Zeiss released a FAQ (Source: ePhotozine) that contains plenty of useful information! Here are some interesting key info:
– There will be a new NEX camera firmware update in August to fully support the Zeiss Touit (All 5-6-7 NEX camera series will be updated!).
– Zoom lenses are an option
– The Touit lenses were developed by Zeiss while the 24mm f/1.8 Zeiss has been developed by Sony with the specified ZEISS standards of quality.
– I guess you have noticed that the X-mount version has an aperture ring while the E-mount version has not. Zeiss says that “The X mount lenses for Fujifilm X cameras feature a manual aperture setting option on the lens because the design of this system does not accommodate an aperture setting feature on the camera”
– The lenses are not weatherproof
Here you can read the full FAQ from Zeiss:
—
Will there be a zoom lens?
We are starting the family with fixed focal lengths. Zoom lenses are an option that is currently being evaluated.
Are additional focal lengths planned? If yes, which?
As already announced at Photokina in 2012, the next lens will be the Touit 2.8/50 Macro. Additional focal lengths will follow, but right now, we do not want to divulge any further details.
Are the lenses also planned for MFT (Micro 4/3)?
We would also like to offer lenses for demanding users in the mirrorless system cameras segment. The largest and most powerful sensors (APS-C format) in compact system cameras at the moment are currently found in the Fujifilm X and Sony NEX system cameras. Therefore, we are focusing on these systems with our 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. Lenses for the Micro 4/3 mount are technically possible, but nothing is planned yet.
What are the differences when compared with ZEISS lenses sold by Sony?
High-performance ZEISS lenses have been available for the Sony Alpha since 2005 and for the NEX system developed jointly by ZEISS and Sony since 2011. The lenses are manufactured under the leadership of Sony. Sony ensures compliance with the specified ZEISS standards of quality. Sales and service are provided by Sony only. The ZEISS Touit lenses for the Sony NEX system and Fujifilm X system were developed exclusively by ZEISS. The lenses are manufactured under the direct control of ZEISS. Sales and service are provided by ZEISS.
Why does this lens family feature an autofocus (AF), while the SLR lenses only have a manual focus (MF)?
The development of autofocus lenses requires close collaboration with the camera manufacturer in order to ensure full compatibility with the pertinent camera system. In its collaboration with Canon and Nikon, ZEISS currently is not even licensed to use the autofocus interface on the camera. Therefore, we are concentrating on offering the best manual focus lenses for these systems. In its collaboration with Sony, ZEISS is developing autofocus lenses for the Alpha and NEX systems. The new Touit lenses are also available for the Fujifilm X system. ZEISS and camera manufacturer Fujifilm worked together closely on this project.
Is the manual focus on the AF lenses a “true” manual focus like that on the SLR lenses?
As with all lenses for the Fujifilm X and Sony NEX systems, the ZEISS Touit AF lenses feature an electronically coupled focus ring. Nonetheless, we have done our utmost to make manual focusing as precise as possible.
Will we be able to manually focus the lenses?
The Touit E mount lenses for Sony NEX cameras and Touit X mount lenses for Fujifilm X cameras can be precisely focused manually thanks to their large focus rotation angle. This requires the user to switch to manual focus on the camera housing.
On the Touit lenses, why is only the X mount model equipped with an aperture ring?
The X mount lenses for Fujifilm X cameras feature a manual aperture setting option on the lens because the design of this system does not accommodate an aperture setting feature on the camera. The aperture setting for the E mount lenses for Sony NEX cameras can only be configured on the camera due to the design.
Why don’t the lenses feature image stabilization?
The Touit 2.8/12 and Touit 1.8/32 lenses do not feature image stabilization. With shorter focal lengths, stabilization is not necessarily required and can even impair the imaging performance of the lens. For quality reasons, we have therefore decided to offer these lenses without image stabilization.
What lens design is used for Touit? How many lens elements have been used?
The lenses have an entirely new optical and mechanical design that takes into account the special requirements of mirrorless CSC cameras. The Touit 2.8/12 has 11 lens elements in eight groups. The Touit 1.8/32 has eight lens elements in five groups.
Which bayonet mounts are currently available?
Sony’s E mount (for Sony NEX cameras)
Fujifilm’s X mount (for Fujifilm X cameras)
What about compatibility with common filters? What size filter do I need for these lenses?
