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Now reading: Zeiss is teasing a new telephoto Batis lens on its Instagram account 101 comments

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Zeiss is teasing a new telephoto Batis lens on its Instagram account

Published Mar 23, 2017 | Allison Johnson

Recently, Zeiss started teasing a 'new Batis portrait telelens' on its Instagram account. A couple of Zeiss Ambassadors have posted photos from the yet-to-be-named lens as part of a weekly account takeover. The photo below was taken by music photographer Greg Watermann. Zeiss mentions that the E-mount lens will be available this spring.

Next week on our #TakeoverTuesday ZEISS Ambassador Greg Watermann (@gregwatermann) will show you #adayinthelifeof #gregwatermann. Stay tuned for exciting behind the scenes. By the way, he has something new in his camera bag. Our new Batis portrait telelens. Stay tuned for more info. 📸Photo shot by Greg with the new lens.

A post shared by ZEISS Camera Lenses (@zeisscameralenses) on Feb 22, 2017 at 7:05am PST

UK-based wedding photographer Lisa Beaney also got a chance to use the new lens for a series of portraits.

Meet Joe: Joe's watch tattoo has a very special meaning to him. The time (26 mins past 2) is actually his Dads birthday and the ink for this tattoo was mixed with some of his Dads ashes so he always has his Dad with him whatever else happens in life..... This photo was taken with the new (yet to be released) Zeiss Batis lens and I can't get over how sharp it is... sharper than my 85mm Batis ! #takeover #takeovertuesday #instatakeover #instagramtakeover #zeissstories #ambassadorstakeover #zeisstakeover #zeisslive #instazeiss #zeissmoments #zeissambassador #zeisscameralenses #welovelenses #zeisstakeover #zeissfriend #adayinthelifeof #lisabeaney @lisabeaney #tattoo #tattoophotography #inked @shoelessjoe80

A post shared by ZEISS Camera Lenses (@zeisscameralenses) on Mar 21, 2017 at 4:33am PDT

Internet speculation is pointing to a 135mm F2.8. What do you think? Are you hoping for something faster than F2.8? Let us know in the comments.

Via: DC Watch

Tags: zeiss

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(unknown member)

Yawn.
Whatever Zeiss can do, Sigma can do better.

Mar 25, 2017permalink

JoSquared

Only way heavier and bigger;) But yes quality wise they seem like a cheaper Zeiss at this point

Mar 27, 2017permalink

fedway

Zeiss and Sigma have very different renderings to my eyes. I still prefer the Zeiss.

Apr 1, 2017permalink

rjx

It's a 135mm f/2.8 http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Exif-1.jpg

Mar 24, 2017permalink

Calvin Chann

Teasing annoys the f out of me. It probably has the opposite effect of that which was desired.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

Luisifer

Does anybody want to bet whether DPR will know 2/135 Milvus before Zeiss stop those speculations about new (another 135mm) lens? :-)

Mar 24, 2017*permalink

Luisifer

Who didn't catch it:
https://www.dpreview.com/products/zeiss/lenses?subcategoryId=lenses
2/135 still missing after 6 months from announcement...

Mar 26, 2017*permalink

robbinsbox

maybe it will have close focusing, be v light or something to differentiate itself. much negativity about the lens, could be a wonderful addition.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

DenWil

If these photos are representative then the lens is a non issue. One more example of a company and consumers reveling over results easily attainable 30 years ago. If people would take half the time spent fawning over the next new lens and concern themselves with subject matter, styling, light, and framing the medium would be so much better off.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Eric Hensel

This is a gear-site -whether that fits your narrative, or not.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

PhotoUniverse

I agree with Eric. Why do you come here then?

Mar 24, 2017permalink

Utterlyotter

Wow, that´s one rather pompous and self-righteous comment by the OP - telling people what and what not to do...

Mar 24, 2017permalink

badi

Well, DenWil do has a point: the presented images that "tease" the lens do not show anything about the lens. At this resolution an image shot with a $50 old tamron 50-200mm would look just as good. They don't show anything about the lens rendering, about it's sharpness, etc.
It will probably be an excellent one, as that is what zeiss usually offers, but this images don't show anything...

Mar 24, 2017*permalink

samhain

You do realize that those photos are from Instagram, right?

