New Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF.2

[my_photography]

Good news to Nikon users. Zeiss just announces Distagon T* 2.8/3.5 ZF.2. The lens will be retailing at €755.46 (excluding VAT). This is the 9th ZF.2 lens. Others being 3.5/18, 2.,8/21, 2/28, 2/35, 1.4/50, macro 2/50, 1.4/85, and macro 2/100.

Full details at http://www.dpreview.com/news/1006/10060802carlzeiss25mm.asp

[Orio]

I remember to have read somewhere that the optical design has changed from the ZF version, I would like to know details about that, but Zeiss does not seem to give any (as usual).

[my_photography]

Found an interesting read for differences between ZF and ZF.2 lens in general.

The ZF.2 lenses are an enhanced version of the ZF lenses. They feature an electronic interface (CPU) which support all important operating modes such as shutter priority, aperture priority and programmed auto exposure or manual exposure settings even on non-AI compatible cameras.

For full info please refer http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/products.asp?PT_ID=287

[integrale]

The main changes seem to be:

1. CPU to enable a higher degree of automation and communication to the camera
2. no silver fork (i.e. no use on old(er) Nikon SLRs)
3. small changes to the aperture settings

So, apparently no changes to the actual lens design...

[Orio]

I read about a change in optical design, which is the reason why the ZE version is not yet produced.
Zeiss decided to go for the optical design change and to implement it in the ZF2 version before producing the ZE version.

[Esox lucius]

ZF.2 will allow change of aperture from the control wheel on bodies that support it (just lock aperture ring at smallest aperture and body will recognize lens). Aperture ring still exists, and with older Nikon bodies aperture control by aperture ring (from lens) is the available option.

I would assume that just like differences between the Planar 85/1.4 ZF and "same" lens versions for other systems, the small differences in register distances, mount and diaphragm control mechanism means small differences in the optical design.

I have no idea if the 2.8/25 ZF.2 is optically different from ZF version.

[integrale]

This is from the FAQ on zeiss.com:

[Orio]

I repeat, I read about an optical change in the Distagon 25.
I'll see if I can trace back to the source.
I know the difference between ZF and ZF2

[koji]

Unfortunately Orio et. others, those ZF and ZF.2 versions of Distagon 2,8/25
are optically same. Diglloyd and some other mentioned this optical thing.
see > http://www.diglloyd.com/diglloyd/index.html

Yes, Zeiss said they were re-computing the Distagon 25mm optics
but they have not changed the optics of Distagon 25mm, not even
made them F2 lens. UGH

The Zeiss home page does not mention "floating" nor "new optics",
just says ZF.2 which can utilizes many options from Nikon cameras.
They say "there is no ZE version planned" too.

[Orio]

Thanks, now I remember, that I read about the optical change on Diglloyd's site.
Too bad they won't make a ZE version, I wonder why, since they made ZE of all other lenses...

[integrale]

[Orio]

I'm curious why they withdrawned from the plan.
Especially no ZE version at all sounds strange and suspicious
Maybe crisis is hitting Zeiss too.

[koji]

My guess is this: their optical department refused its re-design, despite
marketing people responded the customer's complains when it was introduced.
I do not have any clue for "no ZE version".

Back ground info: It was a well know story in Japan, when Kyocera optical department
tried to change lens' (particularly Planar 50/1.4) optical formula when the glass used
had been changed, which required the optical change since the new glass has
different reflaction index and slightly different colour than the original. But Zeiss refused
to accept Kyocera's request(s), of course people at Kyocera optical department got
very angry at that time. Zeiss is very stubborn to change or they are too proud of
themselves. Of course this last line is my wild guess.

And also they could not sell this lens too many, there are many parts in stock.
To solve over stocking these, Zeiss decided to sell the lens without change except
installing a CPU chip, which costs not too much. They might get rid of unsold parts....

There were many such occasions between Kyocera and Zeiss, this was one of reasons
Kyocera severed its tie with Zeiss. Kyocera wanted faster bussiness cycle as the most
of japanese companies did and still do.

......

Anyhow they (Zeiss) may change the idea, may come up with newly designed Distagon
2.8/25 in future, I hope.

[Orio]

Interesting "behind the scene" info, Koji, thank you!

[ChrisLilley]

[Orio]

[my_photography]

Maybe they are reserving it for the rumoured Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM?

[poilu]

[my_photography]

[Esox lucius]

Quote from http://nikonrumors.com/2010/06/19/weekly-nikon-related-newslinks-11.aspx

* A small update on the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 lens – a reader emailed Zeiss and this is the response he got:

“Our new released Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is optically identical with the Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF/ZK/ZS version. Because of its very good value for money this lens is one of our most popular SLR lenses. So we decided to offer it also in the ZF.2 version with electronic interface.”