ZEISS Touit lenses feature a standard filter thread. The Touit 2.8/12 has an M67 and the Touit 1.8/32 an M52. All standard camera filters with the corresponding diameter can be used on these lenses. When the lens shade is removed, the adapter ring of a slot-in filter system with the corresponding filter diameter can be attached. For optimal results, we recommend the ZEISS T* UV or POL filter optimized for our lenses.
What firmware has to be installed on the camera to achieve ideal image results? Why doesn’t the autofocus work in the video mode of my Sony NEX camera?
For optimal compatibility, we recommend using ZEISS Touit lenses on Sony NEX cameras with firmware version 1.02 or later, or Fujifilm X cameras with firmware version 2.03 or later. On Sony NEX cameras with firmware version 1.02 or older, errors may occur when using the autofocus in the video mode. In order to also use Touit lenses on Sony NEX cameras with autofocus in the video mode, a firmware newer as 1.02 must be installed on the NEX camera.
From August 2013, all NEX camera models in the 5, 6 and 7 series will be delivered with the required firmware version. A firmware update will be available for users of earlier NEX cameras in these series. Information of the firmware version of your camera can be found in the camera menu. Please see the user manual for instructions. You can obtain more information on firmware updates from your dealer or directly from the camera manufacturer.
Touit 2
Are Touit lenses weatherproof?
Touit lenses are designed for common situations. Protection against environmental influences exceeding common dimensions is not provided. Touit lenses can be used in a temperature range of -10°C to +55°C.
What makes these lenses better than comparable focal lengths from Sony or Fujifilm?
ZEISS does not want to enter into a competition here. We believe that every single lens has its own optimal field of application. With ZEISS lenses, we pay special attention to delivering products featuring high-quality workmanship for decades of use. We also do our utmost to ensure particularly impressive imaging performance that enables you to capture extraordinary moments with the quality they deserve. Focusing on these strengths is what generally separates ZEISS lenses from most other lenses on the market.
How does the performance of the Touit 2.8/12 compare to the Distagon T* 3,5/18 and Distagon T* 2.8/21 SLR lenses? Is the Touit 2.8/12 on a Fujifilm X or Sony NEX camera an adequate replacement for the Distagon T* 2,8/21 on a DSLR camera?
The Touit 2.8/12 on a Fujifilm X or Sony NEX camera provides the same viewing angle as the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE/ZF on a full format DSLR camera. With comparable camera sensors, comparable image quality can be achieved.
Where does the name Touit come from?
In the future, ZEISS lenses in a series will have a family name that will convey a common identity. For this reason, we have decided to derive these family names from the Latin names for birds, which we find appropriate because birds generally have excellent eyesight, take in extraordinary perspectives, are flexible and enjoy life. Furthermore, the names sound nice and are generally compatible in many different languages and cultures. The name Touit – like the new ZEISS lenses for mirrorless system cameras – stands for good vision, agility, mobility and versatility. The name is derived from a small species of Brazilian parrot.
How do you pronounce Touit?
Touit is pronounced like the English words “do it.”
Why don’t these lenses have the typical ZEISS names (Distagon, Planar)? Will the proven names (Distagon, Planar, Sonnar) be discontinued in the future?
The names of the optical concepts (Distagon, Planar, etc.) used until now in the product names, as well as the T* designation for the antireflective coating stand for properties of the lenses, but are not actually the name. Furthermore, they are engraved on the front ring of the lenses. The names of the optical concepts (Distagon, Planar, etc.) used until now in the product names, as well as the T* designation for the antireflective coating stand for properties of the lenses, but not the product name. Furthermore, they are engraved on the front ring of the lenses.
What are the lenses made of?
The mirrorless system cameras are lighter and more compact than SLR cameras. With our new lenses for this camera system we are continue the development of our high quality lens concept while simultaneously aiming at a relatively light-weight design. For the mechanical components we looked for the best compromise between the quality of the material and the product’s total weight. For this reason, we decided to use a combination of materials. For parts that do not require metal for accuracy, solidity or durability, we have incorporated lighter materials such as plastic.
Why is the lens shade on the Touit lenses made of plastic and not metal?
In addition to a more economical manufacturing process, a plastic lens shade is also lighter than a metal lens shade. In the market of lenses for mirrorless system cameras, every gram that a photographer does not have to carry counts. Therefore, the lens shades on ZEISS Touit lenses are made of a high-quality, light and robust plastic.
Where are the lenses made?
For the manufacture of ZEISS lenses, we use a global production network of trusted partners in the optical industry that has been built up over many years. Touit lenses are made in Japan.
