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Archive 2015Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
p.5 #1Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 next
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:45 PM
p.5 #2Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Arrrgh the temptation!
I have the Batis 25; fantastic for wide enviro portraiture and so forth. I have the 16-35 which is very good at both 16 and 21. Very good but not as good.
Keep the 16-35 and supplement with the Loxia? Sell the 16-35 and get Loxia? pass on the Loxia?
Strange; I know that which of these I do will have little or no material impact on the quality of the images I produce, and yet substantial impact on my savings. And yet I care. The relationship between the two passions many of us have: photography and photo gear - is not simple. If our photo gear passion affects our photography these days it is mostly by inspiring us to play with new toys and thereby create good images, rather than just because of the small improvements in IQ...
I have the Batis 25; fantastic for wide enviro portraiture and so forth. I have the 16-35 which is very good at both 16 and 21. Very good but not as good.
Keep the 16-35 and supplement with the Loxia? Sell the 16-35 and get Loxia? pass on the Loxia?
Strange; I know that which of these I do will have little or no material impact on the quality of the images I produce, and yet substantial impact on my savings. And yet I care. The relationship between the two passions many of us have: photography and photo gear - is not simple. If our photo gear passion affects our photography these days it is mostly by inspiring us to play with new toys and thereby create good images, rather than just because of the small improvements in IQ...
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:46 PM
p.5 #3Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
GMPhotography wrote:
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 next
I'm guessing there won't be a 135mm f2 Batis, since likely Sony will do a Sony-Zeiss one of those (or 1.8 like A mount, but I'm guessing f2 because of size)
And actually (QC aside) that might be better, as I think a Zony is likely to have better AF, especially in CAF modes, and I care about that in a long lens.
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 next
I'm guessing there won't be a 135mm f2 Batis, since likely Sony will do a Sony-Zeiss one of those (or 1.8 like A mount, but I'm guessing f2 because of size)
And actually (QC aside) that might be better, as I think a Zony is likely to have better AF, especially in CAF modes, and I care about that in a long lens.
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:49 PM
p.5 #4Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I love the look of the Loxia 21 
The Batis 25 is an awesome lens and its AF combined on the A7rII makes for great street shooting combo. Just set the AF on AF-C and on Wide/Zone, and include face detection if needed. This works incredibly well. As a landscape lens it is amazing too.
I know the Loxia 21 with MF will be amazing for landscapes as the design is so well implemented.
I feel the Batis 25 and Loxia 21 are 2 very unique lenses, and suits completely different styles of shooting. I really like the Batis 25 as it is close enough to the 28mm for street shooting. The 21mm becomes too wide for the streets, but brilliant for landscapes.
Too many choices now
The Batis 25 is an awesome lens and its AF combined on the A7rII makes for great street shooting combo. Just set the AF on AF-C and on Wide/Zone, and include face detection if needed. This works incredibly well. As a landscape lens it is amazing too.
I know the Loxia 21 with MF will be amazing for landscapes as the design is so well implemented.
I feel the Batis 25 and Loxia 21 are 2 very unique lenses, and suits completely different styles of shooting. I really like the Batis 25 as it is close enough to the 28mm for street shooting. The 21mm becomes too wide for the streets, but brilliant for landscapes.
Too many choices now
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:50 PM
p.5 #5Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Wow, lots of choices for ultra wide fans, it's like Christmas! Lol
With this lens, the Loxia line is starting to look viable to me, I'd really like to see a 40-45mm lens and an 85-90, I can't wait to see samples from the members of this forum, and a shoot out with other 21's, it should be interesting.
With this lens, the Loxia line is starting to look viable to me, I'd really like to see a 40-45mm lens and an 85-90, I can't wait to see samples from the members of this forum, and a shoot out with other 21's, it should be interesting.
Oct 12, 2015 at 07:02 PM
p.5 #6Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
GMPhotography wrote:
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 next
I'm starting to wonder if there will be any duplication in the 2 lines, on one hand having each lens a unique focal length almost insures all lenses will be bought, on the other hand if you only like one style, it may be frustrating that you can't get the focal length you wanted.
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 next
I'm starting to wonder if there will be any duplication in the 2 lines, on one hand having each lens a unique focal length almost insures all lenses will be bought, on the other hand if you only like one style, it may be frustrating that you can't get the focal length you wanted.
Oct 12, 2015 at 07:07 PM
p.5 #7Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Regarding native E mount primes shorter than 90mm, only 18mm, 40mm and 75mm seem to be the ones not covered by either of Sony, Zeiss or Voigtländer. Suddenly a lot just happened, so now we can wait for Sony's next rumoured announcement. Which telephoto lenses and zooms will come?
