ThePhoBlographer posted an interesting article about Zeiss future in the photography business. They also had a chat with Joachim Kuss, Head of Communications for the ZEISS Consumer Markets Segment. He said:

“When we say we are committed to the category and to enabling consumers around the world to take stunning photos and videos with our products, we mean it.”

But as ThePhoBlographer noticed Zeiss did not announce any new lens in four years and some of the lenses they sell are no more updated through regular new firmware releases:

Despite this, Zeiss continues to offer holiday discounts on their existing product line — selling products that no longer have a record of support on public forums.

I have mixed feeling on Zeiss communication: YES I am sure they will keep selling their currently available lenses. But they are getting “old” with most of them not getting FW updates, with the competition often surpassing them in terms of image quality and autofocus performance. I recommend you read ThePhoBlographers article because at the end he created a complete picture with many interviews!

You can now preorder the new VILTROX 75mm f/1.2 APS-C E-mount lens at BHphoto Amazon US&EU, Pergear, Viltroxstore.

Reminder: The excellent Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 FE lens at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU and PerGear.

Dpreview has been saved and will now continue business as usual: This is the official press release:

Dear readers,

We’ve heard from many of you over the past several weeks, and we realize there are many questions about what comes next for DPReview. We’re thrilled to share the news that Gear Patrol has acquired DPReview. Gear Patrol is a natural home for the next phase of DPReview’s journey, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.

I want to reassure you that we remain firmly committed to what makes DPReview great: the best camera reviews in the business, industry-leading photography news and features, and one of the most active photography communities anywhere on the internet.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter for DPReview and we don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m sharing what we know below and will continue to share information about this change as we get more acquainted with our partners at Gear Patrol.

Thank you for your continued support of our team and legacy. We appreciate it and can’t thank you all enough.

– Scott Everett
General Manager – DPReview.com

Google translated press text:

Cheecar released the 14mm F2.8 second-generation full-frame ultra-wide-angle lens. The second-generation lens has undergone many optimizations and improvements to further enhance the user experience. The lens adopts a structure of 13 elements in 9 groups, 10 aperture blades, a maximum aperture of F2.8, a minimum focusing distance of 0.22m, an 82mm circular filter that can be used, an all-metal structure, and a weight of about 500g. For sale only 1899 yuan.

cheecar new lens 14mm F2.8 II for E/Z/R/L#cheecar #Sony @SonyAlphaRumors pic.twitter.com/2agQvp50Ri

— 独立摄影师联合会 (@MajunMajuns) June 20, 2023

Nikon announced two new lenses (Click here).  Interestign the choice to cut 20mm on the tele end of the 70-180mm lens (compared with the Sony and Canon competition).

For the next 72hours you save BIG on a TON of stuff sold at BHphotos Dealzone (Click here). Specific photography deals can be found on this page.

Asobinet spotted a newly published Sigma patent that described the optical design of the 28mm f/1.4 DG DN and 14mm f/2 DG DN lenses.

• Focal length: 14.48
• F-value: 2.07
• Angle of view: 114.27
• Image height: 21.63
• Total length: 128.00
• Back focus: 20.0000

• Focal length: 27.50
• F-value: 1.46
• Angle of view: 76.53
• Image height: 21.63
• Overall length: 113.50
• Back focus: 21.7787

Digicameinfo spotted a patent for two Tamron 90mm lenses:

• 90mm F2 (1x magnification)
• 90mm F2.8 (2x magnification)

Asobinet spotted a Tamron prime lens patent:

• 16mm f/2.8