Only a few days remain until the beginning of Photokina, the largest photography show in the world, and the brands are already announcing new products. Zeiss is no different, having unveiled its fourth manual focus lens designed for the Sony E-mount system: the Loxia 85mm f/2.4. It joins the the already-existing 2.8/21, 2/35 and 2/50 lenses.
The new 85mm has a Sonnar design with seven lens elements in seven groups. According to product manager Christophe Casenave, it is a new interpretation of the original Zeiss Sonnar design.
The lens has a minimum focus distance of 80cm and the mechanical focus ring has a degree rotation of 220. Like the other Loxia lenses, the mount includes electronic contacts to transmit EXIF data and activate focus magnification when rotating the focus ring (the option can be disabled in the camera menu). There is an aperture ring that moves in 1/3 steps and can be de-clicked by rotating a screw on the rear, an option that will please videomakers.
The lens is made of metal, features blue rubber around the mount to protect from dust and water, and comes with a metal hood.
The Loxia 2.4/85 will be available in stores from December 2016 for €1400 or 1400 US$.
You can check out more images on the official Zeiss flickr account.