Oct 12, 2015 at 07:37 PM
p.5 #8Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
First review with wide-open samples:
http://passportsandlenses.com/zeiss-loxia-212-8-review
http://passportsandlenses.com/zeiss-loxia-212-8-review
Oct 12, 2015 at 07:48 PM
p.5 #9Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
LightShow wrote:
I'm starting to wonder if there will be any duplication in the 2 lines, on one hand having each lens a unique focal length almost insures all lenses will be bought, on the other hand if you only like one style, it may be frustrating that you can't get the focal length you wanted.
I think at some point maybe a year or so you will see duplication in both lines. The Loxia line is aimed at video and die heart still shooters that like to focus. Mainly us landscape type shooters will go in this direction, let's not forget travel as well. I also think in Loxia that Zeiss has there finger pointed directly at Leica.
The Batis line on the other hand is aimed at PR, wedding and stuff of this nature. The good news it's still killer good for landscape type shooters and reading forums all these years the AF folks just dominate the market. So this needs to be addressed. What Zeiss in my mind is doing at the moment is getting there basic kits out in both lines but also working with Sony not to duplicate what they are doing as well. But down the road I believe we will see lots of duplication.
Really the great part here and the take away for us end users is a lot of commitment to the FE mount now that it seems to be gaining the market share everyone is jumping in. End of day us end users should be very happy. I think Sony will address the longer stuff too.
GMPhotography wrote
I really like both lines a lot the Batis lenses are great, we need a 135 f2 and 200 2.8 than a 35f2 and a 18 2.8. That would round out that line quite well . Loxis they should do a 75 nextI think at some point maybe a year or so you will see duplication in both lines. The Loxia line is aimed at video and die heart still shooters that like to focus. Mainly us landscape type shooters will go in this direction, let's not forget travel as well. I also think in Loxia that Zeiss has there finger pointed directly at Leica.
The Batis line on the other hand is aimed at PR, wedding and stuff of this nature. The good news it's still killer good for landscape type shooters and reading forums all these years the AF folks just dominate the market. So this needs to be addressed. What Zeiss in my mind is doing at the moment is getting there basic kits out in both lines but also working with Sony not to duplicate what they are doing as well. But down the road I believe we will see lots of duplication.
Really the great part here and the take away for us end users is a lot of commitment to the FE mount now that it seems to be gaining the market share everyone is jumping in. End of day us end users should be very happy. I think Sony will address the longer stuff too.
Oct 12, 2015 at 07:48 PM
p.5 #10Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I think we'll see something like a 100 f2 Makro planar in the loxia line, then a 135 basis.
But what I would like most is a compact ultra high IQ 100-300 Batis--like an upgraded contax 100-300 VS.
For Loxia, how about a compact but excellent IQ 180-200mm f4 primes, like the Voigtlander I used to own.
The FE line is developing quite well under 100mm, but over the native options are quite slim.
I am super excited for this Loxia though.
For a subset of shooters (MF, prime, traveling, landscaper/urban stuff, with high IQ demands) this is a dream lens it seems.
But what I would like most is a compact ultra high IQ 100-300 Batis--like an upgraded contax 100-300 VS.
For Loxia, how about a compact but excellent IQ 180-200mm f4 primes, like the Voigtlander I used to own.
The FE line is developing quite well under 100mm, but over the native options are quite slim.
I am super excited for this Loxia though.
For a subset of shooters (MF, prime, traveling, landscaper/urban stuff, with high IQ demands) this is a dream lens it seems.
Oct 12, 2015 at 08:01 PM
p.5 #11Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
What about a Zeiss Loxia Tele Superachromat 200mm f/4?
Oct 12, 2015 at 08:27 PM
p.5 #12Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I think with the Loxia lenses you have to keep in mind they have a video focus. If you look at Zeiss' Ultra and Master Cine lenses you will see that there is a focus on wide angle lenses, but very few telephoto lenses. For example the Ultra series has an 8mm, 10mm, 12mm 14mm, 16mm, and 20mm, but only a 135mm and 180mm longer than 100mm. The Master series has a 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, wider than 21mm and only a 135mm and 150mm longer than 100mm.
What we know is that when Zeiss announced the Loxia lenses they said they had a plan (perhaps only and initial plan) for 5 lenses. We now know three of those lenses: the 21mm f/2.8, the 35 f/2, and the 50 f/2. I think there will be at least one lens between the 21mm and the 35mm. I think the most likely guess is a 28mm f/2.8, but I could see a 25 f/2.8 too or perhaps instead of the 28. I think they might go wider than the 21mm as well. After all, video does often crave wider lenses, but the recent announcement of all those Voigtlander wide lenses might mean that Zeiss doesn release any wider lenses. I still think, however, that a 16mm fisheye could very well be one of the original 5 loxia. As for longer than 50mm, both an 85mm f/2 and a 100mm f/2 could be coming, but I have some doubts about either.
