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Archive 2018Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
p.3 #1Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
rvh23 wrote:
I think many would disagree that the Loxia 21 is lacking 'artistry', and it would be more surprising to me if the 25 wasn't also something special.
I am just guessing but I think they will share similar rendering.
I think many would disagree that the Loxia 21 is lacking 'artistry', and it would be more surprising to me if the 25 wasn't also something special.
I am just guessing but I think they will share similar rendering.
Feb 08, 2018 at 06:27 PM
p.3 #2Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Fred Miranda wrote:
I am just guessing but I think they will share similar rendering.
Certainly hope so!
I expect the IQ to be impeccable; what I’m unsure about is focal length. Zeiss 25s range from 23-24 (uncorrected - corrected Batis) to 26 (rough guess for 2.8/25 Z*). If it’s more like 26 it would be slightly more attractive to me (though not of course to plenty of others)
rvh23 wrote
I think many would disagree that the Loxia 21 is lacking 'artistry', and it would be more surprising to me if the 25 wasn't also something special.Certainly hope so!
I expect the IQ to be impeccable; what I’m unsure about is focal length. Zeiss 25s range from 23-24 (uncorrected - corrected Batis) to 26 (rough guess for 2.8/25 Z*). If it’s more like 26 it would be slightly more attractive to me (though not of course to plenty of others)
Feb 08, 2018 at 07:57 PM
p.3 #3Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Looking at the front of the lens the positioning/size of the front element, filter thread and diameter look virtually identical to the 21mm Loxia.
Feb 08, 2018 at 09:57 PM
p.3 #4Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm. 
Feb 08, 2018 at 10:14 PM
p.3 #5Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
nandadevieast wrote:
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.
Feb 08, 2018 at 11:04 PM
p.3 #6Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Fred Miranda wrote:
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.
There have been some hints here posted of Zeiss working on a new line for mirrorless that might be similar to Otus. If so, it might be that they are saving 28 for the new line given that focal length is represented in the Otus line. That is my guess, but it is only a guess. If I am right, it will likely be excellent but not so small (tho smaller than Otus—at least at 28mm).
nandadevieast wrote
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.There have been some hints here posted of Zeiss working on a new line for mirrorless that might be similar to Otus. If so, it might be that they are saving 28 for the new line given that focal length is represented in the Otus line. That is my guess, but it is only a guess. If I am right, it will likely be excellent but not so small (tho smaller than Otus—at least at 28mm).
Feb 08, 2018 at 11:10 PM
p.3 #7Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
To me it appears they’re recycling [largly] and recreating their ZM line... in which case a 28mm is very likely to appear at some point. That line has 15-21-25-28-35-50-85.
Fred Miranda wrote:
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.
Fred Miranda wrote:
nandadevieast wrote
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.Feb 08, 2018 at 11:17 PM
p.3 #8Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I increasingly think how lucky we are with all this choice between so many wonderful wide to standard prime lenses. Loxia, Batis, Milvus, Sony, Voigtlander and more to come. In 2015 when I started shooting Sony it was a barren landscape. Happy days!
Feb 08, 2018 at 11:30 PM
p.3 #9Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I am pretty sure that we will see a native FE mount 28mm lens from Zeiss in the not-too-distant future. But not necessarily a Loxia if my readings of the tea leaves is correct. If that is the case, the 25 should be something special, even better than the excellent 21. But of course, Zeiss might be coffee people...
Also, don't forget that both Canon and Nikon are rumoured to come out with FF mirrorless this year, in which case Zeiss have a major interest in supplying lenses to those 2 camera-and-lens lines. If they can port over Loxias, this will boost Loxia business and help us get more lenses. If they can't, it could push them to design a new line for "all-mirrorless-FF" or something.
Again, tea leaves...
Also, don't forget that both Canon and Nikon are rumoured to come out with FF mirrorless this year, in which case Zeiss have a major interest in supplying lenses to those 2 camera-and-lens lines. If they can port over Loxias, this will boost Loxia business and help us get more lenses. If they can't, it could push them to design a new line for "all-mirrorless-FF" or something.
Again, tea leaves...
Feb 08, 2018 at 11:36 PM
p.3 #10Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Always amazes that there are no: range outlines, medium term plans, intended completion dates, forums for user feedback. Just: 'in two weeks this xx/f2.x is being released and BH/Ado will have it; it's good.'
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
Feb 09, 2018 at 12:32 AM
p.3 #11Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
philip_pj wrote:
Always amazes that there are no: range outlines, medium term plans, intended completion dates, forums for user feedback. Just: 'in two weeks this xx/f2.x is being released and BH/Ado will have it; it's good.'
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
Perhaps they learned that keeping new releases secretive maximizes their sales. Some photographers may purchase most new lenses but if they knew the end game, they could wait and only get what they really needed.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...
Always amazes that there are no: range outlines, medium term plans, intended completion dates, forums for user feedback. Just: 'in two weeks this xx/f2.x is being released and BH/Ado will have it; it's good.'
