The E-mount lens family for Sony mirrorless cameras seems to be growing larger every day. Today, Zeiss announced a new addition to their manual-focus E-mount Loxia line: the Loxia 21mm f/2.8. Joining the 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/2 Loxia lenses already available, this trio aims to provide the high level of image quality that Zeiss glass is known for, and look good while doing it too.
Following in the design style footsteps of the other Zeiss Loxia lenses, the 21mm f/2.8 looks gorgeous. I already gushed about the outer Loxia design enough in my review of the 35mm f/2, so I’ll summarize it as quickly as possible: Yes. There are some interesting developments happening on the inside, however. While the Loxia 35mm employed a Biogon optical design which made it more compact, and the Loxia 50mm opted for a Planar design, the new Loxia 21mm will use the Distagon optical concept (much like the Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8). This design will utilize 11 lens elements in 9 groups and should be able to greatly control distortion and abbarations.
Technical specifications:
| Focal length | 21 mm |
| Aperture range | f/2.8 – f/22 |
| Focusing range | 0.25 m (9.84”) – ∞ |
| Number of elements/groups | 11 / 9 |
| Angular field, diag./horiz./vert. | 91° / 81° / 59° |
| Coverage at close range | 281 x 187 mm (11.06 x 7.36″) |
| Filter size | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (with caps) | 85 mm (3.35″) |
| Weight | 394 g (0.87 lbs) |
| Camera mounts | E-Mount |
The Zeiss Loxia manual-focus lenses have brought a classic imaging experience into the modern age of high-resolution digital photography. They feature an electronic interface for transmitting EXIF lens data and support focus assist features of the Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras. There is a manual-only aperture control ring built into the lens which has the ability to be de-clicked for smooth aperture changes.
The Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 will be priced at $1,499 and is set to be released in December 2015. You can preorder now from B&H.
[via Zeiss]
