New Gear: Carl Zeiss Presents the New Distagon T* 2,8/15 Super Wide Angle Lens

[photo.net_industry_news]

<p>OBERKOCHEN, 16.03.2012. <br /> Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle <br /> Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography. <br /> <br /> Thanks to the extreme angle of view of the lens, the fore- and background can be creatively emphasized in landscape and architecture photography. These applications will also benefit from the large depth-of-field, which provides a wide range of image sharpness from close-up<br /> up to infinity. With a close focus of 0.25m (10”) – combined with a wide angle view – photographers can work in tight spaces, while also allowing focus on close-up details. Distortion is extremely well controlled, producing naturally proportioned photographs which are not typical of many<br /> other super wide angle lenses. "With the Distagon T* 2,8/15, Carl Zeiss sets the standard in super wide angle photography," says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Program Manager in the Camera Lens Division<br /> of Carl Zeiss AG. "Even at full aperture it achieves outstanding detail rendition and opens up room for extremely imaginative design."<br /> <br /> The Distagon T* 2,8/15 incorporates two aspheric lenses and special types of glass material with abnormal partial dispersion to provide an extraordinary correction of chromatic aberration.<br /> A floating elements design guarantees high image quality from close-focus through infinity. Like the other SLR lenses in the ZE and ZF.2 series, stray light and reflections are well controlled by the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and the sophisticated treatment of the lens element edges with special light absorbing paint. <br /> <br /> The robust all-metal barrel of the Distagon T* 2,8/15 is designed for decades of reliable service. A long focus rotation and buttery-smooth action is perfect for photographers who want to take control of their picture making, as well as for filmmakers looking for superior focus control. A nine blade aperture provides a nearly circular opening, producing natural looking out of focus details.<br /> <br /> The lens shade is integrated into the design and helps to protect the lens surface from uninten- tional damage. The 95mm filter thread accepts all standard filters, including the recently released Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters. <br /> <br /> The lens will begin shipping in May 2012 at a recommended retail price of €2,148 or US$2,948 (excluding VAT)*.<br>

<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/15364112-lg.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="366" /><br>

The new ZEISS Distagon T* 2,8/15 opens-up a new world of creative possibilities<br>

<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/15364113-lg.jpg" alt="" /><br>

The 95mm filter thread of the Distagon T* 2,8/15 accepts all standard filters, including the Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters<br /> <br /> <br /> Technical data<br /> Focal length 15 mm<br /> Aperture range f/2.8 -22<br /> Number of lens elements/groups 15/12<br /> Focusing range: 0.25m – infinity<br /> Angular field** (diag./horiz./vert.) 110°/ 100°/ 76°<br /> Coverage at close range** 340 x 221 mm (close-up)<br /> Image ratio at close range 1:9 (close-up)<br /> Filter thread M95 x 1.0<br /> Length with caps 132 mm (ZF.2)<br /> 135 mm (ZE)<br /> Diameter 103 mm (ZF.2)<br /> 103 mm (ZE)<br /> Weight 730 g (ZF.2)<br /> 820 g (ZE)<br /> Mounts ZF.2 (F bayonet)<br /> ZE (EF bayonet)<br /> <br /> <br /> * Status: 16 March 2012<br /> ** Based on 35 mm format</p>

<p>SOURCE: <a href="http://www.zeiss.com/4125681C00466C26/Contents-Frame/7B1B16269DA3F0D085256B75005EDDEE">Carl Zeiss Press Release</a></p>

 

[leicaglow]

<p>I wonder if it's better than my Nikkor version.</p>

[ed_avis2]

<p>Is this the first use of aspherical elements in Zeiss wide-angles?</p>

 

[wolf_rainer_schmalfuss]

<p><strong>Michael</strong>, the better is always the enemy of good, the new Zeiss definately beats them all presently on the market!<br>

<strong>Ed</strong>, Zeiss is producing lenses since over 120 years, more than anybody else in the whole world. You should read more about the Zeiss history!</p>