I guess you all know that Zeiss released their first “Touit” lenses for the Fuji X and Sony NEX systems. In a Zeiss FAQ posted by ePhotozine they stated that “Lenses for the Micro 4/3 mount are technically possible, but nothing is planned yet.”
Zeiss also explains why there is not MFT mount version of their current Touit lenses: “In order to reach the best compromise between lens size, weight and imaging performance for smaller sensors, e.g. the Micro 4/3, other optical and mechanical designs are sometimes more suitable than for APS-C”
Let’s hope they will make MFt lenses!
61 Responses
@admin…can you tell somthing about fast zoom from olympus????…pls…;)
@G.
Can you not post your off topic crap and stop annoying us
Ignore it if it bothers you! A lot of us here find this to b the fastest way to contact admin 🙂
So chill! A lot of ppl here seem so frustrated and deprived..cool it .
they’re slooow
That 12mm f2.8 equals a 18mm field of view on “full frame” sensor. M43 system has Oly 9-18mm f4-5.6 and Panasonic 7-14mm f4. Both are slower.
Of course those lenses have to be designed from zero!.. They’re saying obvious things. The reason is that they don’t think there will be such a demand of these (expensive?) primes to justify R&D.
There’s more to a labs than speed.
*lens
Zeiss won’t do MFT lenses unless they can optimize for our format. That is the Zeiss that I know.
Hopefully they will jump in with some innovative “compact” lenses that truly serve MFT! That would be a nice expansion of the MFT ever-growing lens quiver.
I can’t see Zeiss coming up with designs specifically for the micro four thirds format. But I could see Zeiss producing m43 versions of some APSC lenses where they can see a market. For example, the 12/2.8 in m43 would be pointless, being bigger, a stop slower, and twice the price of the Olympus 12mm – therefore no interest and no point in making one.
But when the range expands there could be some designs that would have a potential market in m43. A longer macro (90 or 100/2.8?), a fast mid telephoto (120/2?), and some other designs could find a market in NEX, XE, and m43 fittings and it would make economic sense to offer the extra mount option. Please note I’m not trying to start rumors over future lenses, just commenting on the viability of m43 options in the future.
We already know its technical possible to make (these) lenses for m4/3. Who would doubt that?
They’re only just starting to notice that companies have been making micro 4/3 lenses for a number of years now
That’s (stereo)typical German conservatism in action. “5 years old” is considered over here “new and untried.”
“Lenses for the Micro 4/3 mount are technically possible, but nothing is planned yet.”
I’ve seen their line-up, but nothing really interest me there. But then, I’m not a prime lens junkie.
Also their focus is on pure optical IQ. Meaning that (A) the lenses are relatively expensive and (B) we would never get pancake lenses from them.
IOW, not interesting now, neither in the near future.
These lenses aren’t very interesting, but the Zeiss rangefinder lenses are extremely interesting! We don’t even need (or need to wait) native versions, just a cheap Leica M mount lens adaptor!
“Also their focus is on pure optical IQ”
Or so they say.
There are ‘a few’ camera phones around with Zeiss lenses, from the likes of Sony, Nokia.
I’m sure those do at least as good as your random no-name camera phone lens, but eh, its all about optical quality? in a few mm thick phone? That is just hilarious.
they are right, APSC lenses for 4/3 is possible, however they are more heavy than needs to be and the focal length is not always interesting. Sigma has not understood this yet, hence why their lenses were never a success in four third or micro four third. Hopefully we will get genuine micro four third lenses from Zeiss!
Zeiss doesn’t need m4/3, m4/3 doesn’t need Zeiss. I cannot see how they could contribute to the system (unlike Schneider, who has an expertise in weather sealed lenses).
I would welcome Zeiss very much, especially since they prefer to go for m43 specific lens design(if they would decide to join that is)instead of the easy route by just mounting an m43 mount behind a aps design(which would not be the end of the world either).
My point is that there is little Zeiss could contribute to Micro 4/3. Unlike NEX, m4/3 has enough decent native lenses. An ultrawide fastish prime would be nice, but most of us can live without it. A 17/1.4 would be great, but will never happen.
I’d very much like an ultrawide prime. Every time I’ve owned an ultrawide zoom I’ve found I just always use it at the widest setting. I bought the Olympus 12mm f/2 when it first came out, but it wasn’t wide enough for my liking. A 9mm f/2.8 would be a fantastic option.