Another factor that seems to be emerging is that the first three lenses have the same diameter and filter size as one another. This is something that is common in cine lenses. I think it is fairly likely that the next two Loxia will have a 52mm filter threat and a 62.1mm diameter like the first three.
If I had to guess, I would think the next two are a 28mm f/2.8 and a 16mm f/2.8 fisheye, but a number of lenses are certainly possible. I would be shocked if they made a lens longer than 100mm and especially a 200mm.
What we know is that when Zeiss announced the Loxia lenses they said they had a plan (perhaps only and initial plan) for 5 lenses. We now know three of those lenses: the 21mm f/2.8, the 35 f/2, and the 50 f/2. I think there will be at least one lens between the 21mm and the 35mm. I think the most likely guess is a 28mm f/2.8, but I could see a 25 f/2.8 too or perhaps instead of the 28. I think they might go wider than the 21mm as well. After all, video does often crave wider lenses, but the recent announcement of all those Voigtlander wide lenses might mean that Zeiss doesn release any wider lenses. I still think, however, that a 16mm fisheye could very well be one of the original 5 loxia. As for longer than 50mm, both an 85mm f/2 and a 100mm f/2 could be coming, but I have some doubts about either.
Another factor that seems to be emerging is that the first three lenses have the same diameter and filter size as one another. This is something that is common in cine lenses. I think it is fairly likely that the next two Loxia will have a 52mm filter threat and a 62.1mm diameter like the first three.
If I had to guess, I would think the next two are a 28mm f/2.8 and a 16mm f/2.8 fisheye, but a number of lenses are certainly possible. I would be shocked if they made a lens longer than 100mm and especially a 200mm.
Oct 12, 2015 at 08:52 PM
p.5 #13Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I really have no idea what the next two Loxias will be; what I'd like is a 40mm f2; but that's not a Zeiss tradition if that makes a difference - maybe it does to marketing. More hope from CV.
A 15mm f2.8 I think makes sense; they did one for M mount and so that gives them a "tradition"; and f2.8 is enough of a difference from f4.5 that is is a point of difference to charge a premium over the CV.
Edited on Oct 12, 2015 at 09:38 PM · View previous versions
A 15mm f2.8 I think makes sense; they did one for M mount and so that gives them a "tradition"; and f2.8 is enough of a difference from f4.5 that is is a point of difference to charge a premium over the CV.
Edited on Oct 12, 2015 at 09:38 PM · View previous versions
Oct 12, 2015 at 09:29 PM
p.5 #14Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
bjornthun wrote:
What about a Zeiss Loxia Tele Superachromat 200mm f/4?
Loxia ApoTele-Tessar 200mm f4.
I'd be all over it; a genuinely good compact travel tele.
Every now and again I stupidly almost buy an Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 200 f4. It's compact, it has beautiful bokeh and fantastic sloca correction. it's sharp but not modern lens super sharp. And it's so expensive a new ApoTeleTessar, if they made one, would likely not go for more.
I think Loxia is our one hope for a really good compact slow tele prime. Or I suppose CV once they have got their wides out of the way...
What about a Zeiss Loxia Tele Superachromat 200mm f/4?
Loxia ApoTele-Tessar 200mm f4.
I'd be all over it; a genuinely good compact travel tele.
Every now and again I stupidly almost buy an Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 200 f4. It's compact, it has beautiful bokeh and fantastic sloca correction. it's sharp but not modern lens super sharp. And it's so expensive a new ApoTeleTessar, if they made one, would likely not go for more.
I think Loxia is our one hope for a really good compact slow tele prime. Or I suppose CV once they have got their wides out of the way...
Oct 12, 2015 at 09:32 PM
p.5 #15Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Well this was exactly the lens I wanted earlier in the year when the Batis brothers were announced. Didn't think we would see it this year.
Well I got the B25 (arrived at the end of July) and B85 (after a pre-ordering in April and having it arrive in September) and I think its a great lens.
So I will put my 18mm and 21mm ZE lens on the market and hopefully they will sell. The more these nice primes appear the more it looks like my Canon's will be using f/2.8 zooms and my Sony's will be for prime usage.
Well I got the B25 (arrived at the end of July) and B85 (after a pre-ordering in April and having it arrive in September) and I think its a great lens.
