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ONA and Japan Camera Hunter team up to release camera bag for film photographers

30 Sep

Camera bag manufacturer ONA has partnered with Bellamy Hunt, founder of Japan Camera Hunter, to release a limited-edition camera bag designed specifically for film photographers.

Officially named the ONA x Japan Camera Hunter Bowery camera bag, the messenger-style bag was ‘developed closely with Bellamy Hunt […] This edition of the Bowery bag features a number of modifications to ONA’s best-selling style worldwide, with the film street photographer in mind.’

Specifically, the bag now features matte black solid brass hardware ‘that will wear-in overtime to reveal the brass underneath, similar to the contact points of a vintage camera.’ Also new is a trio of elastic bandolier looks to hold 35mm film canisters directly on the shoulder strip.

Inside, the rebranded bag is entirely black and now has two pockets dedicated for film, batteries and other accessories, while a zippered pocket on the back of the bag offers a little more security.

‘This bag is the result of over a year of working out the finer details with ONA,’ says Hunt in the press release. ‘I wanted a shoulder bag, as I only carry one camera and a few items. But one that is simple, strong and geared towards the film shooter. The ONA Bowery was a great platform to start off with, but it needed some changes to suit my style.’

Only 230 of these bags will be made. Each will be hand-numbered and available exclusively through ONA’s online store and a few select retailers in Europe and Australia.

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The ONA x Japan Camera Hunter Bowery camera bag will officially launch on October 2nd, 2018 and is currently available for pre-order for $ 199.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Photokina 2018: Hands-on with new Voigtländer M and E-mount prime lenses

30 Sep

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Voigtländer is one of the oldest names in photography. These days licensed by Japanese lensmaker Cosina, the Voigtländer brand is still going strong. We’re at Photokina, where we got our hands on the company’s newest lenses.

First up is a lens that was quietly released earlier this year for Leica M-mount. The Nokton 50mm F1.2 Asph is a fast standard prime lens designed for high-resolution digital imaging on modern Leica rangefinder cameras.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

While at 1,099 Euros ($ 999) it’s not exactly cheap, it’s a good deal more affordable than Leica’s 50mm F0.95 Noctilux. The all-metal Voigtländer doesn’t have quite the same high-quality feel as the Leica, but it’s very nicely built. The focus and aperture dials rotate with a lovely smoothness and crisp clickiness (respectively) that set this lens apart from most of today’s polycarbonate lenses.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Unlike Leica’s own lenses, the Voigtländer doesn’t offer 6-bit coding for Leica’s digital rangefinder bodies.

The Nokton 50mm F1.2 is priced at 1,099 Euros ($ 1,059) and is available now. A companion lens, the medium-wide Nokton 35mm F1.2 Asph II is also available now, for 1,299 Euros ($ 999).

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

In addition to M-mount lenses, Voigtländer was also showing off its new primes for the Sony E-mount. This is the new 110mm Macro APO-Lanthar, also first announced earlier this year at the CP+ show in Yokohama Japan.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

The 110mm offers 1:1 macro capability and a closest focusing distance of 35cm (13.7 in). It uses three floating lens groups for focusing to ensure optimal quality at all distances – according the Cosina – and apochromatic correction to satisfy the resolution requirements of 40MP+ sensors.

Electronic contacts on the mount communicate the lens’s focal length, focus distance and aperture settings to Sony E-mount cameras.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

The 110mm is a beautifully-made lens, but at 771g (27 oz) it’s fairly weighty and as you can see in the previous image, it gets fairly long at its minimum focus distance, too. As well as effective macro photography, the APO-Lanthar could provide a useful portrait capability for Sony E-mount shooters.

The 110mm Macro APO-Lanthar will be available soon for 1,199 Euros ($ 1,099).

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Voigtländer’s Nokton 40mm F1.2 Asph for Sony E-mount is an E-mount version of the M-mount Nokton that Voigtländer has been selling for many years. It offers a minimum focus setting of .35m (13.7 in) in a body weighing 420g (14.8 oz).

