Zeiss ZX1 hands-on pictures and interview

The new Zeiss ZX1 is in many ways a very bizarre camera. But what I like about it is that Zeiss definitely did think out of the box!  Integrated Lightroom, direct internet connection, large touchscreen operations, 512GB SSD and minimalistic design. I sincerely thanks Zeiss for trying to find new ways to re-think a camera. Maybe Sony can take 1-2 ideas from Zeiss? I would love to be able to run apps like lightroom on my camera and send the photos directly to my google backup or Flickr account!

Images via DC.watch:

Reflex announces the new 40mm f/1.8, 75mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.8 Full Frame E-mount lenses!

Well this is a small surprise: At Photokina REFLEX announced the first of it’s three Full Frame manual focusing E-mount lenses. The image on top shows you the 40mm f/1.8 and the 75mm and 24mm lenses will be released later. Here is the Press text:

Ahead of the anticipated release of the Reflex model I. later this year and in a Photokina 2018 preview special, we are proud to present to its audience, the first in a line up of three full frame lenses; The Reflex 40mm f/1.8 comes ahead of a 75mm f/1.8 and a 24mm f/1.8, completing a series of large aperture primes.

The Reflex I accompanying lens series have been optimized for both SLR and mirrorless photography with a compact form factor, carrying a double gauss lens design that signs for an organic look and smooth bokeh, making it a light and ideal daily shooter for both analog and digital photography. Furthermore, it features a clicked/step-less aperture ring for videography and cine adaptation and a large focus-ring rotation angle which enables for highly accurate focusing.

While being presented at Photokina in a native Reflex AR-i, Sony E and Canon EF mount, mirrorless versions will also become available in Nikon Z, Canon RF and Leica/Lumix L mount or to Fuji X and Micro 4/3 via adaptors with the EF version. The lens will be launched on Kickstarter mid November and will ship January 2019.

Anticipated retail price will be under $400.

Some hands-on images have been posted by Photographyblog.

Via Chassimages. Thanks Mistral!

Voigtlander shows the new Nokton 50mm f/1.2 E-Mount Lens…in two versions!

ePhotozine reports:

“Voigtlander are showing a new Nokton 50mm f/1.2 E-Mount lens, with two possible designs, and say they have not yet decided which style of lens to produce. They have been asking for feedback during Photokina 2018

The two options are: a classically styled lens, that looks similar to the 50mm f/1.2 VM lens, or alternatively a more modern style with a ring that lets you choose between having clicks on the aperture ring, or a clickless aperture ring (which will be particularly useful for video). Which lens design do you prefer?”

I like the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 FE to be...

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ePhotozine also posted the hands-on images with the Voigtlander 21mm f/3.5 FE lens:

And here is an interview with Photokina:

Zeiss announces the ZX1 full frame fixed lens camera

As expected our rumors about this camera were 100% accurate. Zeiss today announced the new ZX1 fixed lens camera and here are some key specs:

37,4 Megapixel Full Frame sensor developed in house (SAR source: “and produced by Sony”).
35mm f/2.0
No distortion in RAW
4,3 inch Multitouch screen
Aluminum Body
512 GB SSD

Adobe Lightroom CC integrated in the camera
Direct upload of the images on Internet
Ships in early 2019 (no price info yet)
Website: zx1.zeiss.com


Image via twitter.com/LesNumsPhoto

More hands-on images at Photographyblog.

Press text:

ZEISS ZX1: The Camera Concept for the Creative Flow in Photography

First full-frame camera from ZEISS with first-class image quality and the familiar, intuitive image editing and connectivity of a smartphone.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

ZEISS ZX1 – That is the name of the newly developed mirrorless full-frame camera from ZEISS that was presented today in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to the ZEISS lens and a sensor developed in-house at ZEISS, the camera delivers first-class image quality combined with an operational concept and user experience that make the photographer’s jobs-to-be-done as intuitive as on a smartphone.

The ZEISS camera concept is just the first step to opening up a new world of possibilities for ambitious photographers – from taking the shot to editing the image and sharing it on the web.

SHOOT. EDIT. SHARE. – Harmonized hardware, software and optics for a seamless creative process

SHOOT: the ZEISS ZX1 features a newly designed, integrated ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus that has been perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed in-house at ZEISS. The interplay between the lens and sensor ensures first-class picture quality with that typical ZEISS look.

EDIT: The ZEISS ZX1 enables photographers to professionally process RAW images directly on the camera thanks to fully integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. Moreover, the ZEISS ZX1’s unique user interface supports the user’s particular workflow without any interruption – providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via a 4.3″ multi-touch display.

