Press text:

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

Image on top shows new 85mm f/1.8 manual focus lens

Well we got an unexpected lens announcement: The chinese company Viltrox launched two lenses:

85mm f/1.8 FE manual focus lens
20mm f/1.8 FE manual focus lens

Images and specs via Optyczne.pl.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 for Sony FE (manual focus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 11.32 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: MF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 79 x 92 mm,
Weight: 665 g,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
price: USD 200.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 20 mm f/1.8 dla Sony FE (manual focus)

• konstrukcja: 12 elementów w 9 grupach (1 soczewka asferyczna, 4 soczewki ED)
• minimalna przysłona: f/16,
• pole widzenia: 56.31 stopnia,
• minimalna odległość ostrzenia: 0.25 m,
• maksymalna skala odwzorowania: 1:8.3,
• ogniskowanie: MF
• liczba listków przysłony: 14,
• rozmiar filtra: 82 mm,
• wymiary: 76.8 x 102 mm,
• waga: 775 g,
• powłoki antyodbiciowe HD Nano,
• brak styków,
• płynna, manualna regulacja przysłony
• cena: 280 USD.

UPDATE: Viltrox clarified that the 85mm autofocus version will be available for X-mount only for now.

This is Sony’s answer to Nikon much-advertised Z-mount diameter advantage that would allow them to make faster lenses.

And here is Matt Grangers take on the Sony press conference:

Sigma announced two new FE and one E lens:

Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The new Sigma wide-angle model stands out with its thoroughly corrected magnification chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, as well as completely minimized distortion thanks to its optical design. It features water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element and its overall dust- and splash-proof structure ensures excellent performance even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The high-speed AF, thanks to the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with an updated algorithm, captures the perfect moment instantly. Available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E camera mounts, this lens is a great contender for street photography, as well as shooting landscapes and night skies.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2DdAiVE. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is Sigma’s first lens developed originally to live up to the sought-after angle of view and performance standard for a benchmark cine lens. This lens effectively arranges three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements to correct axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration. Designed for exceptional sharpness at maximum aperture, this lens excels at available light photography. With less than 1% distortion and near non-existent sagittal coma flare, this lens demonstrates consistent optical results featuring both 8K-compatible resolution and a beautiful bokeh. It is available for Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E mount camera systems.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2QHliC5. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
This lens completes the Sigma large aperture series of portable wide-angle, standard, and telephoto prime lenses in Micro Four Thirds and Sony E mounts. Featuring compact design, light weight and outstanding image quality offered in Sigma’s Contemporary line, this lens stuns with a beautiful bokeh effect and the amount of brightness expected from F1.4 lenses even in the mid-telephoto range for cropped sensor cameras. In addition, this lens is characterized by smooth and quiet autofocus ideal for video shooting. Compatible with the Sony E mount Fast Hybrid AF, it also achieves precise AF tracking. By using the face recognition or eye AF functions of the camera, focus will continuously be on the face or the eye even if the subject moves during the shoot.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2PLuSTh. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sony Photokina press conference is over and as Sony said this was a strategy meeting. So our rumors were spot on and as expected there were no new products. I think this is the first time ever Sony does not directly announce anything at Photokina (the 24mm GM lens was announced last week).

But let’s sum up what Sony said on the Photokina press conference:

1) They announced they will release twelve more E-mount lenses…soon (whatever that means)
2) They also announced they are working on AI technology and on updating the EyeAF to make it work with animals

Sony are currently holding their press conference at Photokina, dubbed the “Sony Strategy Update”. We’ll let you know if they announce any new products…#sonyalpha #sonycamera #sonyuk #sonyeurope #photokina #photokina2018 @SonyAlpha @SonyUK @SonyEurope pic.twitter.com/L3oglGVfKp

— photographyblog (@photographyblog) September 25, 2018

That’s it folks! Take out your whiskey to drink over this disappointment and think about my next words: There will be a press conference in mid October and I am pretty sure we will get new gear there :)

–

Note: Sigma will soon announce the new E-mount lenses and Zeiss has a press conference on Sept 27

Image by DPreview

Fuji announced a new GFX-100 medium format camera with 4k30p, phase detection AF, IBIS  (world’s first on a MF camera). And it uses the brand new 100 Megapixel Sony sensor. At the same time they also announced world’s cheapest MF camera the GFX-50R (a full coverage can be seen at Fujirumors).

The day shall come Sony will do me the favour to make a medium format system mirrorless camera with their even larger 56x44mm sensor :)

Well folks, it’s not Canon nor Nikon, but it’s Panasonic that really went all-in with the features of their new S1R and S1 Full Frame L-mount camera. L-rumors.com shared these images and specs and Panasonic did everything right:

• 4K60p
• 3 axis tiltable screen
• Dual slot with one XQD and one SD
• fully weatherproofed
• EVF has a higher resolution than the Canon-Nikon-Sony cameras (Source: CameraJabber).
• L-mount partnership with Leica and Sigma

Those are the missing features on current Sony cameras. But there are some possible caveats or questions with the Panasonic cameras:

• Autofocus? Panasonic has some issues with their current tech
• No Price info ?
• missing many specs (fps and so)
• No real testing yet to see if it can deliver what it promise
• on market by March 2019 only

UPDATE: It really looks like autofocus will not match a Sony, and they really had a missed opportunity by not adding their usual fully articulating screens. And the SR1 price should be close to $4,000. So still NOT a perfect camera…

It also looks like they use the same Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 sensor made by Sony!

This is a great day for us Sony shooters: Now Sony has to answer quickly before the new Panasonic cameras will go on market. They have to improve ergonomic, weather sealing, video quality, LCD screen on top and fully articulating screen on the back… to match or even surpass these new Panasonic cameras!

And please follow L-rumors.com for the full info about the new Panasonic-Leica-Sigma Full Frame partnership.

What are your thoughts on this camera?