Just because another company is already making a prime in a particular FL doesn’t mean that a second variant wouldn’t be welcome.
i.e. look at how many native 25mm primes we have: SLR Magic, Voigtlander, Panasonic Leica.
These all satisfy different price points and capabilities and the system would be poorer for one of them missing.
I welcome Zeiss if they choose to release some premium lenses for our fine system.
Yes, it would be nice, but it’s more about choice and prestige than necessity. I suppose this is the real reason why Zeiss is reluctant to cooperate with the m4/3 consortium (also, perhaps there is a chapter in the agreement between P/O and Schneider which precludes Zeiss).
“necessity”
If you´re happy with your crappy lenses, that´s fine
There´s only a handfull of good primes on MFT atm, especially if you do video. There´s SLR Magic and there´s Voigtländer. And to be honest, maybe the only outstanding one is the 17.5 Voigtländer… I´d really appreciate Zeiss jumping the team…
They don´t take MFT seriously enough cause they don´t see a future of professional users.. that´s the reason why they hold, and that sucks
I’d welcome them to the system. Not because I’d use their lenses, but because the more variety in the system the better.
That 12mm is almost enough to convince me to get an X-E1 and start a one lens system…
Come on MFT, someone make a nice 9-10mm prime! An MF Voigtlander would be fine 🙂
Wait for the XE-2…..with non-manual lenses it will focus tons faster!
So that 12mm f2.8 Touit is sufficient reason to go to Fuji, please explain where that differs from the Olympus 12mm f2.0, which if we are to believe the revues, is one hell of a lens,and it is faster than the Touit.
Let him get an xe1 so he can go and post over on fuji rumours – it’s a ghost town 🙂
As you said the Oly 12mm f2 is of the same calibre as the 75mm – real Zuiko quality that is at the same level as Zeiss, SK, etc.
LOL, 18mm = 24mm?
Yes, when same lens is on an APSc and a FF respectively.
Actually I have the m.ZD 12mm and it *is* one hell of a lens, but its also gives the field of view of a ‘normal’ wide-angle, whereas the 12mm Zeiss is very much in ultra-wide territory, which is very very different. At the moment there isn’t a fast, ultra-wide option for Micro Four Thirds…
I don’t quite follow your comment about FF and APS, given that these two lenses can ONLY be mounted on Micro Four Thirds and APS respectively. Regardless of format, one is considerably wider than the other…
Lens with this focal length and aperture is missing from m4/3, as well as some others. It’s time for new m4/3 lenses, now that the bodies have been upgraded with new sensors. I’d like to see Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 and Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 replicated for m4/3 as 14-26mm F1.8 and 8-12 F2.8.
What do you mean? There are already two M4/3 native 12mm primes. The Oly 12mm f2 and SLR Magic Hyperprime 12mm T1.6 (f1.4). 32mm? Okay, there’s nothing besides the El Cheapo Sigma 300mm.. I have a Voigtländer 35mm f1.4 (Leica M mount) that suits me just fine.
I’d rather see different focal lengths in native M4/3 lenses rather than yet another repeat of existing lenses! Let’s start with a 10mm f2.8. How about a 7mm f2.8!
The Zeiss 12mm is 18mm equivalent (in 35mm film terms). There is no 9mm F2.8 for m4/3 – that’s what P&O should think about.
Miroslav, the 12mm might be 18mm equivalent in 35mm, but that is in comparison to Fuji sensor size, it is still a 12mm lens though same as the Olympus 12mm which is faster, let alone the SLR Magic which is considerably faster.
Its less confusing if you think in fov instead of mm,equiv etc.
Agreed Ulli, I’m afraid this focal length issue will never go away, while at the same time how many people are familiar with the corresponding angles of view, I for one will put up my hand and say I’m not fully ‘ou fait’ with them. Apologies to any French readers out there for my spelling..
Schneider Kreuznach will be releasing a 30mm f1.4 which is close enough: http://www.photographyblog.com/news/schneider_kreuznach_presents_its_first_lenses_for_micro_four_thirds/
They use Scott glass, same as Zeiss.
“The high-quality aluminum housing, robust mechanics and hydrophobic coating of the outer lenses strongly protects against dust and water splashes.”