Not exactly an ideal platform for judging lens performance & characteristics...

Mar 24, 2017permalink

JohnyP

DenWil is exactly right. There is nothing special about those images. I will go as far as to say that not only they could have been taken with a $100 lens from any manufacturer.

All these super-happy commenters that are excited about anything that takes pictures including blenders, refrigerators and tablets are funny...Hey look, it's new... it's shiny, it's expensive... let's all praise and obsess over it instead of shooting!

Mar 24, 2017permalink

PhotoUniverse

@JohnyP

I think you're missing the point. DPreview is about digital photography. So they post anything related to that.
So the iPhone and Phase One XF 100MP cameras are both digital photography devices and they want and should report about. Either you like it or not.

Why do you want to dictate what kind of digital photography they should post about?

Mar 25, 2017permalink

Daviddmf

Agree with DenWil and furthermore a computer screen or device is hardly an ideal medium for evaluating a lens. Proof is in the printing.Cant stand the pixel peeping that is almost a neurosis & this addiction to sharpness is another,the never ending quest for perfection,it does pain a certain picture of one that is never satisfied or really happy.

Mar 25, 2017permalink

Eric Hensel

If this lens is sharp and contrasty at 135mm f2.8...then you'd have something. Everybody has a 135 that's sharp at f5.6.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

cdembrey

Tack-sharp can be cured with a Black Pro Mist or Double Fog filter. Nylon/Silk stockings stretched over the front/rear of a lens can also get rid of unwanted clinical sharpness.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

danm_cool

there is a 135mm f/2.0 autofocus tack sharp lens already available for Sony, it is the Canon L lens, amazing lens, second sharp in Canon's line-up after 300mm 2.8; there is also a sigma 1.8 135mm which promises a lot as well, should work as a native lens on Sony; I doubt the "blue" logo worth the money for a 2.8 lens... it is just way too much "excellent" quality competition to look at this new future lens from zeiss, bug off zeiss!

Mar 27, 2017permalink

SparkyF986

I had the Canon 135mm/f2.0 and a tremendous lens it was when used on a Canon 5DII, but it would not focus with either my SonyA7R or my A7RII using a Commlite adapter - which does have the necessary electrical contacts. Maybe it would focus using a Metabones adapter but I have not been able to verify that it would. Hence, I sold it and would like the new Batis to be an F2.0 for low-light shooting.

Mar 31, 2017permalink

danm_cool

all my L lenses worked fine (very fast autofocus) when using the sigma MC11 (much cheaper than the metabones); but only on A7II and A7RII in phase detection mode (still most features are available like face detection, continuous af, etc)

Apr 7, 2017*permalink

SparkyF986

Thanks, that's good to know - if now too late for my Canon 135/2. Perhaps the new Sigma 135/1.8 with the MC11 adapter would be a winner?

Apr 7, 2017permalink

danm_cool

Sigma 135mm looks like a big winner here :) a much better proposition for price but especially for quality (I am pretty sure it will be as sharp if not better than the new batis), but again to be used with a small selection of cameras to make the most out of it

Apr 7, 2017permalink

mick232

Wow, Zeiss gives us a 135/2.8! If this were 1950, I'd be impressed.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Karroly

Are "your" 135mm F2.8 from the 1950's tack sharp when used on a 50MP FF sensor ?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

mick232

No, but my 135/1.8 is.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

cdembrey

@Karroly "Sharpness is a bourgeois concept" - Henri Cartier-Bresson

True then, true now.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Karroly

@cdembrey,
Yes, roughness and unpolished things are for the masses...
Then why don't you shoot with a 15-year old 2MP point&shoot camera ? ;-)
More seriously, nobody knows what Cartier-Besson would have said about a 50MP FF camera and done with it...
A moderate, sharp, tele lens with a high-res sensor can replace a longer, not so sharp but heavier and more expensive, tele lens...

