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Zeiss now shipping Compact Prime CP.2 F & MFT lenses
2. Zeiss introduces Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with MFT and E mounts
3. Carl Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 lenses available for PL-, EF-, F-mount, Micro 4/3 and A-mount

Zeiss is rumored to announced a new compact lightweight 70-200mm f/2.? tele zoom lens at the NAB show in Las Vegas next month. The lens will be available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The expected price will be around $10k. I think this will be a cinema zoom lens, similar to the Zeiss LWZ.2 Lightweight 15.5-45mm T2.6 ($29,000).

A new 70-200mm lens was already mentioned in the 2012 Zeiss roadmap few months ago:

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Zeiss cinema lenses roadmap for 2012
2. Zeiss to announce the new Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZE/ZF.2 lens on Wednesday
3. Rumor: also a new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens

The new Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 lens is now official. Adorama is now taking pre-orders for the Nikon ZF.2 and Canon ZE versions. Here are the detailed specs:

Technical data

• Focal length 15 mm
• Aperture range f/2.8 -22
• Number of lens elements/groups 15/12
• Focusing range: 0.25m – infinity
• Angular field** (diag./horiz./vert.) 110°/ 100°/ 76°
• Coverage at close range** 340 x 221 mm (close-up)
• Image ratio at close range 1:9 (close-up)
• Filter thread M95 x 1.0
• Length with caps 132 mm (ZF.2)
• 135 mm (ZE)
• Diameter 103 mm (ZF.2)
• 103 mm (ZE)
• Weight 730 g (ZF.2)
• 820 g (ZE)
• Mounts ZF.2 (F bayonet)
• ZE (EF bayonet)

You can read the first review of the Canon version at Thephoblographer:

OBERKOCHEN, 16.03.2012. Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography.

Thanks to the extreme angle of view of the lens, the fore- and background can be creatively emphasized in landscape and architecture photography. These applications will also benefit from the large depth-of-field, which provides a wide range of image sharpness from close-up up to infinity. With a close focus of 0.25m (10”) – combined with a wide angle view – photographers can work in tight spaces, while also allowing focus on close-up details. Distortion is extremely well controlled, producing naturally proportioned photographs which are not typical of many other super wide angle lenses. "With the Distagon T* 2,8/15, Carl Zeiss sets the standard in super wide angle photography," says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Program Manager in the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. "Even at full aperture it achieves outstanding detail rendition and opens up room for extremely imaginative design."

The Distagon T* 2,8/15 incorporates two aspheric lenses and special types of glass material with abnormal partial dispersion to provide an extraordinary correction of chromatic aberration. A floating elements design guarantees high image quality from close-focus through infinity. Like the other SLR lenses in the ZE and ZF.2 series, stray light and reflections are well controlled by the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and the sophisticated treatment of the lens element edges with special light absorbing paint.

The robust all-metal barrel of the Distagon T* 2,8/15 is designed for decades of reliable service. A long focus rotation and buttery-smooth action is perfect for photographers who want to take control of their picture making, as well as for filmmakers looking for superior focus control. A nine blade aperture provides a nearly circular opening, producing natural looking out of focus details.

The lens shade is integrated into the design and helps to protect the lens surface from uninten- tional damage. The 95mm filter thread accepts all standard filters, including the recently released Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters.

The lens will begin shipping in May 2012 at a recommended retail price of €2,148 or US$2,948 (excluding VAT)*.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Rumor: Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens to be announced in 10 days
2. Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 ZF.2/ZE teasers continue
3. Another Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens teaser

Zeiss revealed another piece of the specs for upcoming Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens: focusing range will be 0.25m to infinity. The lens will be announced this Friday (March 16th, 2012).

Update: the new lens will have 15 elements in 12 groups.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8 15mm ZF.2 ZE lens announced
2. Another Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens teaser
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount

Zeiss posted another teaser on Facebook for the upcoming Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens:

"Here’s the next close-up of the newest member of our SLR family of lenses. The lens shade with 95mm filter thread is integrated into the design. This new super wide-angle lens from Carl Zeiss will be available from May 2012."

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Zeiss teases about the upcoming Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens
2. Rumor: Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens to be announced in 10 days
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount

Zeiss posted a teaser on their official blog about "new super wide angle lens from Carl Zeiss":

"It is here: the lens at the top of the wish list of our community on Facebook and Flickr. Now you can look forward to exploring entirely new creative opportunities. In the next few days, this is where we will be showing you everything our new SLR lens has to offer."