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

The Nokton 40mm F1.2 features a 58mm filter ring, and a ten-bladed aperture.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Like the 110mm, the 40mm has electronic contacts to communicate lens settings to Sony E-mount cameras. First announced last year, it is available now for 1,099 Euros ($ 1,099).

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Voigtländer’s new 21mm F3.5 Color-Skopar is another E-mount prime. The lens is constructed of nine elements, including one aspherical element and one anomalous partial dispersion element, in eight groups.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

The 21mm F3.5 Color-Skopar has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm/7.87in and uses a ten-blade aperture diaphragm. The lens will start shipping soon for 749 Euros (US price TBD).

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Also on show are two ‘concept’ lenses, which may or may not enter production, depending on feedback from the market. This is the first one, an ultra-compact ‘Ultron’ 35mm F2 for Leica M-mount. Finished in a classic-looking combination of black and chrome, the Ultron could be a very attractive option for users of film and digital rangefinders looking for a compact and lightweight medium-wide prime.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Next up is another 21mm F3.5 Color-Skopar, but again in Leica M-mount. Much smaller than its E-mount equivalent, this tiny prime is almost a pancake lens.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

Despite its size, the 21mm F3.5 is very nicely made. It features a large, nicely-machined aperture dial and a pegged focus ring for one-finger focusing.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

The third and final concept lens is an E-mount version of the new Nokton 50mm F1.2 Asph.

New Voigtländer lenses for M and E-mount

We believe that optical construction is the same as the M-mount version, but the addition of electronic contacts will ensure that the SteadyShot stabilization systems in Sony’s E-mount cameras work properly with this lens, as opposed to an M-mount version fitted via an adapter.

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Phottix launches new multi-brand Odin Z OS, and a pair of Juno hotshoe flash units

30 Sep

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

Phottix has launched a new operating system for its portable flash systems that it says automatically switches between different manufacturer’s TTL systems as it detects their presence from an on-camera flash unit or on-camera transmitter. The Odin Z operating system also offers an auto metering feature that suggests a manual power setting for the photographer to dial in, and now shows power settings in real time on the slave flash display as it is changed via the commander unit.

Along with the new OS the company has launched two new hotshoe flash units and a Lite version of its Odin transmitter.

We got some time with Phottix CEO Steve Peer who showed us around the new kit. Prices of all the released items have yet to be set. For more information see the Phottix website.

The first new flash (above) is called Juno TTL and seems pretty close to the Mitros + unit the company currently offers. It has a guide number of 60m at the 200mm zoom setting, while the Mitros + has a GN of 58m and a maximum zoom of 105mm. It is just as nicely made as the Mitros + and it about the same size.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The new Juno TTL is compatible with the Elincrom Skyport system, as well as the collection of other Phottix communication protocols for older or less sophisticated units. The flash can command or be commanded, by the Odin studio flashes, and triggered by non-TTL Ares products by radio. Optical systems can also be controlled or used to control the Juno TTL.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The Odin Z system, and the Juno TTL flash, will offer TTL control for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony camera systems. Peer tells us he is ‘thinking about’ Panasonic/Olympus and Fujifilm systems, but that demand is much lower for users of those brands. The Odin Z system still works for the other camera brands, just not in TTL mode.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

As you might expect, the head swivels about 180 degrees in each direction and can tilt upwards by 90 degrees, and the zoom head can be controlled manually or automatically over a range of 20mm to 200mm. As you can see, the Juno TTL runs on four AA cells.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The Odin Lite transmitter is designed to control a network of flash units and studio heads in manual mode, and doesn’t support TTL flash exposure. Steve Peers says that 70% of Phottix customers want to shoot with their flashes in manual mode the majority of the time, so this unit is for those for who TTL is inappropriate.

