New family of lenses for mirrorless system cameras

News

With a bang, Carl Zeiss is introducing a new family of autofocus lenses for mirrorless system cameras at photokina 2012. Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Product and Program Manager in the Carl Zeiss Camera Lenses Division, is addressing frequently asked questions in a Q&A.

Two examples of the new family of autofocus lenses for mirrorless system cameras.

What is the idea behind this new product family of mirrorless system cameras?

The market for mirrorless system cameras (CSC) is becoming increasingly important. This increases the demand for powerful lenses. We are seeing great potential for our new family of lenses.

Why has Carl Zeiss waited so long to enter this market?

We have observed this market very carefully. Initially, many considered it a “cheap system camera segment” with slightly more sophistication than the market for compact cameras. That was not in line with our idea of quality. However, when growing numbers of camera manufacturers began to offer high quality cameras, Carl Zeiss’ interest in this market increased. Since the introduction of Sony’s NEX-7 and Fujifilm’s X-Pro 1, it became obvious that CSC cameras required quality lenses. So we decided that the time was ripe to bring such lenses to the market.

What sizes are the lenses designed for?

To showcase our high demands on imaging quality, we decided to focus on cameras with sensor size APS-C.

What focal lengths will be offered?

It will be a product family of its own. Three prime lenses are already in development: 2.8/12, 1.8/32 and 2.8/50 macro.

Will Carl Zeiss offer zoom lenses for that?

We’ll start the family with prime lenses. Zoom lenses are an option that is still being considered.

What type of bayonet (mounts) will be supported?

The new lenses will be available for Sony E-bayonet (Sony NEX cameras) and for Fujifilm X-bayonet (Fujifilm X cameras).

Will they be manual focus lenses like most other SLR lenses made by Carl Zeiss?

The new family of lenses will consist of autofocus lenses with support for all camera functions. The E-mount lenses for NEX cameras can also be focused manually. In addition to that, the lenses for the X-bayonet will come with a manual aperture setting.

What type of material do you use for the lenses?

We use different types of glass.

Will the housing of the new lenses be made of metal?

The mirrorless system cameras are lighter and more compact in comparison to SLR cameras. With this new line of lenses, we are continuing our concept of high-quality lenses for this camera system while attempting to construct them with relatively light materials. For the mechanical parts, we were looking for the best tradeoff between quality in material and total weight. As a result, we decided on a mix of materials. For parts that require no metal for accuracy or strength, we have also approved lighter materials.

New lens for the Sony E-bayonet.

How much will the lenses cost?

Exact prices haven’t been set yet but will hover around the EUR 1,000 mark. Thus, they will be comparable to prices of high-quality lenses from other vendors. A good yardstick would be the Sonnar E 1.8/24 ZA T* we developed with Sony and which Sony distributes.

Where are the lenses made?

For our CSC Lenses, we are using our longstanding global production network of trusted partners in the optical industry. The lenses will be manufactured in Japan.

Will the lenses also be available with Micro 4/3-bajonet (MFT)?

We want to offer lenses of very high quality. The image quality of the system also hinges on sensor size. Therefore, we intend to concentrate initially on the biggest sensor size in this segment which is APS-C. It would be possible for us to make lenses for Micro 4/3-bajonet as well but we have not made a decision on that yet.
If current APS-C lenses were also used for the Micro 4/3-bajonet, we wouldn’t be able to achieve the best tradeoff between lens size (weight), and image quality.

Do the lenses have image stabilization?

No, those three lenses we mentioned do not come with image stabilization. With short focal lengths image stabilization is not only not necessary – stabilization of lens elements can impair the imaging performance of the lens. Thus we decided for quality reasons to develop the lenses without image stabilization.

When will the first lenses be brought to market?

Their expected arrival is spring /summer 2013.

Tags: APS-C, autofocus, Carl Zeiss, Carl Zeiss Lenses, CSC, Dr. Michael Pollmann, E-bayonet, Fujifilm X-Pro 1, mirrorless system cameras, photokina, photokina 2012, Pollmann, Sony NEX, X-bayonet, zeissphk12

September 18, 2012 |

108 Comments | Print This Post

Email This Post | Share

108 Responses to New family of lenses for mirrorless system cameras
Leave a > comment

Defocus | September 18, 2012 at 8:39 am

Really nice news!!
What about FF lenses for the future NEX9???