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Irakly Shanidze

The things are going now, there is no need for faster lenses anymore, although I understand the desire. 2.8/135 is plenty fast when ISO3200 looks better than Fuji Provia 400F back in a day :)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

JT26

Agree completely.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Dan_168

Really? I for one try to avoid ISO 3200 but rather stick to ISO 100 whenever I can, and I go for F1.2 lens not got light gathering purpose either. with that being said, I will stick with the Zeiss 135 F2 aPO and Samyang 135 F2 instead.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

(unknown member)

@Dan_168 you can go even under 2 with the Sigma 135 1.8 or the Sony 135 1.8. So it's more than a stop difference. I.e. ISO 3200 vs ISO 1250. I'd take the last one for sure :)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

John C Tharp

Faster lenses mean better subject isolation at a given compression, and also mean faster/more accurate AF.

Never say 'there's no need for faster lenses anymore' ;).

Mar 24, 2017permalink

Irakly Shanidze

@Dan_168 I shoot with 1/50 on a daily basis for work. Would you like me to tell you what it takes? As to ISO100 vs 3200, I would love you to tell the difference looking at two Leica M10 files. At this point there is absolutely no reason to shoot at ISO100, unless you have too much light for what you are trying to accomplish

@AngularJS - do not forget about convenience. I have Zeiss 1.8/135, and it is humongous. Now, with Leica SL, or Sony a99-II the difference between 1250 and 3200 is nominal effectively making this monstrosity unnecessary

@John C Tharp - yes sir, Captain Obvious sir! Theory is a wonderful thing until you start implementing it in real life. As to AF accuracy, do not forget about a trade-of: faster lenses = shallower DOF = higher tolerance. If you do AF at 1.8 for 2.8, your precision is excessive, as the greater DOF of 2.8 will swallow an error. On the other hand, faster glass = more glass to move = slower, unless it is an internal focusing lens

Mar 24, 2017permalink

probert500

Almost all lenses not made for bellows are telephoto - this is meaningless.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

matthew saville

Based on the perspective distortion, (or lack thereof) I'd say it's a 105 or a 135.

Based on the Batis history of being slightly lighter weight than an Otus, LOL, I'm going to wager it's not an insanely fast lens, either. So maybe 105 f/2 or 135 f/2 or f/2.8

Mar 23, 2017permalink

JT26

Can't be a 105 with the new Sony 100 and batis 85. Will be 135.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Hutson57

I'm neither teased or pleased! I like Zeiss products and own Batis lenses. I would like a 135mm, preferably f2. But this behaviour by Zeiss is unprofessional and frankly, plain frustrating. So Zeiss - stop being silly, publish a lens road map and for goodness sake, get a move on with your Batis lens development.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Scottelly

Do you think they've been influenced by Sony?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

EdnaBambrick

By Sony Alpha Rumors perhaps...

Mar 23, 2017permalink

matthew saville

What do you think this is, Pentax? LOL. :-P

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Hutson57

Sony have also been slow in lens development and release, though things seem to be picking up now. While I appreciate companies need to be cautious in getting product design right and be mindful of commercial issues, what is the point of creeping along with just three auto- focus FE lenses? Fuji have quickly established an excellent range of lenses for their 'X' series cameras and profited as a result. I'd like to see Zeiss do the same.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

(unknown member)

Agree with the OP - lame marketing efforts.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

shotbyliuk

I bet it is going to be f2.5 instead of 2.8 just for marketing purpose

Mar 23, 2017permalink

(unknown member)

How bout 2.79? ;)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

sjazz

Zeiss had been teasing it for more than a month which is too much in my humble opinion.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

badi

As others already said, teasing in itself is a very poor strategy. Professionals (anyway the zeiss products, because of their price, are aimed at pros and wealthy or very addict enthusiasts), so professionals appreciate much more a lens roadmap, that would make clear what products to expect. It can be done, look at Fuji.

Mar 23, 2017*permalink

Ed Ingold

"Teasing" a new product treads a very fine line. Done correctly, it puts the competition at a disadvantage, even if they have something new in the pipeline. Customers will wait for you, rather than seek an alternative. In marketing, being "first" is critical.

If done too early, your competition can scoop you.