As it isn’t TTL it will work with any camera system – the central pin on the foot has been positioned so that it will still connect with the camera’s hotshoe system even when the trigger connector isn’t absolutely in the middle of the hotshoe. The Odin Lite offers 4 groups and 32 channels. Channels 5-32 use the Phottix Digital ID system for an extra secure connection.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The Juno Li60 is another new flash unit that is almost the same as the standard Juno, but it only operates in manual mode and is powered by a lithium battery instead of AAs. It has the same 60m guide number as the Juno, and as it doesn’t operation with TTL it can be used with any camera system. This is a very pre-production unit that doesn’t have the name printed on it yet.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The Juno Li60 takes a massive lithium ion battery instead of the usual AA batteries of the Mitros + models. The pack is rated 3200mAh, which compares well to the 2000mAh of the VB18 in the Godox V860 II that I used to shoot the pictures. Peer couldn’t say how many full power bursts we should expect per charge, but it I’d expect that sort of battery to last well.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The rear of the Juno Li60 looks just the same as that of the regular Juno and the TTL version, but the display is simpler as it only shows manual flash settings. It doesn’t have the new flash exposure meter mode.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

Also on the stand were the company’s new Nuada LED panels. The R (left and right) and R3 (centre). The three have a heavily diffused surface and produce really very soft and attractive light. The R3 measures 428mm across, and is only 33mm thick/thin.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The R3 runs on V-lock batteries, but comes with an adapter for NP batteries. And of course, it can be powered from the mains via the included AC adapter. The light puts out 1100Lux at 1m and allows its temperature to be varied between 3200 and 5600K.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

A new panel is the Nuada S3 from the square/rectangle series which outputs 850 Lux at 1m. The panel measures 2376x266x25mm and again produces a really soft light – as modeled here by CEO Steve Peer.

Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018

The panel is also powered by NP batteries or via the AC adapter, but doesn’t take V-Lock batteries. As with the R3, the S3 has a variable temperature of between 3200-5600K, and a CRI of >95.

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Photokina 2018: hands-on with eight stylish new bags

29 Sep

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Photokina 2018 was one heck of a year for new cameras and lens launches, but it also saw the launch of an impressive number of new camera backpacks and bags. We combed the tradeshow floor to get hands-on with some of the more stylish and technically sophisticated packs, from affordable to premium.

Shown above: the new Bristol DayPack 600+ from Cullman.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

First up is Lowepro’s ProTactic AW II. As the name implies, this is the second iteration of the original ProTactic – version two adds more padding and better protection for your gear, plus more areas to attach stuff. The backpack comes in the larger 450-series, shown above and the smaller 350-series – the former fits a 15″ laptop, the later a 13″. The larger pack has room for two bodies and plenty of lenses, the smaller one should be able to also fit two bodies and a few lenses.

Both packs offer dual side access for gear, two quick straps on the front (with a ‘foot’ to carry a tripod), a waist strap with utility pouch, rain cover and a super comfortable back panel. The ProTactic line represents Lowepro’s most rugged, professional packs and as such, they don’t come at a cheap price. We’re told the 450-series will retail for about $ 270 and the 350-series $ 220.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Next up is ThinkTank’s new Retrospective V2.0 bags. Available in a total of six different sizes, these soft camera bags feature classic styling. They’re also coated in polyurethane to protect gear from the elements but ship with an additional rain cover just in case you find yourself in a torrential downpour.

But probably the coolest feature of these bags is the zippered opening under the main flap which offers protection from thieves and pickpockets. Prices vary by bag size, but the Retrospective 7 V2.0, shown above, retails for around $ 165. It fits a DSLR, several lenses and a 13″ laptop.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Cullman launched 4 new camera bag lines at Photokina including the stylish Bristol series shown here, which comes in both daypack and shoulder bag varieties. The daypack in particular caught our eye because of its classic look.

It features a side-zippered opening for quick access and an expandable top compartment. There’s also a padded laptop compartment and water bottle holder. This pack is obviously more geared to enthusiast and casual users rather than pros, but it seems as versatile for every day use as it is handsome. No word on pricing just yet.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Tamrac launched a new line of hip-looking shoulder packs in the Bushwhick series (yes, like in Brooklyn). They’re available in 3 sizes, with the Buswhick 6 – shown above – being the largest of them. It can hold an average sized DSLR/mirrorless camera with lens attached plus one additional lens and some accessories.