I am sure this teaser is for the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens that is expected to be released on March 16th, 2012 and will start shipping in May. Expect the price tag to be around $3000.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Another Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens teaser
2. Rumor: Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens to be announced in 10 days
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount

The silver Zeiss Ikon film rangefinder camera has been discontinued according to Cosina Japan website. Last year Zeiss discontinued the Ikon SW (Super Wide) version that did not have a viewfinder/rangefinder. The black Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera ($1,618.00) is still available for sale.

Zeiss has mentioned on several occasions that they do not have any plans for a digital rangefinder camera. They should. The Leica M9 remains the only full frame digital mirrorless camera out there and it seems that none of the camera manufacturers has the guts to go full frame. At one point I really thought that Fuji will be the first with the X-Pro1, but even they didn't do it. In the mean time, Leica will probably announce a new full frame rangefinder (M10?) this year at Photokina and will sell every single piece they produce for the next two years.

Via Zeissrumors

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Rumor: Full frame Zeiss Ikon digital rangefinder in development
2. Zeiss has no plans for a digital rangefinder camera
3. Zeiss 85mm f/2.0 T* ZM Sonnar lens to be discontinued?

Zeiss is rumored to announce a new Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens on March 16th, 2012. The lens is expected to start shipping in May, 2012. The angle of view will be 110 degrees. The lens will have a 95mm filter thread. The widest Zeiss lens for DLSR cameras is currently the Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 ($1,395.00). Zeiss produces also the Super Wide Angle 15mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZM lens for M-mount ($4,600.00). The new Distagon T* 2,8/15 is expected to be available for Canon and Nikon mounts (not sure at that point for any other mounts).

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Another Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens teaser
2. Zeiss teases about the upcoming Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens
3. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount

Carl Zeiss reported a record revenue of EUR 4.237 billion for the fiscal year 2010/11:

STUTTGART, Germany — 14 December 2011. Carl Zeiss has now presented its annual financial statements. In fiscal year 2010/11, the company generated revenues of EUR 4.237b (prior year: EUR 2.981b), an increase of 10 percent*. With a figure of EUR 607m, EbIT was clearly above the prior year's figure (EUR 423m).

“We have achieved record figures for almost all performance indicators,” said Michael Kaschke, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. “Carl Zeiss has remained on track to continued profitable and sustained growth and has further consolidated its position as a technology leader and global player.” Carl Zeiss generated 87 percent of revenue outside Germany. Particularly strong growth in revenue was posted in Asia (+12%*) and America (+11%*).

The entire press release can be found here.

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”
2. Zeiss is doing very well: they just had the most successful year ever in the company’s history
3. This is the Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 NEX lens

Zeiss announced on Facebook and Twitter their plans for new cinelenses for 2012: new compact, lightweight zoom and prime CP.2 lenses plus a new line of anamorphics lenses. More details about those lenses will be revealed at NAB 2012. More information available at FDTimes articles (PDF file, coverage starts at page 16):

Zeiss anamorphic lenses will be lightweight and compact - smaller than the working prototype shown here

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Zeiss now shipping Compact Prime CP.2 F & MFT lenses
2. Zeiss announced two new compact prime cinema lenses: CP.2 15/T2.9 and CP.2 135/T2.1
3. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”

We have not heard any updates on the rumored digital rangefinder from Zeiss in a while. Recently Zeissrumors published this email where a company representative clearly states that there are no plans for a new camera in the near future:

"Thank you for your inquiry to Carl Zeiss.
As a specialist for high performance lenses, we will continue to concentrate to develop, manufacture and distribute high-end lenses as perfect tools for many cameras in still photography and professional cinematography, like we do now for more than 120 years.
We never built any camera body, and we do not plan to do this within the next future.
But we plan to expand our current portfolio of lenses for further cameras systems in future."

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Rumor: Full frame Zeiss Ikon digital rangefinder in development
2. The silver Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera has been discontinued
3. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”

In addition to the PDN report (see also this Nikon related post), here are some additional images from the show's floor.

What's inside the Panasonic GH2:

Fuji X10 with a lens hood:

The lens unit of the Fuji X10:

What's inside the Sony NEX-5:

and the Sony a55:

Sony NEX-7:

Sony NEX-5n:

Premium Carl Zeiss and G-Series lenses:

The Canon EOS 1Dx body:

The 3.2" LCD screen of the Canon EOS 1Dx:

Canon 7D video rig:

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens:

Canon printer in action:

HP DreamColor printer in action:

Minox DCC 5.1 camera ($199):

Pentax Q mirrorless camera:

The Q lenses are really small and light:

This year Ricoh cameras were part of the Pentax stand:

Ricoh GXR + A12 with optional EVF and Voigtlander lens:

One of the Lensbaby lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras:

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 lens with Canon mount, the price is expected to be around $1,700.00:

Carl Zeiss lightweight zoom LWZ.2 lens for HDSLR cameras:

