Figures, since it's the easy way out. If they'd have put some thought into the usability of the design, it would be IF and with the midsection of the lens somewhat narrower where it no longer needs to be so big. But that probably makes for more expensive manufacturing.
Many years ago I had the original Tamron 300/2.8 and its one major flaw was not having internal focusing. The weight of the camera on the back made smooth focusing difficult. A couple years later Tamron updated the lens with IF and it was a much better shooting experience.
Adam - thanks for the info. My guess is they will make money on this lens. Not that they shouldn't. But considering who they are, etc., my feeling is the price is as much a marketing figure as a reflection of the manufacturing cost. But hand it to them, it's a milestone lens they can use as a halo product.
Thank you for the images!
The 135 is a fun statement and perhaps an item for people collecting weird photo stuff.
The 35 is interesting for APS-C users and the 25mm... the question how it stands up against the Voigtländer.
Wth! The focusing ring goes in the wrong direction on the 25mm! (As you all know the correct and only proper way to manufacture a lens is having infinity to the right on the scale...). Gotta love the size though. Swirly bokeh, a bent focus plane, astigmatism and heavy vignetting?
It doesn't really seem THAT big for a 135/1.4 to me. And I'm surprised there aren't a few of these in existence already. I mean if people will buy 200/2's...