The exterior features metal buckles and weatherized coating to protect from the elements. There’s also a zippered compartment on front for other odds and ends. The Tamrac Bushwhick 6 retails for $ 150.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Compagnon is a relatively new bag brand. I hadn’t heard of them prior to Photokina because they are still working out US distribution, but you can find their packs sold by some US retailers. The Explorer pack, shown here, is a collaboration between Compagnon and backpack brand Deuter.

It offers an expandable roll-top section for personal items and a large lower section for camera gear with padded dividers. The bag features a side zipper for easy access, tripod straps, a water resistant construction and a padded back panel that looks extremely comfortable. It’s available in 16 L and 25 L – no word on pricing yet, but if other Compagnon packs are any indication, expect it to cost a pretty penny ($ 500+).

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

Peak Design just finished its Kickstarter campaign for the new 45L Travel backpack. We’ve previously seen a prototype of the bag, but this is the first time we’ve laid eyes on a retail-ready model and it looks very impressive.

The packs offer lots of features like a weatherproof nylon canvas shell, rugged bottom liner, luggage pass-through, rear and side access, laptop compartment, luggage handles and lots of organization pockets. It can also be expanded or contracted to fit 35L or 45L worth of stuff. The backpack is being sold alongside a line of smaller organizational ‘cubes,’ sold separately. The bag itself will be available sometime in November and retail for $ 300.

Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018

ONA makes some absolutely lovely shoulder bags. For Photokina, the company teamed up with Japan Camera Hunter to release a very limited addition bag called ONA x Japan Camera Hunter Bowery camera bag. Only 230 of which will be made, each with individual numbering on inside. The bag’s main feature is dedicated film pockets on the inside and elastic film holders on the bag strap.

You can read more about this collaborative bag here. And if you feel so inclined, you can pick one up for $ 200 on ONA’s Website.

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Nikon Z7 added to studio comparison scene

29 Sep

Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors and detail types you’ll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes to see the effects of different lighting conditions.

The Nikon Z7 has a sensor said to be very similar to the one in the D850 DSLR. We’ve found a few differences, which we’ll be discussing soon, but we wanted to let you have a look straight away. See what you think:

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Click here to read our Nikon Z7 First Impressions Review

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Gitzo announces Gitzo Mini Traveler tripod with patent-pending ‘Pull & Fix’ technology

29 Sep

Gitzo has released the details of its upcoming travel tripod, the Gitzo Mini Traveler.

Designed for ‘professional photographers and promising amateurs who use mirrorless cameras or DSLR cameras with small lenses,’ the Gitzo Mini Traveler is made of Gitzo’s ‘state-of-the-art’ carbon eXact tubes and an aluminum head.

The tripod weighs 265g/0.63lbs and measures 22.1cm/8.7in in length when closed with the tripod head attached. When used with the aluminum tripod head, the tripod holds 3kg/6.6lbs of gear. If you don’t mind losing the articulating head, the legs alone hold an impressive 25kg/55lbs of gear.

The legs use Gitzo’s patent-pending Pull & Fix leg angle selector system with two built-in leg angles. ‘ The ergonomic rubberized gear easily locks and controls the strong stainless steel sphere of the aluminum ball head,’ according to Gitzo.

The Gitzo Mini Traveler is available in two colors: black and Gitzo’s noir decor. Both colors are available for pre-order on B&H for $ 200. No specific release date has been given.

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Sigma confirms that its current lenses are fully operational on the Nikon Z7 with FTZ adapter

29 Sep

Sigma has issued a statement confirming that its current lenses operate without any issues when mounted on the Nikon Z7 via FTZ adapter. The company notes that interchangeable lenses lacking AF drive motor will function only in manual focus, and that some older lenses that aren’t compatible with current DSLRs will not operate on the Z7. Sigma plans to keep testing and verifying whether discontinued lenses will function on the camera.

Read the full statement below.

Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce that we have confirmed that SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount in the current lineup do not have any issues with general operation when they are used on the “Z7”, released by Nikon Corporation, via their “Mount Adapter FTZ”.

In addition, please note the information below when using the following lenses.

Interchangeable lenses that do not incorporate an AF drive motor will operate only in manual focus.
Some interchangeable lenses shipped out before November 2013 that are not compatible with the latest DSLR cameras will not operate.

