Yes, I had missed that part, and it is a huge disappointment for me too.
Yet, I prefer them to get it right, instead of rushing things. I have strong hopes in that piece of glass... Until it comes, my 17-40L will continue doing its job.
By then, I may look very closely at that ZE 85 (if Zeiss gives me more time to spare money, then I have to use that time for something, no ? )
Due to a capacity constraint volume production of the Distagon T* 2,8/21 could not start as scheduled. The estimated date of delivery for the ZF version will be the end of the first quarter 2009. The ZE as well as the ZK version will be available by the mid of 2009.
The 18 ZE will be next fall at the very least if not longer. I am sure there would be higher demand for other lenses in the line including the two makros.
I have the 18 ZF and looking for a hi-res native mount solution. I was counting on the D3x but the price tag was a shocker. I am now on D700x watch.