Zeiss is generally worth waiting for if you demand the highest quality.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Scottelly

Maybe they've been teasing, because Sigma has been showing. Maybe Zeiss is feverishly working on a new prototype now, so they can try to catch up with Sigma. It could be that they realize Sigma will get a lot of the customers who have been waiting for a new, high-quality 135mm portrait lens to come on the market, and they are trying to get in on the action.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

badi

I'll rephrase :) ... *in my opinion* teasing is a poor strategy. Of course the zeiss marketing team knows a few things more than me (i am an engineer, so marketing is not my strongest point).
It may help them to reach their goals, but still it is not a good and respectful way to treat professionals (in any field). Creating a roadmap does not mean to give full details on the released products, but to give some guidlines: "a short tele lens, in late 2017, a fast ultra wide zoom in early 2018" etc.

Especially since Zeiss is "worth waiting for" knowing this will make the people interested to wait that few extra months. Maybe they plan to do an amazing... say 21/F2 with AF lens ... but since you have no idea if that is going to happen, you will buy now the 20/1.4 from sigma.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

dbo

It is a 135/2.8.
Comparing it to the other Batis' I would expect something around 1.299 to 1.499 €.
But let's see.

For me f/2.8 is fast enough based on my experience with my former Sonnar 135/1.8 on A mount.
Currently I am very ok with the results of my GM zoom at 135mm.
As an always curious person for new gear I am going to give it a try anyway, but for me it needs to deliver similarly to the Sonnar some magic in IQ that makes me ignoring the priceand keeping it. :-)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

samfan

I know these social networks are all the rage these days, but I often wonder what are all those fancy cameras and lenses for if the images are meant for instagram?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

badi

They are for images that remain on hard drives, classified by date and location, expecting that "later" moment to come, when they'll be edited and printed on some memories albums ... anyway, that's me :)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

samfan

Yea well I do the same except I don't even post to social networks at all :P

It's kind of a shame though, to have all the equipment and not all that much outlet to post images in good quality. (Yea I know there's Flickr and others, but everyone just wants the 1024*1024 IG/FB/Tublr images and the likes with filters and captions.) Of course, due to mind-blowing amount of photos being made and posted everywhere, we can't really do much about it.

Still, Instagram, ugh.

Mar 23, 2017*permalink

Woodyz

Instagram was the original Snapchat, basically. IG was meant to share crappy cellphone photos of whatever you were doing--kind of like Snapchat now but with only still photos--hence "Insta"gram.

As IG became popular over time, more and more people tried to one-up others for likes and followers, sharing nicer non-instant, highly post-processed stuff.

IG was never designed to be a gallery to showcase your A7RII + G-Master photos... some users just make it that way.

Mar 23, 2017*permalink

princecody

Hope it's autofocus 🤓👍🏻

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Kiril Karaatanasov

Batis line has AF with Sony E mount cameras.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

aris14

It will be something between 105 - 135 mm, f 2.8 and expensive, that is why they promote it through Insta, just like every fashion item producer would chose to do... Its performance will excel in an area covering the 3% of circumstances by a margin of 5% which margin another 20% of potential buyers would comprehend as something unique and sell it as such to people they crave to be persuaded from something to spice up their lives... No..?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

babart

Precisely. Why does anyone need another portrait lens. Are there not a dozen or more that already work very well? And why auto focus, unless it's to be used in street work or journalism (an area well-covered by several zooms from several manufacturers.) There are even older manual focus Zeiss lenses in the 85 to 135 range that would work very well in a portrait studio, and will also, despite their age, clearly define every wrinkle, freckle, and acne scar on the subject. Defects then removed by portrait software. Go figure.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Favorable Exponynt

At least F2 or you're better of with the Samyang.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Androole

If it's AF you're a lot more likely to nail focus at 135mm, especially if it's only f2.8.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

barrym1966

Probably not as good as the new sigma lenses...

We will see :)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

brendon1000

Its a 135mm f2.8. So will be not as fast but will be much smaller for sure.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Pixel Pooper

Sigma doesn't make any FE lenses so the point is moot.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

barrym1966

I'm sure a Sigma 135 1.8 Art plus mc11 adapter will be cheaper :)

Mar 24, 2017permalink

Pixel Pooper

It might be cheaper, but not by much. It will also be larger, heavier, and will AF slower.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

biza43

F2.8 is fast enough for 135mm. I wish it would be smaller like the venerable Canon EF 135 f2.8 soft focus lens of the 1980's... but I doubt it, it will be larger with OIS and all. Looking forward to it.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Sutlore

Does not matter what it is, 135/2.8 or else.
I am only looking forward for Zeiss Batis 35/1.8. Seriously, I really need it. I am tired on turning the focus ring of the Loxia35/2.0 so much! Need something automatic, and fast!