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 19, 2012 at 1:27 pm

Dear Defocus,
the lenses are suitable up to APS-C. Unless there are no more information available about a Nex9 we cannot tell you more.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

LEIca | October 18, 2012 at 10:45 am

Could we have some information about the new ZM lens? We are all waiting for them…Thank you very much!

hexx | September 18, 2012 at 9:15 am

That’s excellent news!!! When you mention that MF will be available on E-mount does it mean that MF won’t be available on X mount cameras?

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 19, 2012 at 1:34 pm

Dear hexx,
basically the lenses in question are autofocus lenses. But both lenses (E and X) can also be focused manually. In addition at the X-mount there also can be the aperture set manually.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

hexx | September 21, 2012 at 1:50 pm

Thank you very much for your response, much appreciated.

garygraphy | September 18, 2012 at 9:43 am

Will the excellent 1,8/24 developed for the NEX be also available for the X-mount? Or is that still proprietary Sony?

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 19, 2012 at 1:37 pm

Dear Gary,
they will also be available for the X-mount.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Carl Zeiss Lenses | October 11, 2012 at 9:36 am

Dear Gary! We have to apologize. Whilst the hustle and bustle at the photokina 2012 we gave you a fast but unfortunately wrong answer to your question regarding the Sonnar T* E 1,8/24 ZA. At the moment we do not have any plans to make the lens available for X-bayonet. The new family of Lenses for Mirrorless System Cameras however will be available for the X-bayonet.
Please excuse our mistake.
Best regards
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Oscar C | October 27, 2012 at 2:51 pm

NEED the 24mm to go on the X mount for Fujifilm cameras , look at that focal length (23mm) on the X100 which makes that camera superb.

Love a 35mm lens (35 mm equivalent focal length), PLEASE give us a 24mm lens for the X-mount

Colin | September 18, 2012 at 9:47 am

Yes, I wonder will “focus by wire” be available on the X-mount lenses.
Will more prime lenses follow? I was disappointed a 16mm (24mm equivalent) lens is not part of the lineup.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 19, 2012 at 1:41 pm

Dear Colin,
they will also be available for the X-mount. Whether there will come other lenses within this lens family we cannot say at the moment. Stay tuned on our blog and you will be one of the first to know…
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Ace Disgrace | September 18, 2012 at 9:48 am

Thank you for your hardwork Zeiss team. A lot of people will buy this lenses. Hope to get one before Christmas.

BobYIL | September 18, 2012 at 10:36 am

1. There’s no doubt that they will be excellent lenses like the 24/1.8, however please pay more attention to the 32/1.8 Planar so we could be having a normal lens with fine bokeh like the 50/2 Macro-Planar.

2. No matter what happens, the FF-mirrorless will be popularized in the coming years. Besides the bodies (Sony) we need AF lenses for FF format too. I think this would suit Zeiss perfectly to become the hi-end FF lens supplier for the AF-mirrorless too; also as a partner to complement what Sony could not do. (Actually I can’t think of any other manufacturer including Leica for until they come up with an AF-FF body it will be 2020s..)

peterv | September 18, 2012 at 11:01 am

Thanks, this great news! The 24 mm NEX practically lives on one of my two NEX 7′s. The IQ is outstanding, and I’m looking forward to these new lenses for E-mount.
One question a lot of customers will ask themselves though: Will these lenses be a good future investment now that it’s clear Sony might bring out a FF NEX sooner or later?

Owen | September 20, 2012 at 2:43 am

Yup, that’s the biggest problem now isn’t it. Will this make a worthwhile investment considering Sony might release a FF NEX.

My biggest problem with the idea of a FF NEX is how LARGE the lens will be, you’re looking at a DSLR sized lens with probably a camera body at the size of a Leica M?

Basically it counters the idea of mirrorless camera, which is lightweight and more portable (well not as large/heavy as a DSLR, something between DSLR and pocket camera)

And the conflicting problem about the future of E Mount, A Mount and perhaps (EA mount??) when it comes to the NEX series.

George D | September 30, 2012 at 6:57 pm

Absolutely agree with this comment. The point of mirrorless camera’s is they are portable. So many people make reference to the FF Nex 9 but if this comes it will counter the very soul of what a mirrorless camera can do. Think about the distance between the lens and sensor. It is simply impossible to engineer reasonably sized optics that render light onto a FF sensor at such a short distance. Look at the problem the nex 7 has in terms of corner smearing on most wide legacy lenses. This is not a design fault but rather a consequence of the nature of such small cameras. If you want it you need to think leaf shutter mechanisms in lens. Big money!