What's inside a Zeiss lens:

Polaroid cameras:

Linhof 617 medium format panorama camera (kit price: $10,258.95):

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Few pictures from PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2010
2. 2011 PDN Photoplus show report
3. What to expect @ PMA 2010

The previously rumored Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 lens is now official ($1,699.00). Full press release and samples:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 27.10.2011.
Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/25 ZE and ZF.2 moderate wide-angle lenses. The large image angle allows photographers to capture exciting perspectives. With its excellent imaging quality at all aperture settings, the lens flexes its muscles particularly for photo documentaries in interior rooms where space is at a premium, as well as for pictures of objects, architecture and landscapes. In many situations, a flash is an unwelcome feature — at family gatherings, in a museum or in a church for example. To capture the mood in such places, photographers gladly do without aggressive lighting and instead work with particularly high-speed lenses that enable short exposure times even under difficult lighting conditions.

The optical experts have now virtually eliminated the chromatic aberrations on these lenses through a special design and selection of materials. Selected types of glass and two aspheric surfaces prevent color fringes from appearing on high-contrast edges. "The Distagon T* 2/25 elegantly combines a compact design with a large initial aperture," explains Christian Bannert, Senior Director of Product Development in the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG.

Lens elements meticulously crafted to minimize stray light and reflections in the lens, and theCarl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating to increase light transmission enable high-contrast image rendition and color saturation.

The previously available Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 will continue to be on stock and supplements the new Distagon T* 2/25.Therefore, this new lens is also the first 25-mm lens of Carl Zeiss for theEF-bayonet.

The Distagon T* 2/25 will be available end of 2011 at a recommended retail price of €1217 (excluding VAT)*.

Technical Data:

Focal length	25 mm
Aperture range	f/2 to f/22
Number of lens elements/groups	11/10
Focusing range	0.25 m - infinity
Angular field** (diag./horiz./vert.)	81° / 71° / 51°
Coverage at close range**	219 × 144 mm (close-up)
Image ratio at close range	1 : 5.9 (close-up)
Filter thread	M67 × 0,75
Length with caps	95 mm (ZF.2) 98 mm (ZE)
Diameter	71 mm (ZF.2) 73 mm (ZE)
Weight	570 g (ZF.2) 600 g (ZE)
Mounts	ZF.2 (F bayonet) ZE (EF bayonet)

Sample images taken with the new Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/25 (click on image for larger view):

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount
2. Another Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens teaser
3. Rumor: also a new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens

In addition to the rumored Zeiss Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens, there could be a second new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens:

"Oh, by the way, for those who's interested in astrophotography and ultra-wide angle, Zeiss will be releasing a 15mm/2.8 soon, and it will be available in both ZE and ZF mount, for more details, please wait for Zeiss official announcement."

The original source also confirmed the 25mm f/2 lens:

"Finally ... Zeiss ZE 25/2, while the previous 25/2.8's advantages are  color rendition and macro capability on film, the newer version is better in image resolution and uniformity)".

Via ZeissRumors

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Rumor: New Zeiss Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens coming in October
2. Rumor: Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 ZF.2/ZE super wide angle lens to be announced in 10 days
3. New Zeiss 25mm f/2 Distagon lens is coming

The current Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2.8 lens

According to this FM forum post, Carl Zeiss will be releasing a new Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens this month:

"Yes, I have an idea about the new 25. It will be announced in October, so keep an eye for the Zeiss website. And if everything goes well, delivery of the first production batch will be in Germany right before Christmas."

The current Zeiss Distagon T 25mm lens has a f/2.8 aperture.

Via Zeissrumors

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. New Zeiss 25mm f/2 Distagon lens is coming
2. Rumor: also a new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens
3. Canon C300, Zeiss Distagon 25mm f/2 ZE lens pre-orders, rebates extended

Just few hours before the announcement - this is the new Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 NEX lens:

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”
2. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount
3. Interview with Senior Vice President of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss

• Fuji and Sony are on a acquisition spree to boost returns.
• What a 268-Megapixel sensor looks like.
• Many users are not happy with the new Final Cut Pro X.
• Nokia claims its new N9 is 'the fastest image-capturing phone' yet. The optics are provided by Carl Zeiss.
• Wireless follow focus is here:

Sneak peek into JAG35's wireless Follow focus from jehu Garcia on Vimeo.

Just a Quick peek into our unreleased wireless system. This a working prototype unit, not perfect we still have some work but it works and its coming soon.

• This AMP Camera can record HDR video:

AMP Digital Video from Mike Tocci on Vimeo.

