Zeiss Lens Frenzy for Photokina 2008

Carl Zeiss AG of Oberkochen/Germany have released a slew of lens announcements for Photokina 2008. A new SLR mount, dubbed ZE, premiered allowing Zeiss optics to be used on Canon EF mount cameras. The first lenses in this series are: * Planar T* 1,4/50 ZE 579 euros (incl. 19% German VAT) * Planar T* 1,4/85 ZE 999 euros (incl. 19% German VAT) Also announced was a new 21mm Super Wide Angle lens for SLR Cameras - Distagon T* 2,8/21 Initially available in ZF, & ZK mounts (Nikon & Pentax respectively), this lens is a modern version of the classic Contax system lens. ZE mount for Canon will be added later on. * Distagon T* 2,8/21 ZF, ZK 1,399 euros (incl. 19% German VAT) Last, but not least, is the Zeiss Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM for rangefinder cameras. Billed as a "perfect travel lens", the Tele-Tessar is compact and lightweight. * Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM 769 euros (incl. 19% German VAT) Press Releases Zeiss ZE Lenses OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 15.09.2008. Carl Zeiss is expanding its successful line of SLR lenses: ZE lenses with EF bayonet for all analog and digital EOS camera models. As with all EF lenses, the new ZE lenses from Carl Zeiss transfer all information exclusively via electronic contacts. This means that all exposure modes such as programmed auto exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual setting are supported. The camera’s automatic focus confirmation also remains available to an unlimited extent with these manual focus lenses. With digital SLRs, the lens data and all exposure data can also be accessed via the camera’s EXIF file. Even E-TTL flash metering is supported. The first lenses to be available will be the Planar T* 1.4/50 ZE and the Planar T* 1.4/85 ZE in the last quarter of this year. Further focal lengths will be added to the line within the next few months. Distagon T* 2,8/21 ZF, ZK OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.09.2008. The legendary Distagon T* 2.8/21 is now being introduced for SLR cameras with EF, F and K bayonets. Thanks to its excellent performance, this modernized version from the former Contax system sets new standards in this focal length class. “The outstanding correction of chromatic aberration enables photos without color fringes even in high-contrast light conditions”, says Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager, Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “Even at full aperture, the floating element design ensures optimum edge-to-edge image quality over the entire focusing range. And even in difficult light conditions, the new Distagon provides excellent results thanks to its T* coating, optimum reflection reduction and exceptional chromatic correction.” The shortest possible distance setting of only 0.22 m makes the lens ideal for impressive perspectives. Typical applications include architectural, journalistic and landscape photography. The Distagon 2.8/21 is available with an EF bayonet (ZE), F bayonet (ZF) and a K bayonet (ZK). It is suitable for both digital and analog full-format SLR cameras. Delivery of the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled to begin by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK version. Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 17.09.2008. The compact tele lens Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM fits perfectly to the popular ZM line of lenses. Thanks to its small size, this lens is ideal for portrait and landscape photography. Together with the compact C Biogon T* 2.8/35 ZM, the Tele-Tessar is the perfect equipment for you to travel with, providing you with fascinating possibilities. Despite its compact design, the image quality of the Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM is by no means inferior to that of other lenses in the ZM line. The lens is almost distortion-free and features excellent field curvature correction. Its shortest possible distance setting of only 0.9 m ensures maximum diversity of use. Its all-metal mount and sturdy design make it a multi-purpose lens for a wide variety of applications, even in tougher conditions. Delivery of the Tele-Tessar T* 4/85 ZM is scheduled to begin by the end of the year.