Alan | September 18, 2012 at 11:31 am

Fantastic news! Well done CZ! I am already impatient, and would buy them today if they were available. For my NEX7. The 3 of them. Also, pretty please, something a bit longer as well. Like a 100mm f2.8. Pleaaaase!

Alessandro Petri | September 18, 2012 at 11:49 am

Great job!

2.8/12 and 1.8/32 are very interesting to me

I hope this pioneers Zeiss AF lenses for a future FF NEX, that would be a dream come true!

Ryan Lussier | September 18, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Thank you Thank you Thank you for supporting the Fuji XF mount. I’ve been using my M mount adapter with my Zeiss glass and now this native support is like a dream come true!!!!! You guys are the best

Bene | September 18, 2012 at 12:58 pm

can u plz built a 300mm f/4 tele tessar?
the nex system needs a strong telelens!

viele grüsse aus dem ruhrpott

FC Liu | September 18, 2012 at 2:11 pm

So, it’s mean soon or late… I can buy one for Canon EOS M!

That’s Awesone!

Gregg Smith | September 18, 2012 at 2:18 pm

I hate to say it – after being so excited about the announcement of lenses for mirrorless cameras – but I’m a little disappointed with the three lenses on offer.
The 12mm 2.8 is already available if you use the 16mm 2.8 Pancake with the Wide Angle Adaptor. Granted the optics aren’t great (distortion, etc.) but the in-camera correction software is pretty good.
Likewise, Sony already produce a 50mm f1.8 (a whole stop faster than the intended 50mm 2.8 Macro) and the close focus is pretty good already. Decent Macros need to be in the region of 85-100mm, so I’m not sure how good this lens will be.
Finally, the 32mm f2.8 – this sounds a little too similar to the planned 35mm f1.8 due from Sony so, again, doesn’t offer anything dramatically different.
Please don’t get me wrong – I have had a love affair with Zeiss lenses since I started working in tv (mainly commercials and drama) and I am the proud owner of a few of the ZM primes – I’m just not sure Zeiss have picked the right focal lengths and / or speed for their lenses to make them really stand out from the crowd.
I have no doubt the quality of the lenses will be superb, but I think I’ll stick with the ZM lenses using an adaptor.
Here’s hoping the new ZM lens announcement will offer something along the lines of a 25mm f2 to complement the 35mm, 50mm and old 85mm f2s.
One final point, if you’re shooting video (which many of us do now simply because we can) anything over 50mm should have OSS. It’s interesting that Zeiss don’t plan on installing that – keeping the range more in line with the old rangefinder cameras.
And last but not least, the fly-by-wire focus thing just winds me up – again, I’d have been much more impressed if the lenses were like their ZM counterparts and had fixed manual focus marks and hard stops at the end of the focus range.
That said, if you’re looking for auto focus Zeiss glass,I can’t think of anywhere else you can get it – I guess I just prefer manual focus with a good lens.
Let’s hope the ZM announcement makes me a little happier.

Anonymous | September 18, 2012 at 3:42 pm

I agree with everything Gregg said. Sony already offers the 16mm + ECU1. No doubt the quality will not be as good as the Zeiss, but it’ll be like 1/5th the cost. The Sony 35/1.8 will cost less than half the price of the Zeiss and will include OSS. The 50/2.8 is a little short for a macro (75mm equiv) and there’s already the Sony 50/1.8 with OSS. I guess the IQ on these lenses must be absolutely amazing and razor sharp then.

Markus Arike | September 30, 2012 at 9:26 pm

Please keep in mind that the new Zeiss lenses are also intended for the Fuji X system. Besides if I were a Sony shooter, it’s doubtful that I’d be upset about having a better wide than the E 16 2.8 + adapter. I doubt there are many serious shooters who consider the naked 16 2.8 a serious wide. The 16 2.8 + adapter? Yikes.

TM | September 18, 2012 at 2:44 pm

Well done. Look forward to buying the 2.8/12mm when it becomes available.

Olga Celle | September 23, 2012 at 3:40 am

You’re right,the 12mm is already in my (imaginary) bag!

Simon Dai | September 18, 2012 at 3:24 pm

Auto focus! That’s a giant leap forward. For the X mount, please make it focusing faster and – faster than the Fuji models.

