“Since the Sony α7 series has been stirring up the photography market, the calls for a powerful super wide-angle lens were growing ever louder. For many photographers such a lens is the missing tool in their gear. ZEISS is now meeting that demand with the Loxia 2.8/21,” said Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS Camera Lenses.

The Loxia 2.8/21 offers trusted features that combine traditional photography and modern technology. Lens data (EXIF) and focus movements are transmitted by the electronic interface. If desired by the photographer, this activates the magnifying function of the camera. For the sophisticated photographer who does not want to leave all the work to the camera, there are many opportunities to compose thanks to the lens’s precise manual focusing with end stop and the mechanical setting of the aperture (aperture priority mode for the working aperture). As a result, photographers can take advantage of all the possibilities offered by modern compact system cameras with an electronic viewfinder.

Optimal for different types of use

With an angular field exceeding 91 degrees (diagonal) on a full-frame camera, nature, landscape and architectural photography are the specialty of the Loxia 2.8/21. An exact infinity setting is a critical factor particularly in landscape photography. Here, the precise manual focusing of the ZEISS Loxia 2.8/21 supports the user enormously. Furthermore, the lens enables creative, naturally proportioned images with a low minimum object distance of just 0.25 meters. Because of its compact construction and the low weight, the Loxia 2.8/21 is also the perfect choice for travel and street photography.

You can find the high-res photos taken with ZEISS Loxia 2.8/21 on Flickr.

ZEISS Loxia lenses for video

The mechanical deactivation of the aperture click stop for infinite aperture settings (de-click), which already came with the Loxia 2/35 and Loxia 2/50, is also found in the new Loxia super wide angle. This gives ambitious videographers once again a tool that offers optimum creative potential. In addition, the smooth focus operation with a rotation angle of 90 degrees allows for fine variations when focusing video cameras with E-mount, such as the Sony PXW-FS7 or PXW-FS5. “The identical external diameter of the ZEISS Loxia lenses across all focal lengths additionally simplifies the changing of lenses during shoots, so accessories like a follow focus don’t need to be readjusted,” added Casenave.

Newest optical design with robust construction

Specially developed for digital sensors, the newly calculated Loxia 2.8/21 consist of 11 lens elements in nine groups. The underlying optical design is a Distagon type. High resolution along the entire image field, low distortion and color fringing, and an appealing bokeh – especially at the maximum aperture of f/2.8 – round out the exceptional features of this lens.

 “It’s a small jewel offering outstanding optical performance,”

said Casenave, summarizing the qualities of the Loxia 2.8/21.

As is usual, the impressive mechanical quality and robust barrel are also part of the excellent features of the new Loxia. Made entirely of metal, the barrel protects the lens and can withstand the rugged everyday situations that professional photographers face, thereby ensuring a long product life. Like the other Loxia lenses, the filter diameter is 52 mm. Finally, a special weather protection on the lens mount protects the lens from spray getting between the camera and lens.

Price and availability

The Loxia 2.8/21 will be available worldwide starting December 2015. The lens shade is included with delivery. The recommended retail price is USD 1,499 (excl. VAT) or EUR 1,259.66 (excl. VAT).*

Further information and technical data:

www.zeiss.com/loxia

* Status 12.10.2015