What exactly does ZEISS mean with “a global production network of trusted partners in
the optical industry that has been built up over many years.”?
In times of globalization, it is common to outsource production to partners who in terms of production quality, reliability and capacities are best suited to manufacture a certain product. From the beginning, one of our areas of expertise has been to shape production processes to ensure ZEISS quality – regardless of the site. We work with a network of partners: certain products can therefore be manufactured in different locations. Regardless of where a product is made, our know-how and technology for production and quality inspection always ensure that a ZEISS lens is created that meets our stringent demands on quality and performance.
Will the lenses be manufactured at Cosina in Japan?
We manufacture our lenses with the help of a global network of trusted partners that has been built up over the years. Please understand that we cannot provide any details on the network or the structure of our production process.
When will the new lenses be available?
The Touit 2.8/12 and the Touit 1.8/32 will be in stores from June 2013. The Touit 2.8/50 Macro is expected in stores by the end of 2013.
What can I do to get a Touit lens as soon as possible? Can I sign up to buy one in advance?
You can register on the ZEISS website from May 2013. As soon as the lenses are available, all registered customers will be notified via email.
When will the Touit 2.8/50 Macro be available?
The Touit 2.8/50 Macro will be in stores at the end of 2013.
What are the terms of the warranty?
The product is subject to the warranty stipulations of the EU for a period of 24 months; 6 months in the USA. This may vary from country to country. Damage or malfunctions caused by improper use or by opening the product are not covered by the warranty. For additional details on the manufacturer’s warranty, please go to the Service and Support area of our website. In some countries, we offer an extended warranty of 3 years when you register the product.
Who do I contact if the lens is damaged? Who provides service?
If a ZEISS Touit lens requires servicing, it should be sent either to an authorized ZEISS dealer in the respective country, or directly to ZEISS. For the information required to send the lens to ZEISS, please go to the service and repairs section on the website.
——
Zeiss preorder links:
12mm f/2.8 at BHphoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and Uniquephoto (Click here). In Europe at FotoMundus.
32mm f/1.8 at BHphoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and Uniquephoto (Click here). In Europe at FotoMundus.
51 Responses
“In its collaboration with Canon and Nikon, ZEISS currently is not even licensed to use the autofocus interface on the camera. Therefore, we are concentrating on offering the best manual focus lenses for these systems. In its collaboration with Sony, ZEISS is developing autofocus lenses for the Alpha and NEX systems.”
This is an interesting commant. When does protectionism secure your business and when does it damage your business?
As a side note, when IBIS cameras came out, suddenly many 3rd party lens makers started to provide OIS.
Why? It wouldn’t surprise me at all if C&N ‘allowed’ use of their patents in the area to try to neutralize the upside of IBIS.
… When does protectionism secure your business and when does it damage your business? and how should the cards be played? …
Secure – When people keep buying your product because of it. Example, people buying Canon cameras because they already has Canon lenses. If Canon mount is shared with Sony, people can buy Sony to make use of their existing Canon lenses.
Damage – When people avoiding your product because of it. Example, people hate MS card. So camera with MS Card only option is a big no sale for Sony.
CaNikon don’t want Zeiss autofocus on their range because they would compete with own-brand lenses in the same space. CaNikon would thus charge Zeiss high licencing costs to offset the competition, possibly making it uneconomic for Zeiss.
High end Alpha mount lenses for common focal lengths (wide to medium tele) are mostly Zeiss, so the inclusion of Zeiss in Alpha is actually a synery, hence close technical collaboration and common marketing on brand names (higher end alpha mounts often shown with Zeiss badged lenses in Sony literature, etc).
“CaNikon don’t want Zeiss autofocus on their range because they would compete with own-brand lenses in the same space.”
And that is a perfectly valid decision. But if these lenses start to show up on other bodies, with AF, then CaNikon may start to look the cameras you chose if you don’t need the best lenses available.
And no, I don’t think we are there, and I’m not sure we will ever get there.
But as theses lenses start to be avaiable on other brands and mounts, it will for sure put CaNikon in a different light for those who wants Zeiss lenses.
Is that the real reason? I have always wondered why exactly Zeiss doesn’t offer AF in EF and F mounts, but the only thing I have seen is
“Due to international licences, it is not possible at the moment for companies outside Japan to offer AF lenses with EF- or F – mount. So we will concentrate on high-end manual focus lenses with those mounts within the next future.”