Congratulations!

starware | September 18, 2012 at 3:50 pm

A 27mm for sonx nex is urgently needed!

c.d.embrey | September 18, 2012 at 5:03 pm

My most used lens is the 135mm on Full Frame, it’s great for portrature and fashion. I’d like to see a 90mm f/1.8 (=135mm) for E and X bayonet.

Robert Wisbey | September 18, 2012 at 5:35 pm

It’s a pity there is no close to 35 mm FF equivalent (23 mm 24 mm or 25 mm). This is what’s lacking on the XP1, and would be well received.

Oscar C | October 27, 2012 at 4:11 pm

So agree with you on this one !!!!! Someone understand !! Thank God hahahha

I want to buy the X-Pro 1 right now but not lens to give me the 24mm which makes it 35mm on the APS-C

Eric | September 18, 2012 at 5:45 pm

Please add a 55 or 58mm F/1.2 with creamy bokeh.

Arne | September 18, 2012 at 7:43 pm

That would be a favorite for me too, but a compact 1.4/60mm would be nice enough for me and the perfect partner for the Sony Zeiss 1.8/24mm in my camera bag.

behyer | September 19, 2012 at 1:41 am

I love my 24/1.8 (and ZE 50 and all the Zeiss lenses that I had for my Contax system years ago) and I will surely own each of the new offerings. I just wish you could get them to market faster. Now, about that short tele. An 85/2 would be easy to add. A tele zoom would be good, AS LONG AS it’s a fixed 2.8 or faster.

xproguy | September 19, 2012 at 3:53 am

Fujinon, Samyang and now Zeiss make some great lenses for X-Pro1… Getting better

phil | September 19, 2012 at 5:07 pm

will there be 40mm 2.8 equivalent tessar or sonnar lens? i reminisce those rollei 35s!

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 20, 2012 at 10:02 am

Dear Phil,
thank you for your interest in such products. At the moment we unfortunately cannot provide further information on wether we will produce and sell such lenses in the future.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Hannes | September 20, 2012 at 4:33 pm

These are great news! I only can afford one of these per year, but after having the 24mm f/1.8 for a year, I just have to say I’m going to buy the 12 and 50mm ones – now the only thing I miss is a 85mm portrait lens. However, until I can afford it, you’ll have it, I’m sure.

One thing though: I haven’t found ANY photo of the 50mm macro lens on the web. Do you have any? And: Is the external lens design already final or can we expect further changes in size and look?

I hope the built quality will be up to the level of the 24mm lens for E-Mount. It feels great while still being as lightweight as possible. Thanks for making such inspiring products!

Tony | September 21, 2012 at 9:11 am

Why the lenses for the X-bayonet will come with a manual aperture setting & the E-mount lenses for NEX cameras – not?

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 22, 2012 at 9:19 am

Dear Tony,
The Fuji X cameras support a manual aperture control of the lenses, the NEX cameras only support electronically controlled apertures of the lens. So it is not possible to equip an E-mount lens with a manual aperture ring.

Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 21, 2012 at 9:52 am

@Hannes: You can find very detailled information about the Makro-Planar T* 2/50 and lots of images here http://lenses.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/carl-zeiss-camera-lenses/camera_lenses/slr-lenses/makroplanart250.html

Magnus Wedberg | September 21, 2012 at 4:07 pm

@phil: Adapt one of those Sonnars for your NEX! Look here!

(Ducks and runs away from angry crowd with pitchforks)

bunuel | September 21, 2012 at 4:54 pm

I find it hard to believe that the lens shade is integrated in the lens design.

Surely, with such an elaborate lens (and premium price), one should be able to decide for one self when to use the large lens shade. No, ?..

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 22, 2012 at 8:15 am

Dear bunuel,
Sorry for the confusion. You can of course take the lens shade of if you want to.

Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Joachim2 | September 22, 2012 at 12:04 pm

Mein Wunsch: 4 Zeiss-Objektive.
Ich wünsche mir von Zeiss (da bei Fujifilm nicht vorgesehen) eine Serie von 3 XF-Objektiven mit Lichtstärke 2 (nicht 1,4), hoher Bildqualität (fast X100-Niveau), Brennweiten 35, 50 und 70 mm(KB) und Kompaktheit (ohne Macro, ohne OIS). – Außerdem ein Pancake-Zoom 4/35-70 mm(KB).