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
Perhaps they learned that keeping new releases secretive maximizes their sales. Some photographers may purchase most new lenses but if they knew the end game, they could wait and only get what they really needed.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...
Feb 09, 2018 at 12:47 AM
p.3 #12Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
RobertHolloway wrote:
I increasingly think how lucky we are with all this choice between so many wonderful wide to standard prime lenses. Loxia, Batis, Milvus, Sony, Voigtlander and more to come. In 2015 when I started shooting Sony it was a barren landscape. Happy days!
It was like the Sahara desert for me back in 2013 only Zony 35 2.8 and 55 were available as native lenses. I remember I had to use adapted Summicron and Voigltander back then.
But yes, these are certainly happy days!
I increasingly think how lucky we are with all this choice between so many wonderful wide to standard prime lenses. Loxia, Batis, Milvus, Sony, Voigtlander and more to come. In 2015 when I started shooting Sony it was a barren landscape. Happy days!
It was like the Sahara desert for me back in 2013
only Zony 35 2.8 and 55 were available as native lenses. I remember I had to use adapted Summicron and Voigltander back then.But yes, these are certainly happy days!
Feb 09, 2018 at 01:47 AM
p.3 #13Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Luvwine wrote:
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.There have been some hints here posted of Zeiss working on a new line for mirrorless that might be similar to Otus. If so, it might be that they are saving 28 for the new line given that focal length is represented in the Otus line. That is my guess, but it is only a guess. If I am right, it will likely be excellent but not so small (tho smaller than Otus—at least at 28mm).
Do you remember where you heard that? I ask because I’ve heard it, but everywhere I’ve heard it traces back to, ah, me except for the (reliable but not certain in this case and can’t be named) source I got it from. So it’d be interesting if there was an independent source of evidence!
Fred Miranda wrote
nandadevieast wrote
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.Do you remember where you heard that? I ask because I’ve heard it, but everywhere I’ve heard it traces back to, ah, me except for the (reliable but not certain in this case and can’t be named) source I got it from. So it’d be interesting if there was an independent source of evidence!
Feb 09, 2018 at 05:04 AM
p.3 #14Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Fred Miranda wrote:
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.Perhaps they learned that keeping new releases secretive maximizes their sales. Some photographers may purchase most new lenses but if they knew the end game, they could wait and only get what they really needed.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...
That sounds very plausible Fred. It also stops others timing announcements knowing what you are doing. It also gives you flexibility to develop a few options and put one one into production at the latest possible stage unconstrained by road map...
philip_pj wrote
Always amazes that there are no: range outlines, medium term plans, intended completion dates, forums for user feedback. Just: 'in two weeks this xx/f2.x is being released and BH/Ado will have it; it's good.'Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...
That sounds very plausible Fred. It also stops others timing announcements knowing what you are doing. It also gives you flexibility to develop a few options and put one one into production at the latest possible stage unconstrained by road map...
Feb 09, 2018 at 05:07 AM
p.3 #15Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
jwhatts wrote:
All I know is that since the last time I saw you, you've gotten both the CV40, AND the Sony 24-105.
I can very clearly see a future where you own both the Loxia 21 and 25...
Ha! Well, the 24-105 went back due to the focus problem but a rental arrives today . . .
rji2goleez wrote
Looking forward to seeing the images it produces but it's going to have to beat my Loxia 21 for me to consider it. I don;t see owning both . . . at least right now!I can very clearly see a future where you own both the Loxia 21 and 25...
Ha! Well, the 24-105 went back due to the focus problem but a rental arrives today . . .
Feb 09, 2018 at 07:30 AM
p.3 #16Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
DavidBM wrote:
What are the odds of Zeiss still producing a Loxia 28? and how long would that take? I really wish we had a roadmap.There have been some hints here posted of Zeiss working on a new line for mirrorless that might be similar to Otus. If so, it might be that they are saving 28 for the new line given that focal length is represented in the Otus line. That is my guess, but it is only a guess. If I am right, it will likely be excellent but not so small (tho smaller than Otus—at least at 28mm).Do you remember where you heard that? I ask because I’ve heard it, but everywhere I’ve heard it traces back to, ah, me except for the (reliable but not certain in this case and can’t be named) source I got it from. So it’d be interesting if there was an independent source of evidence!
Not 100% sure, but think some hints dropped by folks other than you like Philber, above. The thing is that folks that know are covered by NDA’s so we will never get more than hints and tea leaves. 😜
Luvwine wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nandadevieast wrote
By Zeiss logic, next lens could be a 29mm.Not 100% sure, but think some hints dropped by folks other than you like Philber, above. The thing is that folks that know are covered by NDA’s so we will never get more than hints and tea leaves. 😜
Feb 09, 2018 at 07:43 AM
p.3 #17Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Stephen, if you sign an NDA, you don't drop hints and read tea leaves. At least I don't. Then you know something and you keep your mouth shut. Hints and tea leaves are for what you know but not covered by NDAs, and you don't want to mention it because (a) you don't want to embarass your source(s), and/or (b) you want your source(s) to continue talking to you, and/or (c) you have information to make educated guesses, and/or (d) you know that the situation is still fluid and under review, but what you discuss is a real possibility...