Which is quite vague.
how is that vague? whenever a company doesn’t want to pay licensing it’s because it’s too expensive.
Whose and what licenses?
No it isn’t. If Canon simply does not want to license Zeiss then it has nothing to do with the amount of money Zeiss would like to pay for it. For example the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell hydrogen car, you couldn’t buy one even if you were prepared to spend a lot of money.
“Best” manual focus lenses that should belong to history and cannot stand against modern AF lenses optically.
15mm, 18mm, 21mm, 28mm, 35mm (both f2 and f1.4), 50mm/f1.4, 85mm — they are all overpriced for their performance
can you point us to some research about this? i just switched to a set of contax zeiss manual lenses. i can’t yet comment on optical quality but i love the way they handle and feel.
Go to dxomark and compare these zeisses to counterparts: take Nikon system, take 15 + 18 + 21 and compare them to 14-24, zoom lens wins, while being just as expensive as 21 and twice cheaper than Distagon 15. Take distagon 28 and compare to cheap 28/f1.8G. Nikkor wins being much cheaper. Take Distagon 35/f1.4 or /f2 and compare it to the Sigma 35, Sigma wins by a significant margin being cheaper than f2 and twice cheaper compared to f1.4. Take Planar 50/1.4 and compare to nikkor 50/1.4G or Sigma 50/1.4: both are twice cheaper and both are better performers. Take Planar 85 and compare to Nikkor 85/1.4G (just as expensive as Zeiss) and Sigma 85/1.4 (about twice cheaper than Zeiss): both are better performers than Planar and Nikkor is much better performer than it.
Of course, they are. Just look at what Samyang can do with their 14mm for less than 400US. The Zeiss 15mm is certainly the better lens, but 8 times the price?
I wouldn’t put Samyang against Zeiss. Their QC is laughable.
GreenLens, I believe my point was very clear. The Samyang was just to put things into perspective.
Manufactured in Japan … so, what other manufacturer in Japan does already make AF-lenses for E- and X-mount? What other Japanese manufacturer is already known for optical excellence (like in lens of the year 2013 – 35/1.4)?
The answer could very well be Sigma. I think it is.
Yep, but I hope Sigma’s promises of improved quality control come to fruition, otherwise they won’t be matching Zeiss any time soon.
I recently returned two copies of the Sigma 105mm EX DG OS macro, because Sigma seemingly cannot manufacture it without marks or dust on the interior elements. Frustrating to say the least.
The rubber ring on the lens ruins the quality.
Doesn’t it just affect the feeling of quality?
+
I agree with you on this. Rubber does help with gripping the lens, but esthetically it’s jarring on a Zeiss lens. Not sure if this bothers me enough not to buy the lens, especially if the IQ is outstanding.
Andrea,
It’s seems that the Nex-3 is not concerned by the firmware update.
Indeed, seems like Sony abandoned the 3 series for firmware updates.
So I’m stuck here with my C3 without being able to use any of the new lenses… What’s the point of an interchangeable lens camera then Sony?? 🙁
i’m guessing the common assumption is that because its the entry level camera, most 3 series users would not buy this lens. also you can still AF with this lens, you just don’t have AF during video
No weatherproof lens – lame! … firmware update only for lenses? – lame!
pretty lame comment as the NEX cameras are not weatherprof as well. And who says that the firmware update won’t contain anything else? – lame!
Pretty lame comment! … The Nex-7n should have weather sealing … if not – lame! So the Toit should have it! So – lame! And can you read my post? There is something at the end of my sentence … So we will see what the firmware deliver to improve performance, usability & features – So if nothing important will happend – lame!
is lame the new english word you’ve just learned?
Is this all you have to contribute? Lame! 🙂
We may well find that NEX cameras are never weatherproofed if A-mount survives and thrives. That would be another way for Sony to differentiate between its two (mirrorless) mounts – weatherproofing for A-mount only.
Could be but can you imagine a NEX-FF with a rumored cost of $3000+ NOT having weather seals?
Quite easily – the RX-1 isn’t weathersealed.
He did not say they were not weatherproof just that they were designed for common conditions. There are some on-line videos showing Zeiss testing their lenses for environmental exposures. I do not know if these lenses meet the same standard, but if they do you should be good to go in most weather, but perhaps not thunderstorms or direct splashes from waves. I expect they will fare better than any of the NEX bodies except perhaps the NEX 7.
What extra protection does the NEX-7 have over other NEXs?