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Zakzoezie

You have a valid point here, I also believe Zeiss would have done a better job if they focussed on a full Batis line first (before starting with other e-mount lines), including 35 & 50mm F1.8. It would have helped e-mount users to build a more consistent AF prime set. Now, to cover most popular focal lengths (like 24, 35, 50, 85, 105, 135, 200, 300, etc) users end up with a mick mack of different prime lens families, and then yet, not all lenses listed are covered. I guess this was part of the Sony/Zeiss marketing strategy to sell as many high profit lenses as possible over time ... Only, I think this was not 100% the right strategy since I believe this is an extra reason for users with other brands, not to jumpship to e-mount. And yes you can use adapters, but this is not the ideal solution you normally look for when building a new mount lens line-up. For the well known reasons, third party adapters are an extra hurdle to take, in terms of price, space and potential technical issues.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Zakzoezie

Also, available Sony 35mm F1.4 lens is for most users too big & heavy, while the 35mm F2.8 is a very nice little lens though in many situations too slow for a prime lens. The 35mm F1.8 or F2 AF prime is a sweet spot that should have been covered ...

Mar 23, 2017*permalink

tumivn

Totally agree, I wish to have a e-mount 35mm f/2.0 or new a-mount 35mm f/2.0, but maybe Sony just want ppl to buy their RX1R.

Mar 24, 2017permalink

mr.izo

"fantastic E Mounts at tempting prices"

if you believe in unicorns, than it's possible..

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Photo_AK

135/2.5

Mar 23, 2017permalink

panther fan

This teasing is dumb. They just want to protect themself from comparing a 135mm F2.8 Batis being more expensive than a 135mm F1.8 Sigma Art.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

dansclic

It will be extremely expensive then considering sigma's high price😀
I found the solution : nikon 135 f2.8 ais for 120 usd....

Mar 23, 2017permalink

rialcnis

I hope they make some new fantastic E Mounts at tempting prices. This looks good.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

ttran88

Zeiss needs to stop monkeying around and make some EOS M lenses 😉

Mar 23, 2017permalink

biza43

Why would they make lenses for a system that sells not that much?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

nandbytes

apparently it sells quite a bit in Asian markets

Mar 23, 2017permalink

kreislauf

like the nikon 1 system...

Mar 23, 2017permalink

biza43

Yes, Asian markets. But the folks buying it probably do not have native Zeiss lenses as a high priority...

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Kiril Karaatanasov

May be Canon need to make a camera first and also license the protocol to Zeiss? I mean that the Batis line of lenses is full frame and M5 is crop also M5 is bit of yesterday's tech like 4 years behind Sony and Fuji.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

David610

Getting excited about a 135mm f2.8? Is this the 1950s? Will it focus really close like a Vivitar from the 1970s? I doubt it. Will it be really light like an 80s Pentax M or a Zuiko. Nah. The Sony E mount short flange to sensor distance will ensure it is too heavy. At least it is not another 85mm or 50mm. Where are the APSC lenses for the A6500? Fuji X series could give you inspiration.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

PPierre

IMO, this teasing campaign is a failure. First because while Zeiss is teasing for its lens nobody knows, some users who need a telelens might not be patient enough to wait and see and buy one of the new telelenses from Sony (FE85f1.8 and 100f2.8 STF). Second because it raises the expectations up to a level I'm not sure a 135f2.8, however small it is, might satisfy. Last, because if indeed, it's a 135f2.8, then the main selling argument is not IQ (it'd better be incredible at this slow aperture) but the size of the lens, and nothing in this teasing campaign underlines this feature.

Honestly, I hope this lens will be small and not $1500 if it ends up being a 135f2.8 (and according to SAR, it is). And I also hope Zeiss will learn from this failure of a campaign and give us roadmaps instead of teasers on Instagram in the future. When you sell lenses that are $1000, you'd better let your customers have an idea of what they could buy a long time in advance.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

kreislauf

What are you talking about?
A 135/2.8 covering FF is not slow.

