This topic is in the 2018 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2018Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
p.27 #1Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rji2goleez wrote:
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.
I wish the Q2 had Eye AF...
Here is a gallery showing all Leica Q2 images:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/exifgallery.php?model=LEICA+Q2
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.
I wish the Q2 had Eye AF...
Here is a gallery showing all Leica Q2 images:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/exifgallery.php?model=LEICA+Q2
Jan 22, 2020 at 08:16 PM
p.27 #2Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rji2goleez wrote:
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.
I have been waiting for an Rx1r3 for some time, but quiet on that front. The ZX1 is of no interest to me. I tried the original Q, and though it’s bigger than I prefer and I also preferred the Sonnar lens, the Q had serval aspects I really enjoyed and preferred over the RX1. But the DR of Q sensor was too limited now that I’ve become accustomed to modern Sony sensors.
The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...
Edited on Jan 23, 2020 at 08:11 PM · View previous versions
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.
I have been waiting for an Rx1r3 for some time, but quiet on that front. The ZX1 is of no interest to me. I tried the original Q, and though it’s bigger than I prefer and I also preferred the Sonnar lens, the Q had serval aspects I really enjoyed and preferred over the RX1. But the DR of Q sensor was too limited now that I’ve become accustomed to modern Sony sensors.
The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...
Edited on Jan 23, 2020 at 08:11 PM · View previous versions
Jan 23, 2020 at 11:12 AM
p.27 #3Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I would expect, come September, Zeiss will announce the ZX2.
Jan 23, 2020 at 12:19 PM
p.27 #4Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I have been waiting for an Rx1r3 for some time,, but quiet on that front. The ZX1 is of no interests to me. I tried the original Q, and though it’s bigger than I prefer and I also preferred the RX1 Sonnar, the Q had serval aspects I really enjoyed and preferred over the RX1. But the DR of Q sensor was too limited now that I’ve become accustomed to modern Sony sensors.
The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...
I never shot the Q but my reading says that the Q2 is much improved from a handling perspective. Having 47mp really gives a lot of flexibility to crop if needed. However, the camera is just a ton of fun to handle and shoot. It’s simple yet has most of the features I need. I love the shutter dial on top and the flexibility of the custom menus and functions puts everything I need I lose at hand and very accessible. But then there’s the image quality . . .
rji2goleez wrote
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...
I never shot the Q but my reading says that the Q2 is much improved from a handling perspective. Having 47mp really gives a lot of flexibility to crop if needed. However, the camera is just a ton of fun to handle and shoot. It’s simple yet has most of the features I need. I love the shutter dial on top and the flexibility of the custom menus and functions puts everything I need I lose at hand and very accessible. But then there’s the image quality . . .
 |
||
 |
||
|
Jan 23, 2020 at 01:01 PM
p.27 #5Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
September 3020?
bwcolor wrote:
I would expect, come September, Zeiss will announce the ZX2.
bwcolor wrote:
I would expect, come September, Zeiss will announce the ZX2.
Jan 23, 2020 at 01:55 PM
p.27 #6Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rji2goleez wrote:
I have been waiting for an Rx1r3 for some time,, but quiet on that front. The ZX1 is of no interests to me. I tried the original Q, and though it’s bigger than I prefer and I also preferred the RX1 Sonnar, the Q had serval aspects I really enjoyed and preferred over the RX1. But the DR of Q sensor was too limited now that I’ve become accustomed to modern Sony sensors.
The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...I never shot the Q but my reading says that the Q2 is much improved from a handling perspective. Having 47mp really gives a lot of flexibility to crop if needed. However, the camera is just a ton of fun to handle and shoot. It’s simple yet has most of the features I need. I love the shutter dial on top and the flexibility of the custom menus and functions puts everything I need I lose at hand and very accessible. But then there’s the image quality . . .
It's an amazing little camera. I now carry the Q2 and the a7r iv with the Zeiss Sony 50 1.4 ZA in my bag and together they take care of most of my general shooting needs. Post processing seems to go faster with the Q2 (in my case, at least).
nehemiahphoto wrote
rji2goleez wrote
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.The Q2 looks greatly improved on that front, and I keep only hearing good things...
