43Rumors brings us the news from the source: Zeiss has announced lenses for Sony NEX and Fujifilm X series cameras, but not for Micro Four Thirds. But they’ve apparently got a very good reason why.
First off, the new lenses are a 12mm f2.8 (which equates to an 18mm), 32mm f1.8 (which equates to 48mm), and a 50mm f2.8 Macro (75mm). Zeiss decided to start with primes and then later on perhaps work on zooms. Personally, I hope they stick to only primes; that’s where that company absolutely shines and mirrorless systems need small primes. The lenses will be specially developed for each system: where the Sony NEX lenses will sport a manual focusing switch while the Fuji X series will have an aperture ring. We can expect the lenses in the spring or summer of 2013.
To be honest: I have to agree with them. Sigma created the same lenses for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX; and the focal lengths for each ended up being a tad quirky and used in totally different ways. Going to route of Voigtlander (in creating lenses for DSLRs and then for Mirrorless) seems to be a viable strategy that ultimately just makes the customer happier. I hope they create some kick ass lenses for Micro Four Thirds. Though realistically, it may be a bit tough to outdo both Olympus and Panasonic making and announcing new lenses a couple of times a year.