Joachim2 | October 3, 2012 at 10:19 am

Ich wäre auch schon mit zwei neuen XF-Objektiven zufrieden: 2/35 mm(KB) und 35-70 mm(KB).

Terrance | September 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

Love this development and looking forward to it. Owning almost a dozen Carl Zeiss lenses in 4 different formats from rangefinder to medium format, I look forward to this next offering.

If ever you need a guinea pig to test them out, I’m a willing volunteer!

Oboe | September 23, 2012 at 9:18 am

Hey team Zeiss,

Did you consider making the 32mm a 1.4? This would’ve helped differentiate your offering from Sony’s upcoming 35mm 1.8.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 24, 2012 at 10:19 am

Dear Oboe,
please understand that we are in general not talking about possible future products. Thank you for your suggestion, we care about our customers wishes.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Gregg Smith | September 24, 2012 at 8:01 pm

Well, Photokina comes to an end and I don’t think I’m the only one disappointed that there wasn’t an announcement on the upcoming ZM lens for 2013.
I was also disappointed with the news of the upcoming lenses for the mirrorless cameras (especially in terms of the NEX lenses that are planned).
I think Zeiss’ time could be better spent perfecting the ZM ‘system’ of lenses – let’s face it, they are a mixed bag at the moment, with maximum apertures ranging from f1.5 to f4 – if we could standardise the set on f2 they would be sublime.
The reason I suggest this as the key focus for Zeiss is that all of the ZM lenses cover full frame (so would hopefully work with a future full frame NEX). They can all be used on a multitude of cameras with the appropriate adaptor, and they all have manual focus AND Iris, so would be future-proof on any camera whether it has automatic iris control through the body, or via the lens.
There are so many camera systems out there and in this digital age that number’s just going to continue to grow.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a ‘full set’ of lenses that could be used on a variety of bodies, but which offer exceptional value, rather than a disjointed jumble of lenses for the ZF, ZE, E and M mounts which we have at the moment.
Please, guys, if you really are listening to your customers, then let us know that you will consider such a move, which could streamline your production overnight, and let you concentrate on producing excellent lenses.
That, and a Digital IKON camera would be AWESOME !

Carl Zeiss Lenses | September 25, 2012 at 7:01 am

Dear Gregg,
thank you for your feedback and the time you took to get in touch with us.
Regarding your disappointment about missing news about a upcoming ZM lens: In 2013, at least one fast lens with M bayonet will go on sale. But you’ll have to be patient, we are not yet revealing anything more.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Alex | September 27, 2012 at 11:35 am

Excellent news, I really like the colour rendering of Zeiss glass!

Andrew R | October 2, 2012 at 7:35 pm

I am thrilled about the new Zeiss e-mount lenses. They will greatly enhance the attractiveness of mirrorless cameras for serious photography.

I know you cannot discuss future plans, but I support the request by other commenters for a fast (1.4 to 2.0) 60mm portrait lens. This is the biggest omission from most mirrorless (and indeed APS-C DSLR) systems.

Congratulations on all the new lenses. It is fantastic to see so much enthusiasm from Zeiss!

Hannes | October 4, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Yep, that’s exactly what’s missing now: A fast 60, 70 or 85mm portrait lens. I really hope Carl Zeiss cares enough to build one, as they would have a absolutely complete system of lenses for those camera systems.

Apex | October 7, 2012 at 11:40 pm

It’s good to see high quality lenses being released for the NEX system. I would love to see a line of lenses developed for micro-4/3 as well. Panasonic has developed some excellent new zoom lenses and the Leica-branded lenses are nice, but there is room in the system for a very high quality wide angle lens as well as a super-telephoto.

c.d.embrey | October 19, 2012 at 7:13 am

Any chance of getting a 90mm f/1.8 lens? My favorite FF lens is 135mm, but no-one seems to be interested in making that FOV available in either E or X mount.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | November 13, 2012 at 12:16 pm

Dear c.d.embrey,

thank you for your interest in a 1,8/90 lense or a 135 for E/X mount. At the moment we cannot provide any information on whether we will produce and sell this product in the future. To stay up to date on all our new products in the future, we suggest you to become a fan of Carl Zeiss lenses on Facebook or follow us on Twitter .

Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team”

silvrmn | October 26, 2012 at 1:16 am

I know this may be heresy on this blog, but I use a Leica Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8 with a Novoflex NEX/LEM adapter. Sharp, lovely color, creamy bokeh, and tiny enough to look like it was made for the NEX-7. Until someone comes along with a faster, autofocus, higher IQ lens this will be in my camera bag.

david | October 28, 2012 at 8:39 am

We need more small lenses: good pancake primes. Theses big long lenses disadvantage the mirrorless idea.

Mike B | October 29, 2012 at 10:22 am

Can you comment on how well the 12mm will perform on the Nex 7 please? As you know the Nex 7 has edge and corner issues with many wide angle lenses (colour shift and blur). Thanks….

Lou | October 30, 2012 at 11:42 am

I have found one lens that has no corner issues on NEX-7, no excessive color shift or aberration. That lens is the Tokina 12-24 used with adapter and in manual focusing. It exists in A mount, Nikon and Canon Mount. The lens has an excellent sharpness and corners are sharp until very close to the edge. I await the 12 mm 2.8 to come, it would be nice to know when it will see the market, and, for sure, I will wait to see some results in those matters and distortion as well.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | November 13, 2012 at 10:45 am

Hi Mike,
So far, there is no working prototype of the new announced 12mm lens. Data based on practical tests and lab tests will be published as soon as the lens will be introduced to the market.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Sahaja | October 29, 2012 at 3:41 pm

These lenses make both the NEX and X-Pro systems even more tempting than they already are – and make it even more difficult to choose between the two.

Add to these a portrait prime (or two) and I won’t resist.

Markdphotoguy | October 29, 2012 at 10:05 pm

I’ve looked for a detailed spec list and I’m having a hard time finding one.
Of chief interest are the filter sizes (particularly the 50mm f/2.8), lens dimensions and the MTF charts for the 12, 32 and 50mm lenses.
Also on an unrelated subject how close is Zeiss to releasing info on the new anamorphic lens(es?) under development.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | November 13, 2012 at 1:32 pm

Dear Markdphotoguy,
sorry we do not say more than previously announced about technical details at the moment. Please wait fo further updates!
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Alex | October 30, 2012 at 9:57 am

Very exciting.

Will these lenses (1) use focus-by-wire or will the focus ring have a direct mechanical coupling? And (2) will there be a hard focus stop at infinity?

Carl Zeiss Lenses | November 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm

Dear Alex,
sorry we do not announce further technical details at the moment.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Hannes | November 20, 2012 at 8:51 am

The E-Mount specification doesn’t see hard stops or directly coupled focus rings, so:

1. Focus by wire
and 2. no hard focus stop.

That’s just not gonna happen with E-Mount cameras (and afaik also not with X-Mount ones), so it’s not up to Zeiss.

Tony Tang | November 2, 2012 at 11:57 pm

We want Metal hood,not like SONY E Mount 24mm F1.8,because Metal hood fit on the Lens looks professional!
Thank you.

Jan Fervers | November 8, 2012 at 11:08 pm

As a fujisan and marketing pro, i would recommend Zeiss to build not only primes for X-System, but hyperprimes. I think there is no realy need for an 32/1.8(if it’s not 110% proven that this glass provides significant better whatever than fujis excellent lenses)

There is a need for good bokeh and small dof in aps-c like with a f.095(which is 1.4 from bokeh side, remeber that).

Seriously, i the higher price segment Zeiss still got a name, but looses great potential to innovative small companies like SLR Magic. So, come up with an 32mm f0.95, not that poor 1.8 which is effectily a 50mm f2…

Jan Fervers
gewaechshaus – Agentur für Marken und E-Commerce

Hannes | November 20, 2012 at 8:49 am

Are you serious? You’d prefer another f/0.95 lens to a high quality 1.4 or 1.8 prime? Such a lens would be HUGE and extremely expensive if the quality is good (just look at the Leica Noctilux for reference). The SLRmagic 50mm lens costs 1000, is big, heavy and of bad optical quality.

If you NEED a 32mm f/1.8 for the X-Mount is up to the user, but Sony doesn’t have such a excellent 35mm f/1.4 lens as Fuji has. And if the optical quality of the Zeiss is better (it should be) than the Sony 35mm 1.8 OSS, it will sell quite okay.

