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Saw photos of a interesting lens today, Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM!
Sony DSLR has been of interesting mainly because it inherit the previous very high quality Minolta legendary glass, and of course not forgetting the partnership with Zeiss to specifically produce ZA series of lenses for Sony Alpha mount. Zeiss lenses in autofocus! Something like a dream comes true for many! German glass (Leica, Zeiss, Schneider…etc.) has always thought to be more superior than Japanese glass. How true is it I am not sure, but I sure am interested in this Zeiss if my pocket is deep enough.
Let’s see the two photos I saw in PhotoMalaysia forum (original source unknown):
A few things I found interesting in this lens.:
1. SSM
SSM in Sony means silent wave motor, which means the lens has built in motor, which is great! First in Zeiss!
2. 24mm
Yes! Latest zoom lens in this focal length in Canon and Nikon and now Zeiss has gone wider to 24mm! Great!
3. Full frame lens
Yes, this is a full frame lens. Very possible that Sony will come out with a full frame DSLR soon. Rumors that Nikon D3 full frame sensor is co-design with Sony, so very possible Sony will use the same 12.1MP full frame sensor in their full frame professional DSLR. Minolta has a 9 series professional SLR in their range, Sony will definitely utilize the technology and design from Minolta. My prediction is that we shall see full frame professional DSLR from Sony within year 2008 before Beijing Olympic.
4. Boxed
Yes…if you notice the box in the photo above, which means that the lens should already been in production or available to some! (if the photo is genuine).
5. F2.8 Aperture
Yes, F2.8 constant aperture. I just love fixed aperture lens, which immediately shout to you: PROFESSIONAL GRADE!
I must admit that the design and look of the lens is very sleek and clean. It looks simple, fat but clean. No busy badge or sticker here and there. I wonder how long will the lens extend from zoomed, it would be a dream lens if the length of the lens remain constant during zooming, which I hate in Nikon and Canon similar lenses.
If only Zeiss can make AF lenses for Nikon, that would be my dream lens to get!
Yes, this is an exciting development. From what I have heard, this lens is internal focus but does extend when zooming.
What is even more exciting for me is that soon after this lens is released, it is rumored that a 16-35/2.8 will follow! That’s the one I want!!
I just heard that this lens is SRP at RM15k or US$4k…if street price is 15% less, it is still a very expensive lens when compared to Nikon or Canon equivalent (Ok…I know Canon and Nikon can’t equal to Zeiss… :P)
i saw some interesting photos by zeiss lens on sony alpha at pic4c.com