A new line of manual-focus lenses, designated with the Loxia title, have been announced by Zeiss. The initial compact lenses to be released later this year, a 50mm f/2 and a 35mm f/2, are crafted specifically for Sony’s E-mount full-frame α7 cameras. Christophe Casenave, product manager at Zeiss, says there is “growing desire for a digital manual-focus experience” on Sony Alpha 7/7R/7S cameras and that the Loxia line is “ready to exceed those expectations.”
Sony A7R outfitted with the new Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens.
The Loxia line is an updated take on the classic manual-focus designs of the past. Optimized for mirrorless digital sensors, these new lenses feature an electronic interface that can transmit EXIF lens data, as well as focus movements and the ability to activate the camera’s magnifier function.
Zeiss Loxia lenses have been designed with a manual aperture control ring built-in to the lens. One also has the ability to mechanically deactivate the aperture click stops (de-click) by using a special key tool, which is perfect for avid moviemakers who need to seamlessly adjust the aperture while recording.
Zeiss Loxia lenses can be mechanically de-clicked to allow for smooth aperture changes.
The Loxia 50mm is available for pre-order and expected to be released worldwide starting October 2014 with a recommended retail price of $949.00 USD. The Loxia 35mm is also available for pre-order and can be expected at the end of December 2014 carrying a price tag of $1,299.00 USD. See below for more details.
Loxia 2/50 Technical Specifications
Zeiss Loxia 2/50 lens.
| Focal length | 50 mm |
| Aperture range | f/2.0 – f/22 |
| Focusing range | 0.45 m - ∞ |
| Number of elements/groups | 6 / 4 |
| Angular field, diag./horiz./vert. | 46.78° / 39.38° / 26.70° |
| Coverage at close range | 250.1 mm x 168.3 mm |
| Filter thread | M52 x 0.75 |
| Dimensions (with caps) | 66.2 mm |
| Diameter of focusing ring | 62.1 mm |
| Weight | 320 g |
| Camera mounts | E-Mount |
Loxia 2/35 Technical Specifications
Zeiss Loxia 2/35 lens.
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Aperture range | f/2.0 – f/22 |
| Focusing range | 0.30 m - ∞ |
| Number of elements/groups | 9 / 6 |
| Angular field, diag./horiz./vert. | 63.02° / 54.06° / 37.57° |
| Coverage at close range | 210.2 mm x 139.4 mm |
| Filter thread | M52 x 0.75 |
| Dimensions (with caps) | 66.0 mm |
| Diameter of focusing ring | 62.1 mm |
| Weight | 340 g |
| Camera mounts | E-Mount |
The 'De Click' feature is an awesome add!
I thought the same thing. I have a bunch of Nikkor lenses I have "de-clicked" and it's quite a process to make this happen. I can imagine this is a smart feature more lenses makers might think about adopting as more and more photographers are also moonlighting as videographers. Smart design by Zeiss.
why buy this when there is a 55 Zeiss f1.8 with AF?
This 50mm has an aperture ring and can be de-clicked, a tremendous advantage for video shooters over the 55mm which doesn't have mechanical control at all. The manual focus ring on this lens spins a full 180 degrees that allows for precise focusing, great for the shooters who seek these types of lenses over autofocus ones. Similar lenses in passing, but I think they are geared for different audiences.
Interesting, that Declicked function is pretty cool, wonder if we will see more of that in future lenses. I'll stick with my Roks for now, but I like where things are going.