Digital Zeiss Ikon - No Dice?

Not the most terrific news on a digital Ikon, a sales rep (same sales rep?) said to a RFF member that there won't be a digital Ikon, here is the quoted message from the RFF member:

"Talked to the Zeiss sales rep today at Photo Expo here in NYC. The question of a digital Zeiss Ikon was brought up. While he admitted that there is certainly room for a D-RF in the $2500-3000 range, it was not within the means of Zeiss to introduce such a product at this time.

Basically he said that Zeiss wouldn't be able to make profits on it. He also told me that Zeiss Ikon's just don't fly off the shelves. It's a niche product, but I guess we already knew that. He did add that the market for photography is vastly different in Japan, allowing for far more film based equipment.

He DID say that there are plans to expand the ZF line, including lenses around a 180, 135 focal length (the 180 will probably be macro)."

Zeiss ZE Distagon T* 28mm f/2 in EF mount

Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/28 with EF bayonet


The breaking dawn is a special time for photo- graphers. When the early-morning sun reluctantly chases away the still-glistening dew on the trees, this delicate transition between night and day creates moments of calm and anticipation. But without a tripod at hand, these shots will only succeed with a lens that can handle intense light.

Carl Zeiss today introduces the wide-angle lens Distagon T* 2/28 ZE with EF bayonet, suitable for all analog and digital EOS camera models. With an initial aperture opening of 1:2, it is among the most light-intense of its kind in its focal length. From landscape photography at dawn to interior shots with weak lighting and close-up portraits, the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE offers photographers plenty of room for creativity when a tripod is not used. Following the recent introduction of its two ultra-wide-angle lenses, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE and the T* 2,8/21, the new Distagon T* 2/28 ZE is Carl Zeiss’ first moderate wide-angle lens with EF bayonet.

Despite its high light intensity and complex retro-focus construction, the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE has a compact build. These characteristics make the lens a highly versatile and performance-driven tool for all types of photographers. Even with its wide angle, the lens enables photographers to play fully with an image’s depth of focus. With a wide aperture opening, for example, one can effectively separate the motif from its background. With a small aperture opening, photographers can use the sharpness of the lens system for the entire image range. The floating elements design guarantees high imaging performance each time, from close-ups to infinity, enabling the photo- grapher to make razor-sharp close-up images of even the tiniest objects. Thanks to the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and meticulously crafted lenses, the new Distagon T* 2/28 ZE deals effortlessly with reflections and stray light. Brilliant pictures work every time, even under tough lighting conditions such as a breaking dawn.





The Distagon T* 2/28 ZE will be available starting autumn for a suggested retail price of EUR 965.55 (excluding VAT)*.



Zeiss Announcement Link