It's an amazing little camera. I now carry the Q2 and the a7r iv with the Zeiss Sony 50 1.4 ZA in my bag and together they take care of most of my general shooting needs. Post processing seems to go faster with the Q2 (in my case, at least).
Jan 23, 2020 at 02:08 PM
p.27 #7Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I wish the Q2 had Eye AF...
Here is a gallery showing all Leica Q2 images:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/exifgallery.php?model=LEICA+Q2
Thank you for exif gallery tip. Never used the function before 👍🏼
rji2goleez wrote
I only had the original Rx1. I find the Q2 to be a really fun camera to use. While it has a lot simplicity compared to the Sony A7r series, it’s capabilities are vast. I love the customization options and potential. The IQ is simply outstanding! Pure Leica and the 28mm f/1.7 lens is a joy to use. Check out the Leica image thread in the Alt forum as I have posted several color and B&W images in the most recent portion of the thread.Here is a gallery showing all Leica Q2 images:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/exifgallery.php?model=LEICA+Q2
Thank you for exif gallery tip. Never used the function before 👍🏼
Jan 23, 2020 at 06:58 PM
p.27 #9Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
realVivek wrote:
Monthly bump? :
Vaporware.
Monthly bump? :
Vaporware.
Feb 10, 2020 at 11:11 AM
p.27 #10Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
Feb 10, 2020 at 11:41 AM
p.27 #11Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.
Feb 10, 2020 at 01:03 PM
p.27 #12Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
In a very simple sense, I think Zeiss was responding to the market’s lower sales, specifically their own, and misjudged.
Going bigger, including a subscription and in camera editing, and a hard drive was the exact wrong way to go.
Getting smaller/more portable like a phone, using some computational aspects like a phone, having great file transfer software without needing to do things on the camera like a phone would have been the ways to modernize it like 2018 (when it was announced)
Zeiss doesn’t seem to get people want mobility, flexibility, simplicity and connectivity. Not a brick tethered to a monthly subscription where you edit on a 3.5 inch screen.
Zeiss has lost its way. They can’t rely on optical supremacy any longer. Lots of highly corrected competent glass coming from all major makers and 3rd party like Sigma, Tamron and Voigt. Their ergo, size and lens selection needs to be better.
Zeiss is going to have to compete to win. They simply haven’t been able to march to their own drum like Leica.
Going bigger, including a subscription and in camera editing, and a hard drive was the exact wrong way to go.
Getting smaller/more portable like a phone, using some computational aspects like a phone, having great file transfer software without needing to do things on the camera like a phone would have been the ways to modernize it like 2018 (when it was announced)
Zeiss doesn’t seem to get people want mobility, flexibility, simplicity and connectivity. Not a brick tethered to a monthly subscription where you edit on a 3.5 inch screen.
Zeiss has lost its way. They can’t rely on optical supremacy any longer. Lots of highly corrected competent glass coming from all major makers and 3rd party like Sigma, Tamron and Voigt. Their ergo, size and lens selection needs to be better.
Zeiss is going to have to compete to win. They simply haven’t been able to march to their own drum like Leica.
Feb 10, 2020 at 01:11 PM
p.27 #13Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rji2goleez wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line...Show more →
I am with you. Was a big Zeiss guy till about 5 years ago...now I don’t have any modern Zeiss glass, but several G and CY. If I was a 50mm shooter, I’d have kept the ZM 50 1.5.
21 and 25 are great, but bigger than needed, and if you look at comparisons with the Tamron 17-28, GM 24, Sigma 14-24 or the CV 21s, those lenses are right there with some trade offs depending. But for less money and better ergo and/or AF. Differences are getting so small you have to look at crops to see it often.
If I were Zeiss I’d think a clearer vision of what trade-offs in 2020 the market is willing to support is vital.
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
I am with you. Was a big Zeiss guy till about 5 years ago...now I don’t have any modern Zeiss glass, but several G and CY. If I was a 50mm shooter, I’d have kept the ZM 50 1.5.