It is slow when you are a gearhead, fixated on marketing stunts of the manufacturers that make you believe: the faster the better.
It's not a contest, BTW, where the photographer with the largest lens wins.

Did you ever use a 135 mm with apertures smaller than f/4???
In terms of photography, f/2.8 will do fine.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

DeathArrow

Something like the wonderful (and cheap compared to Zeiss and Sigma) Canon 135mm f/2 shot wide open?

Mar 23, 2017permalink

LJ - Eljot

It may be not small, but for F-mount and EF-mount Zeiss offers the incredible Milvus 2/135, which is the classic Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 Z* in new housing. No AF though.
And yes, I used a 135mm/2. There is not that much difference between 2 und 2.8. Both is to wide in most cases.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Luisifer

i like to shoot fully open aperture too, some example http://12in.cz/fotografie/obr/81__50_Hlidany-pozemek

Mar 23, 2017permalink

DeathArrow

If you do not like or can't or don't need to shoot a fast lens wide open, than why buy a fast lens anyway? A cheap 70-300 will do if you stop down to f/8 - f/11.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

LJ - Eljot

@Luisifer: Nice indeed. But where is the other version shot with 2.8 for comparison?

Well, the difference between 2.0 and 2.8 could be imprtant for some. 2.8 might be enough but because there are the usual 70-200mm/2.8 already a 135mm/2.8 might lack a selling piont. I should be much cheaper and sharper (and lighter/smaller) than the 2.8 zoom and has to have a nicer bokeh.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Luisifer

I don't have comparsion but of course it should be true that there is no big difference with aperture stopped down to F2.8.

On the other hand with one more EV step from F2.8 to F2 you can get shorter shutter or lower ISO possibilities. So it should be good not only for tinier DOF but hand hold exposure too.

I like: When you have fast lens it is always possible to step it down. But when you don't have fast lens you cannot speed it up...

Mar 23, 2017*permalink

havoc315

For real world use, a 135/2.8 lens is a fantastic offering. Basically saying to people who use a 70-200/2.8 for portraits, you can use this lighter lens with superior IQ instead.
In terms of pushing the limits of lens design and stretching boundaries, the lens is "disappointing"
Nikon just did a spectacular 105/1.4. So pushing boundaries would be an incredible 135/1.8... that would truly be special. But it would also $3000, it would weigh a ton,... it would indeed be "special".. but a 135/2.8 may be more useful for more people in more real world situations.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

DeathArrow

It would be nice to be able to buy a cheap, slow f/5.6 lens and open it up to f/0.50. :P

Mar 23, 2017permalink

Ed Ingold

For years, people bought fast Nikon and Canon lenses simply because they were fast, then used them at f/5.6. Why? Because the image quality was intolerable wide open. With premium Sony/Zeiss/Leica lenses, they're sharp wide open and begin to decline at f/8 or smaller.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

alextardif

@ kreislauf... you don't speak for everyone, mate.

I personally see no issue with the 2.8 on this Batis and will likely add it to the rest of my Batis line, it's would be quite ideal for my travel kit.

However, I used to shoot 99% at 1.8-2.0 on the fantastic Sony A-mount 135/1.8. It was/is tack sharp wide open and produces gorgeous images at those apertures. So, I'm very interested in seeing what the GM line will bring in the future, hopefully a 135/1.8 so I can shoot wide open.

And no, it's not a marketing hype or "better/worse", as you described it - it's what many people want or actually need to create the images they want.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

mcslsk

I am waiting for 135/2.8 Loxia. Small is beautiful.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

RobLW

Don't believe everything your wife tells you.

Mar 23, 2017permalink

trultrul

RobLw, that's hilarious

Mar 23, 2017permalink

mcslsk

To RobLW: Seems you know what you are talkng about

Mar 23, 2017permalink

janist74

Now it is 1:1 guys. :)

Size doesn`t matter, but it has to be bigger than the Sigma, so let`s hope for a 135mm f1.4. Viva 90mm front lens diameter! ;)

Mar 23, 2017permalink

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We got some hands-on time with a pre-production LX100 II to get a better feel for the improvements Panasonic's brought to the table. Here's a rundown of what's new – and what we think.