“do it” – sounds almost like a “newbie”. Rich newbie.
Or Nike “just do it!”
“From August 2013, all NEX camera models in the 5, 6 and 7 series will be delivered with the required firmware version. A firmware update will be available for users of earlier NEX cameras in these series.”
That’s great news – the older models will receive a firmware update.
I’m curios if any other changes in the firmware are planned?
Lens Comensation.
Lens compensation for all nex could be wonderful !! Hope so for my Nex-5 and my Nex-7
Hello guys,
I have a question I don’t know where else to ask
I own NEX-EA50
Can I use Sony 16-50mm f/2.8 DT for a better low light result ?
Will it retain AF / AE / zoom ?
Will it work the 200% zoom button ?
You would need an LA-EA2 mount adapter, but you will probably be limited to f/3.5 max. aperture when using AF, which I think is a limitation of SLT tech.
AF will work, but not sure about AE – see page 2 of this brochure: http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/attachment/1237489213660
Zoom would be manual of course.
Not sure about 200% zoom.
it says:
…Thanks to Translucent Mirror Technology in the LA-EA2, auto focus
and one-push auto iris functions are available during
motion picture shooting with most A-mount lenses*.
* • The aperture is set to F3.5 when you record movies with auto-focusing.
When you are using a lens with an F3.5 or smaller F-stop, the aperture is
set to the maximum F-stop of the lens.
• The iris will not adjust automatically in movie mode
So confusing…
Auto-iris available but not in movie-mode ?????
I should enter my question this way:
Is it worth spending 1k $$ in a sony bright zoom
or should I mount my Nikon with the right adapter ofcourse ?
Or should I wait for a compatible E-mount lens
Better wait spending a lot of money, since there’s still a High Quality Standard Zoom on Sony’s E-Mount Roadmap and if you’re really into Low Light Sony’s own Prime Lenses starting at f/1.8 are a much better solution anyway or Third Party ones starting at f/1.4 (Manual Focus only).
still waiting for the G zoom or the zeiss for the nex system. Zoom is much more versatile for travel, which is the main reason i bought the mirrorless camera. $1K for a zoom is too expensive.
1. Epic marketing fail on the name “Touit” which is somehow pronounced “do it”.
2. 2-year warranty in the EU, 6 months in the USA? If true, this is a lame USA warranty for a Zeiss product “featuring high-quality workmanship for decades of use.” However, B&H is showing a 2-year warranty so the FAQ may be wrong.
Perhaps the new firmware will include a distance scale and hyperfocal calculator, since these don’t have distance markings or aperture rings.
Another interesting takeaway on this article is on the A-mount Zeiss lenses. It states Sony is in charge of ensuring Zeiss quality. Seems to me Sony has just licensed the Zeiss name, designing and manufacturing the lenses without any direct input from Zeiss, and that the only true connection to Zeiss is (self-verified) adherence to some nebulous set of “Zeiss standards.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sony Zeiss lenses, but after reading this, I think they’re much more “Sony” and much less “Zeiss.”
Yep, the E24 1.8 is a sony designed lens with the Zeiss sticker on it. Too bad I fell into the trap as well. Not worth the price at all.
You could call it a trap only if the lens doesn’t justify the price.
Is it bad ?
What trap? The E24 is an outstanding lens and would every bit as good with a Sony or a Fisher-Price name on it. Do you find the build quality to be poor? The optical quality?
I was so impressed by the image quality (and build) in the NEX7 and E24 that I have since sold ALL of my full-frame Sony gear (A850, high-end Minolta primes) because I can get the same or better image quality in a much smaller, lighter package. The E24 and NEX7 combination is better (sharper, better contrast, better color rendition, less flare) than the A850 and Minolta 35/2 (a legendary lens), and I have no reason to doubt that the Touit lenses (have both on pre-order) will outperform the Minolta or Sony 50/1.4 and either the CZ 16-35 or Sony 20/2.8 at the same focal length.
are u trolling right now? E24 Zeiss/Sonny is extremely good. Its even wider wich is difficult to make at f1.8 but + its sonnar design wich is aways soft wide open. DO NOT mistake SOFT with SMEARED/Dreamy. Soft ist what Zeiss does with sonnar design wide open to achieve homogene picture across the whole frame not only sharpness in the centre. Planar on the other side like the new touit 32 1.8 is aways sharp but cannot focus close and bokeh is harsh. the zeiss e 24 f 1.8 is much mor complicated design then the touit 32.