Michael S. | November 12, 2012 at 2:55 pm

will the new E-mount Zeiss lenses support the in body lens compensation feature of the Nex-cameras (correction for distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberration)

Hannes | November 20, 2012 at 8:43 am

If the will need this, they won’t be good enough to sell well … So no, probably and hopefully, they will NOT support these in camera jpeg (!) corrections.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | November 26, 2012 at 4:04 pm

Dear Michael S.,
we will announce further technical details once the lenses are launched.
Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Dirk | November 15, 2012 at 11:32 am

What I really would love to see in the future would be a 58mm 1.4 lens for Sony Nex e-Mount. There is no portrait lens so far, besides the 50mm, which is a little too short for my taste.

Hannes | November 20, 2012 at 8:45 am

A f/1.4 portrait lens somewhere between 58 and 70mm is the one lens missing after Zeiss released these three.

alonzo | November 26, 2012 at 2:21 am

E-mount 12mm F2.8 seems perfect for my seadycam . F2.8 interior shoot ,lovely . WOW
Thanks zeiss .

Joel N | November 28, 2012 at 3:22 am

Any chance manual aperture can be on the Sony lenses? Manual lens control is just so awesome for form and handling, one of the reasons why I prefer old manual lenses to boring auto/electronic-everything lenses.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | December 10, 2012 at 7:47 am

Dear Joel,

The way in which the aperture setting is done depends mainly on the decision of the system manufacturer. For Sony, currently leader in innovations and new technologies (SLT) in the photographic market, it is obligation to put as much as possible electronic solutions in its cameras.
Therefore, a manual aperture ring would be anachronistic. Your only chance is to adapt older lenses or switch to a system where manual aperture setting is possible (Nikon – not with actual G-type lenses, but with our ZF.2 lenses – or Pentax).

Best regards,
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Ryussbag | December 6, 2012 at 4:37 pm

I wish In 2013, 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4 zm lens to be released

Marc | December 12, 2012 at 5:16 pm

A pity its all focus by wire. Is there any chance we get lenses with distance markings and a focus knob? Is this just about the price of the final product? Or is there any other reason why not build these lenses with proper manual focus. I would love to pay more if they would support mf!

Nicholas S | December 18, 2012 at 9:05 pm

One issue I anticipate here; if the lens shade is integrated, how easily will these lenses adapt for filters? (either screw fit or ‘Lee’- type fittings)

Andi B | December 20, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Dear CZ Team,
a short lens-design question. I saw the prototype in the video clip. But there was one detail I wasn’t able to see. Was there a filter threat on the 12mm prototype?
Thanks and regards from Austria!

Simon M | December 20, 2012 at 11:45 pm

Great Press Release!! i’m particularly interrested in the 2.8/12 for E-mount. I hope it will have less CA’s than Sony’s “Pancake+Wide adapter” alternative, and hopefully lighter than that combo.

The NEX-series of cameras are supposed to be very light and sleek as well.
But so far we have only seen ONE pancake lens for E-mount.
I would love to see a “Zeiss Pancake” for E-mount!

Best Regards / Simon

Hannes | December 26, 2012 at 3:41 pm

Zeiss and pancake? Dream on …

albhui | December 29, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Will these news lens cover the full image circle when used on the VG900 (E mount)?

Cynthia Webster | January 6, 2013 at 1:36 am

I am concerned about the 12mm… It’s already wider than the Sony 16mm pancake which is rubber city when it comes to vertical lines, Could Zeiss please make a RECTILINEAR wide lens. Whatever the focal length, I would pay handsomely for such a lens no slower than 3.5 or faster.
I am using these for Digital Cinema NEX-FS100 and FS700, and am also in need of a fast Zoom for interiors, something like a parafocal 2.8 in the 16-60mm e-Mount Range.
These shifting F-stop lenses like F3.5-6.5 are horrible, please just one maximum aperture that you can count on, one needs consistent
depth of filed for film making, and internal focus please, (no tromboning of the front element into the mattbox filters). With todays lower budgets and small crews, such a lens with autofocus would be great.
Please know, that I will of course be buying the new 12mm, 32mm, and 50mm Zeiss e-Mount Lenses anyway. Was kind of hoping for a 14mm Rectilinear, and a 75mm 1.8.
Thank you for making Zeiss glass in e-Mount!

Austin | January 29, 2013 at 2:00 pm

I just want to add to the noise wanting real manual focus. As excited as the announcement made me, the pictures took it away. Fujifilm’s aesthetic begs for a manual lens, if I wanted a robot lens, I’d've gotten a NEX.

