Finally, some good news for photographers. After a six-year-long hiatus, Zeiss, the German lens manufacturer, is making a return to the world of photography. Since then, the company has moved its focus to other industries, such as industrial, film, and smartphone lenses, leaving us wanting more. However, it seems that the wait is over, as Zeiss made an official teaser on its social channels. What is it? Scroll down below.
According to Sony Alpha Rumors, the company shared an Instagram post that showcases a photograph of an owl, captured with Zeiss Otus 85mm f1.4, and with a caption: “Get ready for owlsome news!” Otus refers to a breed of short-eared owls, which suggests that Zeiss is preparing to launch a new addition to the popular Otus lineup.
The last lens they launched also happened to be an Otus 100mm f1.4. Some of the other focal lengths in the range include 28mm f1.4, 55mm f1.4, and 85mm f1.4. In the past, these lenses were only for DSLRs and had a manual focus. However, Sony Alpha Rumor’s source suggested that after the failure of ZX1, Zeiss’s own camera, the company may be launching a mirrorless lens lineup for Sony E mount. Some of the possible features also include:
- More compact than the original Otus lenses, which were huge.
- They may also be launching full-frame mirrorless versions for the Nikon Z and Canon RF systems.
- There is also a chance of an autofocus addition this time.
- The lenses may have specs similar to those of the original lenses.
- These lenses may also be expensive.
- Possibility of the return of Milvus, Batis, Loxia and Touit lenses, too.
Zeiss may have expensive lenses and some affordable ones, but they are pretty damn great at what they do. For instance, if you look at our Otus 55mm f1.4 review, you will how much we liked the lens. “The lens exhibits the best image quality that we’ve seen by far from any lens. Indeed, it is pretty much flawless when it comes to this parameter,” our review said. However, with a price point of just under $4000, the lens lacked weather sealing, despite the robust built, and also did not include an autofocus, which it should have. Similarly, the 85mm f1.4 was also a workhorse, but it was lens designed only for “designed for studio and fashion work.”
Like Otus, its other lenses, such as Loxia 25mm f2.4, the 25mm f1.4 Milvus, and the Zeiss 135mm f2.8 Batis are some great performing lenses at variable price points. Thus, considering the current state of the photography industry, having Zeiss back will be excellent. They are a heritage company that only promises excellence, and nothing else. So, if they are moving up with modern times, this would make many photographers wanting pure performance extremely happy. In addition, the CP+ Show is just the right platform to make a comeback, and reintroduce Zeiss with a new goal. Perhaps, they manage to reshape the industry in some way, and introduce some optics that truly make high megapixel cameras stand out even more.
There is a possibility that that the owl does not necessarily mean the launch of the Otus lineup, but something entirely else. However, the teaser has certainly raised the hopes of photographers. We do hope that Zeiss does justice to it all.