[Updated] Phase One Announces First Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring Zoom Lenses

In partnership with Schneider Kreuznach, Phase One has added two Blue Ring zoom lenses to their impressive lineup of high-end imaging products. These new full-frame 645 lenses, the 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6 and 75-150mm LS f/4.0-5.6, promise prime lens quality with improved precision and advanced electronics. Phase One will be hosting a webinar on July 19 where you can watch a hands-on demonstration of these lenses.

Update: Check below for sample images from these two lenses.

When paired up, the two new Blue Ring zoom lenses offer a 40mm-150mm zoom range covering wide to normal to telephoto. Both the 40-80mm LS and 75-150mm LS lenses have a zoom lock function and are designed to maintain focus position while zooming. These leaf-shutter lenses support flash synchronization up to 1/1,600 s.

With front lens diameters of 63mm an 65mm, Phase One Senior Product Manager Espen Beck said in the press release, “Creating optics this large with such tight tolerances is quite an achievement.” He continued by explaining how capturing full resolution images with a square 100-megapixel medium-format sensor using a round lens requires a larger overall lens, which needs larger lens elements and larger movements, all while maintaining speed and precision.

“Schneider Kreuznach lenses are designed to deliver the ultimate analog input to be shaped and refined with the Phase One XF 100MP Camera System and Capture One software. This design also benefits the Phase One XF 50MP system, which can exploit the ‘sweet spot’ of the lens, producing impeccable results,” said Beck.

Compatible with the Phase One XF, Phase One 645DF+ and Mamiya 645DF+, or DF camera systems, the Schneider Kreuznach 75-150mm LS f/4.0–5.6 Zoom is shipping now while the Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm LS f/4.0–5.6 Zoom is expected to ship by August 1. Pricing is listed at $5,990 USD (5,490 EUR) and $8,990 USD ($7,990 EUR) respectively. More information can be found on the Phase One website.

If you are interested in watching a hands-on demonstration of these two new Blue Ring lenses, Phase One is hosting an online conference with Product Manager Drew Altdoerffer and Image Professor Niels Knudsen on July 19. Webinar registration information can be found here.

Sample Images

Sample photos taken by Antony Spencer.