Good day

Hannes | January 29, 2013 at 10:07 pm

‘robot lens’? Honestly, have you ever even tried the 24mm CZ lens for E-Mount? It is awesome! The way it renders pictures, the way it handles, the way the focus ring turns … It’s awesome in every way! Just because something is new doesn’t mean it is bad in any way.

luckyluke | February 5, 2013 at 11:54 am

can you give us a release date, please?
spring/summer is like maybe winter 2013.

greetz

Carl Zeiss Lenses | February 19, 2013 at 1:00 pm

At the moment we cannot give a specific release date. But we can ensure you: As soon as we know when shipping starts, we will let our readers know.
Best regards, Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Stephen Hibbs | February 16, 2013 at 10:13 pm

I have the 24mm e mount, can’t wait for the 12mm and 50.
Is there any future plans for a zeiss zoom, for the e mount.
Thanks Steve

John Denlinger | February 17, 2013 at 8:40 pm

This is great news. We have a full set of zf.2 for our Sony F3 and D600. Making beautiful pictures.

macro diver | February 25, 2013 at 3:26 pm

For underwater macro photography, 50mm is a bit short for comfort and limits the use of strobes. Same problem with the Sony NEX 30mm macro. NEX divers are desperate for a high quality 100mm 1:1 macro with AF and preferably internal focussing (for use in UW housings). Just suggestions for next time, but a girl can dream

Hannes | February 25, 2013 at 8:55 pm

@Stephen Hibbs: There are rumors about a Zeiss E-Mount zoom in the next few months, although sold under a Sony brand, just like the 24mm lens. Will be interesting to see whether the Zeiss will be the cheaper zoom (e.g. sth. like the 16-80 for A-Mount) or the more expensive variant – the other one will be a Sony G lens.

@macro diver: I guess you are the minority.

@Zeiss: The more you say you give us more information, the more curious we get … ^^

Btw.: The 12mm and 32mm lenses won an iF design award, the 50mm was not even nominated, and we never saw even a prototype. Is it possible that the other two lenses are finished and that there’s some problem with the 50mm macro that delays the release of these lenses?

xue24 | March 1, 2013 at 8:32 am

i remember reading a forum saying Zeiss has an article explaining how in lens stabilization affect the image. Mind directing me to that article? Looking forwards for these new Zeiss AF lens, the ZA50/1.4 and the new 55/1.4.

dkkma | March 5, 2013 at 6:54 pm

I’m currently using 2 ZM lens on the Fuji. However, I’m really looking forward to see a lens with autofocus. Is there anyway to sign up for updates?

Thanks!

Carl Zeiss Lenses | March 7, 2013 at 9:59 am

Hi dkkma,
The best way to be up to date would be to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/carlzeisslenses) or Twitter (twitter.com/carlzeisslenses).
Best regards
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Nikolai | March 9, 2013 at 5:41 pm

Is there a plan to make Lenses for Micro 4/3 mount for Olympus and Panasonic.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | March 15, 2013 at 12:28 pm

Dear Nikolai,

Best regards
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

jseliger | May 1, 2013 at 5:47 pm

@Carol Zeiss Lenses—

It would be possible for us to make lenses for Micro 4/3-bajonet as well but we have not made a decision on that yet.

I hope you do: if you’re communicating with anyone who makes product design decisions, let them know that Micro 4/3 versions would be, and hopefully will be, much appreciated.

dick ranez | March 11, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Nice to see the autofocus features on the new lenses. Maybe you should put those engineers to work on the ZE and Zf mount offerings.

Sam Choo | March 13, 2013 at 11:59 am

Hi, May I ask when the 12mm X-mount will be available in Hong Kong? Coz I have a long travel in end April, just want to skip the 14mm by Fxji. thanks.

Carl Zeiss Lenses | March 15, 2013 at 12:29 pm

Dear Sam Choo,

They will be available this summer.

Best regards
Carl Zeiss Lenses Team

Hannes | March 17, 2013 at 7:58 pm

Summer? Damn, I hoped for spring (like Zeiss staff told us a few times) … But yeah, it’s better to release excellent lenses in summer than mid-class ones in spring, I guess.

Carlos | April 4, 2013 at 1:00 pm

I am in Singapore and use my Nex7 for diving. Looking forward to the 12mm. Any chance it will be available before May?.

Vladislav | April 17, 2013 at 10:43 pm

No depth-of-field scales, not suitable for zone focusing. Major prime lens functionality lost. Try to explain that backward design decision, Zeiss.

Select a country