new M lenses: 21/1.4, 24/1.4, 24/3.8 and 50/0.95

[Rayt]

I keep forgetting that the M8 exists. I guess the 21 1.4 makes more sense when one considers its effective FL on half frame. I wonder if it will be used FF by many?

I suspect that Zeiss will come up with some offerings to satisfy those without $6K available - hope so! A ZM 28 1.4 with decent corners on FF would be nice.

Didn't Zeiss claim the 85/2 had to be made in Germany due to the floating element? That is a $3000 lens so I guess you are right a Zeiss 28/1.4 can be under $6k.

 

[tomasis]

Zeiss have no 50/1.4 35/1.4 (more like Planar no Sonnar to compete ASPH Leica) or any F2 for wide angle below 35mm. 15 and 85mm costs a lot money. I think they have to introduce 50 and 35 high speed lenses at first. Japanese made lenses might be cheaper. I still hesitate if Zeiss will let Cosina make "special" high speed like 28/1.4. Let us see.

 

[peter_n]

Picture below is from the LUF. Taken at the S2 announcement, it is a 24mm/f1.4 shot taken with the lens wide-open.

 

[infrequent]

I still hesitate if Zeiss will let Cosina make "special" high speed like 28/1.4. Let us see.

well since the release of the 35/1.4 nokton classic, anything is possible. cosina might just release the "special" lenses by themselves. maybe not the whole range like leica, but the classic focal lengths.

 

[BillBingham2]

Unique selection of BIG glass. Very high end, very expensive, very cool and very unique. Should help keep the Leica cash accounts doing OK.

B2 (;->

 

[35mmdelux]

these are going to be fabulous new lenses and keep Leica on the cutting edge of optics and bragging rights. For those who prefer the wide angles, now you will have fast wide angles and new opportunities. For the rest of us we are already cool, with the 50mm/1.4 A and the 35mm/1.4 A.

I applaud Leica for these breakthru lenses. This is the kind of revolution it needs to get a better foothold in this highly competitive market.

 

[peter_n]

Excellent blog from David Farkas of Dale Photo & Digital in Florida including talk with Peter Karbe of Leica on 35mm lens design:

http://dfarkas.blogspot.com/

 

[Captain]

Any word on how much the new Leica finders will be?

 

[Chuck Albertson]

Any word on how much the new Leica finders will be?

Around $800.

 

[peter_n]

Yes, they are quite expensive. They come with two framelines, one for film Ms and the other for the M8. I have the old plastic Leica 24 VF and I think I'll stick with it for a while because I don't need or want the M8 lines. When you add up the cost of the lens, hood, filter and VF it comes to like 😱.

 

[jmkelly]

Sorry but nearly $7k for the 21/1.4 is just too rich for the use I get out of that focal length - gonna have to stick with the 21/2.8 G Biogon.

That said - kudos to Leica for attempting such fast wide-angles! I hope their performace lives up to the hype.

 

[Captain]

$800 is quite alot but I dare say that will come down a bit in time. Shame they didnt bring out a compact 21 to partner the compact 24.

 

[peter_n]

Well they have pretty hefty competition from Zeiss in the compact 21 department.

 

[user237428934]

I was able to look at the three lenses (21, 24, 24) closely at photokina 🙂 but couldn't take photos with them :-(
The 1.4 lenses are really huge and heavy. Even if I could afford them they were too bulky for me. The 3.8/24 feels good and it seems that a shade is included. But 1800 EUR for a 3.8 lens is quite expensive.