We will continue verification and provide updates on the operating conditions including discontinued models.

For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor.
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

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LG V40 ThinQ first smartphone to offer super-wide-angle and tele cameras

28 Sep

Multi-camera setups with a variation of focal lengths are pretty much the norm on high-end smartphones these days. However, thus far you’ve had to decide if you want a super-wide-angle module (like on most recent LG models) or a tele-camera (like on the iPhone X, Huawei P20 Pro or Galaxy Note 9) next to the camera’s “standard” wide-angle lens.

Pretty soon you’ll be able to have both. LG just “pre-announced” its new LG V40 ThinQ on its Korean website and confirmed the triple-camera setup that reportedly comes with a super-wide angle and tele next to the main camera. The latter will feature a very fast F1.5 aperture.

The official announcement of the device is scheduled for October 3rd, and unfortunately information on other specifications is rather sparse at this point. All we know is that the display will measure 6.4 inches and, looking at the teaser video, will feature some kind of soft-touch surface for increased grip.

We will let you know as soon as more information on the LG V40 ThinQ camera specs and features becomes available.

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Zeiss announces ZX1 full-frame compact with fixed 35mm F2 lens

28 Sep

The Zeiss ZX1 is based on the Android operating system and has been designed to be able to run Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC
Image: Zeiss

Zeiss has just announced the ZX1, the company’s first-ever digital camera. It comes with a 37.4MP full-frame image sensor, fixed 35mm Distagon F2 lens and a huge 4.3″ touchscreen with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels to augment its physical controls. Zeiss has also teamed up with Adobe to offer full Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC capability in the camera itself. It’s designed to allow you to shoot, edit and share on the fly.

The ZX1 offers 512GB of external memory and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity

Zeiss says both the 37.4MP sensor and 35mm F2 lens were developed in-house and were designed from the outset to be matched with one another, not unlike Leica’s Q and Sony’s RX1 series. Unlike the Leica, however, the ZX1 does not come with any form of image stabilization. The lens offers a minimum focus distance of 30cm (11.8″) and the optical formula comes in at 8 elements in 5 groups.

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While the ZX1 does not have a memory card slot, it does have 512GB of internal memory, which the company claims is enough to store approximately 6,800 Raw files in DNG format (or up to 50,000 JPEG files). Zeiss’ ZX1 website does claim that you can connect an external USB drive to the camera to offload images. The camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity. The company will also offer over-the-air software updates.

The ZX1 comes with an electronic viewfinder using an OLED panel at full HD (1920×1080) resolution and a magnification of 0.74x. There’s a flash hot-shoe, but no flash is built into the camera body. The ZX1 offers single and continuous autofocus, though we don’t yet know if continuous focus is allowed at the maximum burst speed of 3fps. Exposure is taken care of courtesy a leaf shutter in the lens.

The ZX1 is designed to allow you to shoot, edit and share on the fly.

Since we live in 2018 and 4K is everywhere, it’s no surprise that the ZX1 is capable of capturing UHD 4K at up to 30fps, and Full HD video at up to 60fps.

The ZX1 appears light on controls, but the large touchscreen – with an unusual curved design – will help users take more control over their photographs, as well as the editing process.

Image: Zeiss

There’s no word on pricing, but the ZX1 will be available in ‘early 2019.’ Stay tuned for more updates as we get them.

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.

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Zeiss expands Batis lens range with 40mm F2 Close Focus

28 Sep

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Zeiss has announced the Batis 40mm F2 Close Focus, bridging a gap between their existing 25mm F2 and 85mm F1.8 offerings. This brings the total Batis lineup for full-frame Sony E-mount to five, with focal ranges from 18mm to 135mm.

As with the rest of the Batis lineup, the 40mm F2 CF is weather-sealed and comes with autofocus and an OLED display showing focus distance. Reflecting the ‘Close Focus’ in the name, the lens can focus down to a distance of 24cm (9.4in) with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.3.

The Batis 40mm F2 CF, seen under glass in Cologne, Germany.

The Zeiss Batis 40mm F2 CF is priced at €1299/$ 1299.

Press release:

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).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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