SHARE: when the networked full-frame camera is connected, the user can upload selected images directly to the internet – without the intermediate transfer to memory cards or other external devices.
512 GB of internal memory provide sufficient space for approximately 6,800 RAW files (DNG) or over 50,000 JPGs – more than enough to handle photos, even during a longer trip, and giving the photographer the chance to let their creativity flow. Versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure that various peripherals can be connected. Over-the-air software updates keep the camera up to date without requiring a computer connection.

Designed with a passion for detail and a focus on the essentials

The design of the ZEISS ZX1 is characterized by its iconic shape with carefully crafted details. The overall form and reduction to just those elements that are absolutely necessary lay the foundation for an ergonomic camera and ensure easy handling. The symbiosis of hardware and software is exemplified by the newly defined user interface that utilizes the 4.3″ multi-touch display. The slightly bent screen separates the live view from the control elements, making camera operation comfortable and straightforward.

“We know that we exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the ZEISS ZX1. With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the Internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the ZEISS ZX1 offers,” explains Jörg Schmitz, Head of the Consumer Products business group at ZEISS.

ZEISS ZX1 available from early 2019

The ZEISS ZX1 will be available at selected dealers in early 2019. ZEISS will announce the recommended retail price at the start of the official market launch. Starting now, anyone interested in receiving information on exact availability can register at www.zeiss.com/zx1.

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

This is the new Tokina 100mm f/2.8 FE autofocus macro lens!

We just spotted this lens at the Photokina show! I got no info about the possible price and the release date of this lens. Weird Tokina made no official announcement for this!

They also have two new Cine lenses for E-mount (image via ePhotozine).

  • Tokina Vista 16-28mm T3 Mark II
  • Tokina Vista 105mm Prime T1.5

Press text: Zeiss announces the new Batis 40mm f/2.0

Press text:

The Most Versatile Lens in the ZEISS Batis Family

The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF bridges the gap in the ZEISS Batis family lineup

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

With a 40 millimeter fixed focal length, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF (Close Focus) is the latest addition to the product family. This standard lens in the ZEISS Batis family features a quick autofocus and an extremely short minimum focus distance. Delivery will start in November 2018. “The focal length on the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, something customers have been eagerly awaiting. The lens bridges the current gap between the ZEISS Batis 2/25 and the ZEISS Batis 1.8/85,” says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Category Manager for Imaging at ZEISS.

The ZEISS Batis family was developed specifically for mirrorless full-frame cameras from Sony (Alpha 7 and Alpha 9 series). The lenses are compatible with all E-mount cameras and cover a total of five focal lengths ranging from 18 to 135 millimeters. Together with these cameras, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF ensures a lightweight, easy-to-use, high-performance system that delivers outstanding image quality, a minimum shooting distance of 24 centimeters for close-up shots and a magnification ratio of 1.3.3. “With the launch of the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF, we now offer a focal length that falls between the standard 35 and 50 millimeter lenses people love to use. We have made the entire ZEISS Batis lens family even more attractive by offering the complete range of focal lengths,” says Pollmann.

The most versatile lens in the ZEISS Batis family

The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is able to tackle various photography challenges thanks to its special 40-millimeter focal length. From portrait and street photography to landscape and architecture – anything is possible with this high-resolution fixed focal length. “The lens is excellent for applications requiring normal focal lengths as well as common photographic situations where a bit more of a wide angle is needed. Our customers will enjoy a truly versatile lens which, thanks to its proven ZEISS look, and an outstanding image quality, is also ideal for close-ups. If you’re traveling light and decide to opt for just one lens, then this would be it,” says Pollmann.

Thanks to its high micro contrast and initial aperture of f/2, the lens can perfectly capture individual objects. Features like floating lens design for consistently high image quality across the entire focus range, the ZEISS T* coating for fewer reflections and weather and dust sealed housing and splash protection ensure maximum image quality in almost any situation. For creative work, the innovative OLED display on the ZEISS Batis shows the distance and depth of field, ensuring a perfectly adjusted focus range.

The price of the new ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is 1.299 € (incl. German VAT) or 1.299 US$ (excl. local taxes).

Product photos and application images can be downloaded from here:
Product photos
Application imagesTechnical Data

With a 40 millimeter fixed focal length, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF (Close Focus) is the latest addition to the product family. Image Download
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF bridges the gap in the ZEISS Batis family lineup. Image Download