So I will put my 18mm and 21mm ZE lens on the market and hopefully they will sell. The more these nice primes appear the more it looks like my Canon's will be using f/2.8 zooms and my Sony's will be for prime usage.
Oct 12, 2015 at 09:42 PM
p.5 #16Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Steve makes a lot of sense. To me, a Loxia 28/2 or 2.8 is logical. 100 or longer, I bet will be Batis with AF and lens stabilization. There could be a 100mm macro manual focus, though.
Oct 12, 2015 at 09:42 PM
p.5 #17Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Spot on. I completely agree. 25 is perfect for environmental portraiture especially with AF. Loxia well suited for Landscape + architecture.
charles.K wrote:
I love the look of the Loxia 21
The Batis 25 is an awesome lens and its AF combined on the A7rII makes for great street shooting combo. Just set the AF on AF-C and on Wide/Zone, and include face detection if needed. This works incredibly well. As a landscape lens it is amazing too.
I know the Loxia 21 with MF will be amazing for landscapes as the design is so well implemented.
I feel the Batis 25 and Loxia 21 are 2 very unique lenses, and suits completely different styles of shooting. I really like the Batis 25 as it...Show more →
charles.K wrote:
I love the look of the Loxia 21
The Batis 25 is an awesome lens and its AF combined on the A7rII makes for great street shooting combo. Just set the AF on AF-C and on Wide/Zone, and include face detection if needed. This works incredibly well. As a landscape lens it is amazing too.
I know the Loxia 21 with MF will be amazing for landscapes as the design is so well implemented.
I feel the Batis 25 and Loxia 21 are 2 very unique lenses, and suits completely different styles of shooting. I really like the Batis 25 as it...Show more →
Oct 12, 2015 at 10:51 PM
p.5 #18Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
The batis 25 looks like a great lens, I just have no need for it personally. This 21 will fill in nicely as my little landscape prime, a spot the OM 21/2 has been filling in the meantime. The batis 25 isn't wide enough for me to fill that role. I hope the next Loxia is a 15mm. Beyond the wide angle FLs, I'd prefer a batis lens with AF.
Oct 12, 2015 at 11:31 PM
p.5 #19Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
DavidBM wrote:
Loxia ApoTele-Tessar 200mm f4.
I'd be all over it; a genuinely good compact travel tele.
Every now and again I stupidly almost buy an Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 200 f4. It's compact, it has beautiful bokeh and fantastic sloca correction. it's sharp but not modern lens super sharp. And it's so expensive a new ApoTeleTessar, if they made one, would likely not go for more...
Do you mean the 180 APO Lanthar?
I don't know about the 100/2 Marko, too close to Sony's 90 Macro? maybe a 180 Marko? a reissue of the CV 125 Macro?
I could see a 135 APO, What would make many happy is a 100-400/4 APO @ under $2K.
Whatever happens, I think the demand for FL's under 100mm will be much less in the coming year, I expect a huge demand for >100mm lenses, something that Canikon owners will need to jump ship.
bjornthun wrote
What about a Zeiss Loxia Tele Superachromat 200mm f/4?I'd be all over it; a genuinely good compact travel tele.
Every now and again I stupidly almost buy an Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 200 f4. It's compact, it has beautiful bokeh and fantastic sloca correction. it's sharp but not modern lens super sharp. And it's so expensive a new ApoTeleTessar, if they made one, would likely not go for more...
Do you mean the 180 APO Lanthar?
I don't know about the 100/2 Marko, too close to Sony's 90 Macro? maybe a 180 Marko? a reissue of the CV 125 Macro?
I could see a 135 APO, What would make many happy is a 100-400/4 APO @ under $2K.
Whatever happens, I think the demand for FL's under 100mm will be much less in the coming year, I expect a huge demand for >100mm lenses, something that Canikon owners will need to jump ship.
Oct 12, 2015 at 11:39 PM
p.5 #20Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Loxia so far (35 and 50) have one shortcoming: close focusing. That comes from their rangefinder heritage. This 21 shows that this "feature" is not part of the Loxia line DNA. So I expect one of the 2 forthcoming lenses to offer close focusing, sort of a "light macro" mode. For me a Loxia equivalent of a 100Mp would make total sense (doesn't conflict with either Zony or Batis). But, as they clearly want to keep Loxia lenses compact, not sure how they'd do that with an f:2.0 design, and not sure an f:2.8 design would be fast enough for some potential clients.
Alternatively, a 50Mp-like, and a Contax-like 100mm f:2.0 would be my 2 guesses.
Alternatively, a 50Mp-like, and a Contax-like 100mm f:2.0 would be my 2 guesses.
Oct 12, 2015 at 11:46 PM