Zeiss 55 f/1.4 Distagon Availability Coming in the Next 24 Hours? [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

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<p><strong>New Zeiss 55 f/1.4 Distagon

</strong>We’re told that the new Zeiss 55 f/1.4 will be part of the new “Otus” family and will appear for preorder some time in the next 24 hours. This lens is the start of a new family of lenses from Zeiss that will set the gold standard of optical quality.</p>
<p>The price for this new lens is apparently $4000 and is manual focus. The lens will be available on November 11, 2013.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1007599-REG/zeiss_2010_056_55mm_f_1_4_otus_lens.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296">Preorder the Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 </a></strong></p>
<p><em>Thanks B</em></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><b>cr</b></span></p>

 

[Lichtgestalt]

for 4000$ it better be perfect.... and people complain about maybe 400-500$ for a 50mm f1.8 IS from canon... ;D

 

[bchernicoff]

I cannot see how this price can be correct. Truly dumbfounding. I think Sigma is going to embarrass the shizzle out of Zeiss when they update their 50mm f/1.4.

 

[Imagination_landB]

at this price tag it better have the best quality all around the frame from any lens on the market. What fool would buy a lens at this price AND manual focus if its not the best ever..

 

[Dylan777]

For $4000, I expect the lens to have fastest & accurate AF

 

[miv]

Had this lens in my hand at the last Photokina and talked about it with a Zeiss rep. He *did* say the price point would be very steep, but I don't remember the number he gave. 4k does seem a bit too much, would have guessed ~2k.

Couldn't put it on a camera, but the sample shots they had looked incredible concerning sharpness, color reproduction and in particular edge performance.

We'll see

*Edit: I also remember him saying something like bringing medium-format standards to the 35mm world (and the accompanying prices, so maybe 4k is right after all).

 

[horshack]

I'll wait for the $799 equivalent from Sigma.

 

[Lichtgestalt]

For $4000, I expect the lens to have fastest & accurate AF

that was a good one...

 

[jebrady03]

My mom shared a saying with me as a kid... "A fool and his money are soon parted".

For $4000, there better be a laundry list of things it does better than anything and everything else, and that's not limited to photography ;D

 

[curtisnull]

I watched a video on this lens a few months ago. The optical quality difference is astounding. This lens makes everything else look like crap. I do recall that the price was way up there. $4,000 sounds right and it is manual focus.

 

[unfocused]

I watched a video on this lens a few months ago. The optical quality difference is astounding. This lens makes everything else look like crap. I do recall that the price was way up there. $4,000 sounds right and it is manual focus.

How could you tell from a video?

 

[Isurus]

This is true. It was actually up on B&H for preorder yesterday at a price of $3999. However, it was taken down, probably at the request of Zeiss since it wasn't officially announced yet. Digilloyd had a post up briefly too, but Zeiss asked him to take it down until late this evening.

 

[douglaurent]

my personal favourite advantage of the lens: the corner sharpness wide open is way sharper than on ANY other 50mm lens. shooting video at night means this feature can be essential and worth the price.

 

[curtisnull]

How could you tell from a video?

The video showed a comparison of this lens with other unidentified popular 50mm lenses.

 

[deleteme]

Well, they can price it any way they want. I am sure they will sell enough to make it worth their while.

What amuses me is that it will leave those complaining about Canon prices a little breathless.

 

[curtisnull]

Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mEj6CqZWMk#t=112

 

[infared]

I agree wit Horshack, my next 50mm will most likely be a new Art Series Sigma AF Lens, (I currently own their current 50mm f/1.4 as I feel it is best for my needs I based on the other lackluster offerings out there). I am glad to know that there is perfection out there without AF...but I can't justify that kind of coin for a manual focus 50mm lens.

 

[drjlo]

I am glad to know that there is perfection out there without AF...but I can't justify that kind of coin for a manual focus 50mm lens.

Agreed. I *might* entertain buying that Zeiss some day at that price IF it had AF, period.
And it still doesn't go to f/1.2, i.e. 50L Mk II (hopefully soon).

 

[distant.star]

.
I understand this lens does not autofocus in the traditional sense.

However, I hear each lens includes a dedicated personal assistant -- an unclothed 19-year-old woman who sets the focus for you. She does not always get it right, but you don't really notice.

I'm going out first thing in the morning and buy a few lottery tickets; surely I'll win.

 

[dgatwood]

.
I understand this lens does not autofocus in the traditional sense.

However, I hear each lens includes a dedicated personal assistant -- an unclothed 19-year-old woman who sets the focus for you. She does not always get it right, but you don't really notice.

Of course, after a year, she leaves you and takes half your gear.