A fun video that introduces the AMP Camera Technology and gives a sneak preview of the GEN II camera features. AMP captures three images with the exact same exposure time, at the exact same moment in time. A custom blending algorithm is used to combine the images to produce a true HDR image for each frame in the video. Of course, we can't display true HDR images (yet) so tonemapping is left to the user. For this video, we chose a wide variety of commercially-available tonemappers, just to get the idea across that all the HDR data really is there for every frame. AMP is a trademark of Contrast Optical Design & Engineering, Inc.

• Fujifilm Infomercials : FinePix X100 production plant:

• At NAB Birger Engineering demonstrated functioning concept models of a new lens mount system for both the Sony NEX-FS100 and the Panasonic AF-100 cameras that will allow wireless follow focus. See this video for a detailed presentation of this product:

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Quick weekend links
2. Quick links
3. Weekend links

Update: it seems that Kelvinkamera is in even deeper troubles since (elegantly) is using photographs on their website without permission. The owner of the photograph happened to be a PhotoRumors reader.

A week ago Kelvinkamera announced their own line of Zeiss babyPrime lenses. Those are regular Zeiss lenses with a custom made housing for aperture and focusing control:

• Carl Zeiss ZF.2 high quality optics inside, robust and reliable construction for professional use.
• Full-Frame coverage (24 x 36mm) for all the focal lengths 18 to 100mm (50and 100mm makro).
• No need for adapter solutions anymore, special custom stainless-steel interchangeable mounts.
• Four different mounts available (EF, F, E and MTF Mount), open to future applications.
• Improved ergonomics with left and right side meter/feet, iris scales with enhanced graphics.
• Consistent front diameter of 95mm, for simplified use of lightweight 4X4/4x5,65 matteboxes and filters.
• Independent filmmakers price range, different set choices and upgrades.
• Special ultra-lightweight dedicated clip-on matte box available with the different kit solutions.
• Custom rehousing engineering made in Italy.
• Estimate delivery for the end of July 2011

It seems that Carl Zeiss AG is not very happy with this development and released this statement few days ago:

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We would like to address a report that has been released by the company Kelvinkamera+ on June 5th regarding Carl Zeiss as an e-mail press release. This report contains several statements that need to be clarified for the benefit of our customers. We would be very grateful to receive your support in this undertaking.

In the report, the company Kelvinkamera+ has announced a new line of lenses to be called “Carl Zeiss babyPrimes.” It also states that the company has reached an agreement with Carl Zeiss. Furthermore, the report declares that the manufacturer has already worked on an earlier project at Carl Zeiss (DigiPrimes). This gives the impression that the babyPrime lenses were created together with, or with the approval of, Carl Zeiss.

However, these statements do not reflect the truth. Since Carl Zeiss enjoys a very good reputation in camera lenses of high quality and performance we would like to clarify the situation for the benefit of our customers:

• Carl Zeiss is in no way involved in the babyPrimes project or product of and does not maintain a relationship to the manufacturer.
• The company Kelvinkamera+ or the quoted persons were not and are not in any form involved in the DigiPrime project or other projects at Carl Zeiss.
• Carl Zeiss cannot confirm that the optics used in the advertised product line are from Carl Zeiss, nor can we confirm that these optics meet the typically high standards of a Carl Zeiss lens
• All Carl Zeiss lenses are subject to extreme specifications, tests and measurements to ensure the respected Carl Zeiss Quality from their development to production to use. In this case, it is not permitted to label these products as “Carl Zeiss” lenses.
• We would like to emphasize that Carl Zeiss cannot accept any liability for products that have been altered through unauthorized modifications. Therefore these products cannot be covered under the international warranty of Carl Zeiss.

For 120 years, Carl Zeiss lenses have been known for their outstanding performance, quality and reliability. In manufacturing these lenses, we take advantage of everything that is optically and mechanically possible to create an extraordinary product experience from development to production to use of the lens. This is just one of the many reasons for the outstanding reputation enjoyed by the name ZEISS among photographers and moviemakers around the globe.In case you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Via Zeissrumors

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. Carl Zeiss: “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at Photokina”
2. Zeiss introduces Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with MFT and E mounts
3. Zeiss now shipping Compact Prime CP.2 F & MFT lenses

In this interview with Dr. Winfried Scherle, Senior Vice President of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss, you can get some interesting insights about the company and their lenses. Did you know for example that Zeiss is a non-profit foundation that reinvests all profits back in R&D?

Hurlblog Interview Zeiss Scherle 052411 H264 720p from Shane Hurlbut, ASC on Vimeo via Hurlbutvisuals

Posted by PhotoRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
Follow PhotoRumors on Facebook and Twitter.

Related posts:

1. This is the Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 NEX lens
2. Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF (Canon) bayonet mount
3. Carl Zeiss: revenue tops 4 billion EUR mark for very first time