Zeiss welcomed a new lens to their Loxia family this week with the 2.4/85 for Sony Full Frame E-Mount cameras. The 220 degree rotation angle provides great focusing control and the De-Click feature mutes the clicking sound produced when changing the aperture. However, if one prefers the audible click, this function can easily be enabled.

The 2.4/85 is a sturdy lens with its full-metal construction, has 7 elements in 7 groups, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.8m. For optimal compatibility, all lenses in the Loxia line share the same 52mm filter thread. Water and dust protection capabilities were also implemented into the lens to keep them away from the delicate elements.

The 2.4/85 is available for special order for $1919.99 and is expected to ship in mid December of this year. The Loxia 2.8/21 ($2069.99), 2/35 ($1799.99), and 2/50 ($1299.99) are also available for special order. See below for the full press release:

Telephoto lens for the ZEISS Loxia family

The newest member of the ZEISS Loxia family is a short telephoto lens called the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85. It supplements three focal lengths that are already available for this lens family, namely the ZEISS Loxia 2.8/21, Loxia 2/35 and Loxia 2/50, and was specially designed for mirrorless full-frame cameras with E mount. The compact ZEISS Loxia lenses are the ideal choice for travel and street photographers who value light and compact camera equipment. “In terms of its technology and the feel of its surface, the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85 fits perfectly with the existing focal lengths, and is particularly well suited for portrait photography,” said Christophe Casenave, product manager with ZEISS Camera Lenses.

Optimized ZEISS Sonnar® design

The new ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85 has been designed for digital sensors. Based on an optimized ZEISS Sonnar design, it has seven lens elements in seven groups. “With the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85, we have managed to develop a well-rounded and new interpretation of the original ZEISS Sonnar optical design that meets all the requirements of digital photography and videography,” continued Casenave. The lens has a minimum object distance of 0.80 meters and a manual focus ring with a rotation angle of 220 degrees, enabling the subtlest variations of focusing. The large aperture of f/2.4 combined with the high-quality optical design ensures an appealing bokeh. The electronic interface transfers both lens data (EXIF) and focus movements, and activates the magnification function of the camera if desired by the user. “Precise manual focusing with hard stop and the mechanical setting of the aperture (working aperture priority mode) provide sophisticated photographers who don’t want to leave everything to the camera abundant possibilities for composition,” said Casenave.

Also suitable for cine applications

With the well-known De-Click function of the ZEISS Loxia lenses, the optics company is also targeting videographers. The De-Click function allows to mechanically deactivate the click stops on the aperture ring — a condition for silent and smooth adjustments of the aperture. As a result, the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85 is also an attractive lens for video cameras that have an E mount, such as the Sony PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS5. A robust metal barrel, the filter diameter of M52 (which is identical across all focal lengths) and protection against penetration of dust and spray onto the lens mount complete the entire package. In addition, the external diameter, which is uniform across all ZEISS Loxia lenses, simplifies film shoots.

ZEISS Lens Gears

ZEISS Loxia lenses can also be used with a follow focus system. Made of high-quality aluminum with a hardened surface coating, the ZEISS Lens Gears are slid onto each respective lens and, through simple mounting, attached to the focus ring of the lens by turning two rings that each go in the opposite direction. Supplemented by a follow focus system, precise focusing is therefore possible and ZEISS Loxia lenses become endowed with similar features as a full-scale cine lens. The ZEISS Lens Gear Rings in the sizes mini (62 – 69mm, 60 – 67mm with GumGum) fit the ZEISS Loxia lenses.