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The instant camera market is heating up, and with four formats and 15+ cameras to choose from, we felt it was high time to examine them all and pick our favorite.

Buying Guide: The best waterproof cameras

Whether you're hitting the beach in the Northern Hemisphere or the ski slopes in the Southern, a rugged compact camera makes a great companion. In this buying guide we've taken a look at seven current models and chosen our favorites.

Buying Guide: The best cameras for parents

What's the best camera for a parent? The best cameras for shooting kids and family must have fast autofocus, good low-light image quality and great video. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for parents, and recommended the best.

Buying Guide: The best cameras for landscapes

What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.

Buying Guide: The best cameras over $2000

What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.

Check out more buying guides »

Latest articles

Nikon Coolpix P1000 sample gallery

There's no mistaking the Nikon Coolpix P1000 – with a 24-3000mm equivalent zoom, it really is in a class of its own. It's a conspicuous-looking superzoom with one main job: getting you really close to far away subjects. We've put together a gallery showing the kind of results you can expect from it.

Sep 22, 201897 sample gallery

Instagram leak claims post re-sharing feature is in testing

A new report from The Verge claims Instagram is currently testing a feature that allows users to re-share posts to their own account feeds.

Sep 22, 20189 mobile

GoPro launches new HERO7 Black, Silver, and White models with HyperSmooth stabilization

GoPro has announced its HERO7 camera lineup. The updated action cameras feature new HyperSmooth and TimeWarp modes, as well as improved video and photo specs.

Sep 21, 201879

Samsung launches Galaxy A7 triple-camera mid-range smartphone

The latest Samsung midrange smartphone offers a super-wide-angle lens in its triple-camera setup.

Sep 21, 201882 mobile

Hands-on with the Sony 24mm F1.4 G Master

The Sony 24mm F1.4 is the latest lens to join the company's premium G Master lineup. We've been shooting with one for a couple of days - here's what you need to know.

Sep 21, 2018212

Some iPhone X users report major display color and contrast changes in iOS 12

Apple released iOS 12 a few days ago and some iPhone X users are less than happy with how the new operating system has made their phones look.

Sep 21, 2018122

Lowepro updates ProTactic system with modular exterior attachments

Camera bag manufacturer Lowepro has introduced mark II backpacks for its ProTactic AW range with models that are said to feature an improved handling experience as well as a collection of accessories that can be attached to the outside.

Sep 21, 201816

Canon PowerShot SX70 offers 65X zoom lens, 4K video and CR3 Raw support

Canon has announced its latest superzoom camera, the PowerShot SX70 HS. Compared to the SX60 that came before it, the SX70 has the same lens but offers a higher resolution EVF, 4K video capture and support for Canon's new CR3 Raw format.

Sep 20, 2018253 camera news

Cosina announces Voigtlander 21mm F3.5 lens for Sony E-mount systems

Cosina has announced its eighth lens designed specifically for Sony's E-mount system. The Voigtlander 21mm F3.5 lens is due out October 2018.

Sep 20, 2018131

Sony announces lightweight FE 24mm F1.4 G Master prime

Sony has taken the wraps off of its new 24mm F1.4 GM full-frame lens, which the company claims is the lightest in its class. Despite its fast aperture, the 24mm F1.4 is remarkably light, weighing just 445 grams (15.7 ounces). The lens will set you back $1400 when it ships next month.

Sep 20, 2018373 lens news

DPReview TV: Sony 24mm F1.4 GM

In this episode of DPReview TV we take a look at Sony's brand new 24mm F1.4 GM lens, a desirable focal length for many photographers. How does it perform? Chris and Jordan give us their first impressions.

Sep 20, 201858

Sony 24mm F1.4 GM sample gallery

We've had a little time to shoot with Sony's new wide/fast prime, both close to home and on the water in San Francisco. Check out our initial sample images.

Sep 20, 2018196 sample gallery

Fujifilm X-T3 firmware update fixes distortion, memory card lock issues

Fujifilm released a firmware upgrade for its X-T3 mirrorless camera that addresses issues with distortion compensation and the mechanical lock on SD cards.

Sep 20, 201847

Polarr Deep Crop app crops your images like a pro

The app's algorithms have been trained using using 200 million cropping data points from real photographers.