21 and 25 are great, but bigger than needed, and if you look at comparisons with the Tamron 17-28, GM 24, Sigma 14-24 or the CV 21s, those lenses are right there with some trade offs depending. But for less money and better ergo and/or AF. Differences are getting so small you have to look at crops to see it often.
If I were Zeiss I’d think a clearer vision of what trade-offs in 2020 the market is willing to support is vital.
Feb 10, 2020 at 01:29 PM
p.27 #14Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rji2goleez wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line...Show more →
I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.
Feb 10, 2020 at 01:37 PM
p.27 #15Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
tzhang4284 wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia...Show more →
If Zeiss can get a Loxia 35 mk2 out quickly they may make a few sales - I’d get one. But CV have drastically cut in the market fir a Loxia 50 mk 2. I can’t imagine it being usefully better than APO Lanthar 50 and I can’t imagine it as cheap.
rji2goleez wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia...Show more →
If Zeiss can get a Loxia 35 mk2 out quickly they may make a few sales - I’d get one. But CV have drastically cut in the market fir a Loxia 50 mk 2. I can’t imagine it being usefully better than APO Lanthar 50 and I can’t imagine it as cheap.
Feb 10, 2020 at 08:26 PM
p.27 #16Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
DavidBM wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.If Zeiss can get a Loxia 35 mk2 out quickly they may make a few sales - I’d get one. But CV have drastically cut in the market fir a Loxia 50 mk 2. I can’t imagine it being usefully better than APO Lanthar 50 and I can’t imagine it as cheap.
I think you're right on the 50mm but maybe a 50mm f1.5 modernized c-sonnar that has strong image quality + bokeh for around the cost of the CV50mm APO could be interesting? I generally prefer 35mm over 50mm - was hoping for a long time Zeiss would bring out the 35mm f1.4 ZM in Loxia form.
tzhang4284 wrote
rji2goleez wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.
I think you're right on the 50mm but maybe a 50mm f1.5 modernized c-sonnar that has strong image quality + bokeh for around the cost of the CV50mm APO could be interesting? I generally prefer 35mm over 50mm - was hoping for a long time Zeiss would bring out the 35mm f1.4 ZM in Loxia form.
Feb 10, 2020 at 10:15 PM
p.27 #17Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
tzhang4284 wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.If Zeiss can get a Loxia 35 mk2 out quickly they may make a few sales - I’d get one. But CV have drastically cut in the market fir a Loxia 50 mk 2. I can’t imagine it being usefully better than APO Lanthar 50 and I can’t imagine it as cheap.I think you're right on the 50mm but maybe a 50mm f1.5 modernized c-sonnar that has strong image quality + bokeh for around the cost of the CV50mm APO could be interesting? I generally prefer 35mm over 50mm - was hoping for a long time Zeiss would bring out the 35mm f1.4 ZM in Loxia form.
Not sure what a modernised c-sonnar would look like. The point of that lens is it's lovely rendering which has to do in part with the lower contrast and resolution, and uncorrected SA. Maybe just a c-sonnar in E mount with some changes to account for the sensor stack thickness?
If you mean a modern high performing 1.5/50 that wouldn't be a c-sonnar. That would be a huge lens, not as big as the ZA 1.4/50 because no AF, but still pretty large and many times bigger than the c-sonnar. That might still be a saleable lens, but it would beed to beat the CV 1.2/50 in quality at f1.5 without being so much larger that it would put the people who buy manual lenses off.
DavidBM wrote
tzhang4284 wrote
rji2goleez wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.
Not sure what a modernised c-sonnar would look like. The point of that lens is it's lovely rendering which has to do in part with the lower contrast and resolution, and uncorrected SA. Maybe just a c-sonnar in E mount with some changes to account for the sensor stack thickness?
If you mean a modern high performing 1.5/50 that wouldn't be a c-sonnar. That would be a huge lens, not as big as the ZA 1.4/50 because no AF, but still pretty large and many times bigger than the c-sonnar. That might still be a saleable lens, but it would beed to beat the CV 1.2/50 in quality at f1.5 without being so much larger that it would put the people who buy manual lenses off.