This means they will be sealed right? These lenses will greatly add to the lineup of matching lenses for any dust/moisture proof m43 body.
Sounds to me like weather sealing – If they are up to the standard that Olympus has set for weather sealing I will be very happy 🙂
Zeiss might make great lenses for cameras. However their multifocal lenses for eye glasses are a different matter.
Zeiss Australia bought out a local eyeglass maker who made nice easy to use sharp lenses with a wide vision that required little head movement to see things off center vision. Very easy on the eyes.
They then dumped the product and imposed their own tight range narrow focus rubbish on us all.
Ideal for eye strain and only seeing exactly what is in front, maybe. A really inferior product.
Did I say inferior that does not even come close. They are a total waste of money. They of course, with their Teutonic ways refuse to go back to the lenses that they bought the company for.
So Zeiss Australia, if you are listening in Adelaide, I say once more for your benefit the lenses are rubbish.
Am I unhappy. Yes hundreds of dollars and they can’t be worn can’t see a computer screen with them, can’t read with them, get very tired eyes. Great over 20 meters that’s the part the local optometerist sets up.
Is this a rant, yes.
@JimD
Haha, everytime I think about Zeiss I remember your problem 🙂 You rant about it often 😛
Hi Ppete. I think I will continue for a log time.
That’s Pete not Ppete and long not log and I don’t even use an ipad.
I had the old SOLA lenses as well and had a problem like what you had with the Zeiss ones. When I looked at a book or screen there were holes in my vision. I have them in a drawer now not used, I never got comfortable with them.
Yes the old sola ones that’s the name. I think the holes are just caused by bad design with the eye crossover from one to the other. I had similar, looking along a line of reading and the brain says there is nothing there for a second. Gives one headaches and makes the eyes go funny. Also have to turn the head with the zeiss because they are so narrow and with spondilitis that’s not what I want. I am still using the old sola very wide vision and fine.
people have had bad falls wearing those glasses holes in looking can do it
If I am not mistaken the pictured lens is a variation of the classic “Round Toit” lens. We are unlikley to see a MFT version since it will depend on when they get ARound ToIt for MFT! 🙂
I thought that Zeiss had made this same announcement months ago. Perhaps they have just re-issued it after getting inquiries.
You are thinking of the mistake back in September 2012 @DPReview – Zeiss announced some new lenses for the M42 screw mount and DPR published that they were releasing lenses for M43.
So no, Zeiss did not announce anything regarding MFT.
You are thinking of the mistake back in November 2012 @DPReview – Zeiss announced some new lenses for the M42 screw mount and DPR published that they were releasing lenses for M43.
So no, Zeiss did not announce anything regarding MFT.
No, I think he meant the »If we make m43 lenses (on which we have not decided yet), they would be different from the NEX/X ones because we’d like to optimize all lenses concerning size/weight etc.« which Zeiss indeed already said when announcing these lenses back at Photokina… So statement is not new, see old articles here on 43rumors.
Even though any additions toour category would be welcome, I cannot see these lenses coming to m43 anytime soon. Cost is an issue, and there are already some great native prime lenses available. On a side note, a 8 or 9mm prime lens would be nice to see for a reasonable price.
Why is this m4/3 news? These are APS-C lenses designed for systems with far fewer lens choices than m4/3.
I know this is hard for you but maybe read the article before criticising:
“Lenses for the Micro 4/3 mount are technically possible, but nothing is planned yet.”
I know its easier to look at the pretty pictures but lets try and use our brains a little hey
“Do you need some aloe vera cause you just got burned.” – Sheldon
Haha, I read the article. They are talking about the possibility of doing what Sigma did…. take a lens designed for APS-C, to cover that size sensor, and just make a version with a m4/3 mount. Do you really think they are going to design a whole new lens for m4/3 to try to compete with the excellent lenses already in the system?
why a bird name for a lense ? why not simply distagon, planar… ?
They are just trying to be ahead of the AF game by being intuitive.
inTOUITive? witty 😀
Actually, micro four thirds doesn’t need Zeiss because it has Olympus. The new 12-40 f2.8PRO, the 45 f1.8, the 75 f1.8, the new 40-150 f2.8PRO (not yet released), are or will be as good (or better) as anything Zeiss has out right now. Also, they’re perfectly compatible with Oly and Pana bodies without having to mess around with adapters.