Sep 19, 201840 mobile

Loupedeck is now compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Thanks to a software update, the Loupedeck+ editing console can now be used for video editing.

Sep 19, 201823 video news

First lens adapters for Nikon Z already appearing

British photographic engineer MTF Services is claiming the world’s first third-party lens adapters for the new Nikon Z system with a collection of four units designed to allow cinema lenses to be mounted on the mirrorless full frame bodies.

Sep 19, 2018241

Think Tank updates its Hydrophobia rain covers, introduces new compact 'Emergency' line

Think Tank Photo has updated its line of heavy-duty rain covers and introduced a new, compact version for emergency situations.

Sep 19, 201848

Fujifilm X-T3 added to studio test scene comparison

The X-T3 is our first opportunity to analyze what's likely to be Fujifilm's next generation image sensor. Take a look at how it performs next to the competition in our studio test scene.

Sep 19, 2018253

Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM sample gallery

Canon's new normal is seriously sharp wide open. After shooting with it for a few days, we've prepared a gallery of real-world sample images.

Sep 19, 2018613 sample gallery

Nikon stops all activity in Brazil after ending sales in 2017

Nikon will cease offering Brazil-based customer service and technical support, though the company stresses that it will still offer technical assistance and warranty repairs for valid warranties.

Sep 18, 2018207

CatLABS of JP ceases efforts to keep Packfilm alive after two years of trying

Two years ago, CatLABS of JP announced a plan to save Packfilm from the dead. Now, it's announced it's giving up its efforts to better focus its resources elsewhere.

Sep 18, 201843

Summer in 360: Exploring Seattle with the GoPro Fusion

The GoPro Fusion is designed to make it easy to capture 360-degree video and stills. We took it out recently on a typically hot Seattle summer day to see what it can do.

Sep 18, 2018Sponsored

Nikon Z7 gallery updated with full-production samples

We've got our hands on a full-production Nikon Z7 camera and have updated our gallery with additional samples.

Sep 18, 2018168 sample gallery

Chroma Chrono is a programmable RGB camera flash for colorful long exposures

A new Kickstarter campaign seeks funding for Chroma Chrono, a programmable RGB camera flash that emits multiple colors during long exposures.

Sep 17, 201861

Think Tank Photo launches dual-access, water-resistant Lens Case Duo lineup

Think Tank Photo has launched a new lineup of six dual-access, water-resistant protective lens cases it calls Lens Case Duo.

Sep 17, 201832

Canikon full-frame mirrorless: What we expected, what we got and where we go from here

Canon and Nikon finally entered the full-frame mirrorless market this summer with the brand-new RF and Z mounts. Now that we've had some time with the cameras, we wanted to revisit our earlier predictions and take stock.

Sep 17, 2018930

iPhone XS, XS Max and XR cameras: what you need to know

The devices' camera specs look pretty much identical to last year's iPhone X but under the hood a number of important improvements have been made.

Sep 16, 2018331 mobile

Blackmagic Design announces new Blackmagic RAW codec for video

Blackmagic Design has announced the public beta of its new Blackmagic RAW video codec. The company says the new format combines the benefits of shooting Raw video with the ease of use and smaller file sizes usually associated with non-Raw video files.

Sep 15, 201873

Affinity Photo for iPad gets major update, 30% off discount

Serif, the company behind the Affinity suite, has announced the latest update for its mobile Photoshop competitor Affinity Photo for iPad.

Sep 15, 2018108 mobile

Atomos Ninja V shipping at the end of the month, with new AtomX expansion modules

The Atomos Ninja V external video recorder and monitor will be ready to ship at the end of this month. The 5.2in Ninja V is designed to provide a smaller option, while still offering many of the features of the larger 7-inch models.

Sep 14, 201864

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Zeiss launches new lineup of lightweight and compact 'Supreme Prime' lenses May 25, 2018	Zeiss unveils 'small, robust and versatile' Loxia 25mm F2.4 lens Feb 14, 2018	A strange shootout: $5,000 Zeiss Otus 28mm F1.4 vs $4,250 Leica Q Jan 30, 2018	Cosina has discontinued the Zeiss SLR Classic series of lenses Dec 14, 2017


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Zeiss is teasing a new telephoto Batis lens on its Instagram account

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