Feb 10, 2020 at 10:26 PM
p.27 #18Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
DavidBM wrote:
It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.It does seem like they have not made the best choices over the past several years. The Zeiss Loxias have had mixed results. The Loxia 21 and 25 are outstanding but the 35 and even the 50 left something to be desired. I even feel it myself . . . I get excited when I hear Voigtlander and new lens launches. I used to consider myself a Zeiss guy but these days I have way more Voigts (15/4.5, 21/1.4, 40/1.2, 50/2, 65/2 and even a legacy 35/1.2 II). The only Zeiss in my arsenal is the Loxia 35. Bottom line is that psychologically, Zeiss hasn’t sparked any excitement in mirrorless for some time. I was one of the few excited for the ZX1 but come on . . . Make a decision . . . Go or no go.I look at it slightly differently: the Loxia and Batis lineups aren't missing much at this point. The Batis line up needs a macro - maybe a 100mm or 150mm and a 200mm f2.8 APO. That would be a pretty complete set - some lenses are individually weaker but no other manufacturer including Sony has a complete set.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.If Zeiss can get a Loxia 35 mk2 out quickly they may make a few sales - I’d get one. But CV have drastically cut in the market fir a Loxia 50 mk 2. I can’t imagine it being usefully better than APO Lanthar 50 and I can’t imagine it as cheap.
They better hurry!!
tzhang4284 wrote
rji2goleez wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Their current mirrorless lenses are not selling well and there is no indication that a new Loxia or Batis lens is in the works. We've heard of some rumors but they didn't materialize for the timeline reported. Nothing for other mirrorless brands either...They invested a lot in SLR lenses which is a market deteriorating even faster.It does not seem the ZX1 will be a hot seller either and there is not roadmap for new releases.
What's next for Zeiss? Are they still committed to the photography business? I sure hope so.
The Loxia line up needs a re-factored 35mm and 50mm - maybe 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.4s that I think consumers will pay a lot for. It's really only missing a macro as well - maybe a 100mm f4? I think a Loxia 21, 35mm f1.4, 85mm, 100mm f4 macro line up would be quite competitive or better with whatever equivalent lineup from voigtlander. The Voigtlander lenses have strong specs but except for the new 50mm f2 APO, they're excessively large for rangefinder style manual focus lenses. The Loxia lenses are for the most part the right size.
They better hurry!!
Feb 11, 2020 at 12:42 PM
p.27 #19Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Zeiss seems to be getting squeezed from all sides. CV, Sony, Sigma....both the Batis and Loxia lines are under pressure.
-Tim
Feb 11, 2020 at 12:49 PM
p.27 #20Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
They are squeezing themselves.
The Loxias are doing triple duty in other optical arenas.
'How's your Ventum doing?'
'About as well as your Interlock Compact Industrial'.
'As the lens was made primarily with drones in mind ZEISS had to make the Ventum 2.8/21 as small and light as possible, yet still, offer outstanding image quality. The weight of the ZEISS Ventum 2.8/21 has been reduced by 50% compared to the Interlock Compact 2.8/21. Any weight reduction allows a drone to stay airborne for longer.'
https://www.newsshooter.com/2019/05/03/zeiss-ventum-2-8-21-e-mount/
I guess they could not pull that off with a stripped down f1.4 Milvus, it would still have the angle of attack of a 737 MAX and would meet the same fate.
The Loxias are doing triple duty in other optical arenas.
'How's your Ventum doing?'
'About as well as your Interlock Compact Industrial'.
'As the lens was made primarily with drones in mind ZEISS had to make the Ventum 2.8/21 as small and light as possible, yet still, offer outstanding image quality. The weight of the ZEISS Ventum 2.8/21 has been reduced by 50% compared to the Interlock Compact 2.8/21. Any weight reduction allows a drone to stay airborne for longer.'
https://www.newsshooter.com/2019/05/03/zeiss-ventum-2-8-21-e-mount/
I guess they could not pull that off with a stripped down f1.4 Milvus, it would still have the angle of attack of a 737 MAX and would meet the same fate.
Feb 11, 2020 at 03:39 PM