As to disclosing roadmaps (Philip_pj's point), there are situations when that is a good idea. Such as when you have no stake in the game and you want potential customers to know you're coming, so that you can freeze some sales of competitors until then. Sony did that with its lenses early on, to show that FE mount should be taken seriously. They did it again when disclosing they were working on a 400mm prime. OTOH, when you already have products out there, disclosing a roadmap kills sales of existing products. This is why Sony is keeping mum about A7III and possibly A7SIII
As to disclosing roadmaps (Philip_pj's point), there are situations when that is a good idea. Such as when you have no stake in the game and you want potential customers to know you're coming, so that you can freeze some sales of competitors until then. Sony did that with its lenses early on, to show that FE mount should be taken seriously. They did it again when disclosing they were working on a 400mm prime. OTOH, when you already have products out there, disclosing a roadmap kills sales of existing products. This is why Sony is keeping mum about A7III and possibly A7SIII
Feb 09, 2018 at 07:58 AM
p.3 #18Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
philber wrote:
Stephen, if you sign an NDA, you don't drop hints and read tea leaves. At least I don't. Then you know something and you keep your mouth shut. Hints and tea leaves are for what you know but not covered by NDAs, and you don't want to mention it because (a) you don't want to embarass your source(s), and/or (b) you want your source(s) to continue talking to you, and/or (c) you have information to make educated guesses, and/or (d) you know that the situation is still fluid and under review, but what you discuss is a real possibility...
As to...Show more →
Philber, was not implying you had signed an NDA nor indeed that you would violate one. I only was trying to say that folks that genuinely know cannot say. Others who may have insight can only hint as you indicate and for all the reasons you say. Was trying to be diplomatic and am sorry if it read as implying any impropriety on your part as that was not at all my intent.
Stephen, if you sign an NDA, you don't drop hints and read tea leaves. At least I don't. Then you know something and you keep your mouth shut. Hints and tea leaves are for what you know but not covered by NDAs, and you don't want to mention it because (a) you don't want to embarass your source(s), and/or (b) you want your source(s) to continue talking to you, and/or (c) you have information to make educated guesses, and/or (d) you know that the situation is still fluid and under review, but what you discuss is a real possibility...
As to...Show more →
Philber, was not implying you had signed an NDA nor indeed that you would violate one. I only was trying to say that folks that genuinely know cannot say. Others who may have insight can only hint as you indicate and for all the reasons you say. Was trying to be diplomatic and am sorry if it read as implying any impropriety on your part as that was not at all my intent.
Feb 09, 2018 at 08:21 AM
p.3 #19Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
The Lox 25/2.4 is 1/2 stop slower than the Batis 25/2. Aside from rendering slightly less blur, do you guys think the OOF rendering will be as smooth as the Batis?
Based on the Lox 21/2.8 axial CA correction, I'm hoping the new 25mm will be better corrected than the Batis which is imo a major negative.
Based on the Lox 21/2.8 axial CA correction, I'm hoping the new 25mm will be better corrected than the Batis which is imo a major negative.
Feb 09, 2018 at 01:20 PM
p.3 #20Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
DavidBM wrote:
Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.Perhaps they learned that keeping new releases secretive maximizes their sales. Some photographers may purchase most new lenses but if they knew the end game, they could wait and only get what they really needed.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...That sounds very plausible Fred. It also stops others timing announcements knowing what you are doing. It also gives you flexibility to develop a few options and put one one into production at the latest possible stage unconstrained by road map...
If it's a 26mm I would keep the Loxia 21. If it's more like 24mm, I may replace my 21mm for it.....pending comparison of course. My only complain about the Loxia 21 is moderate FC at infinity distance and I'm hoping the 25mm improves on that.
Fred Miranda wrote
philip_pj wrote
Always amazes that there are no: range outlines, medium term plans, intended completion dates, forums for user feedback. Just: 'in two weeks this xx/f2.x is being released and BH/Ado will have it; it's good.'Strange way to do business. A very different company to late last century when they were real tigers and made everything: CY/G/N/Blad. Maybe C/N entering MILC will give them a prod, they might rouse themselves and shake off their lethargy. Right now it's Rip Van Winkle activity levels - then again, he woke up after 20 years so there is still hope.
For me as an example, I would like to know if Zeiss will produce a 25 or 21+28. For my shooting style, I prefer the latter but if I only have the 25 to choose from, I may go with that instead and get another ultra-wide like a 18 or 15 lens to go with it...
If it's a 26mm I would keep the Loxia 21. If it's more like 24mm, I may replace my 21mm for it.....pending comparison of course. My only complain about the Loxia 21 is moderate FC at infinity distance and I'm hoping the 25mm improves on that.
Feb 09, 2018 at 01:26 PM