New Canon EF Mount lenses by Carl Zeiss

Carl Zeiss is adding two more EF mount lenses to their lineup. Already available in the Nikon F mount, they are adding two new EF mount offerings; the Makro-Planar T* 2/50 and the Makro-Planar T* 2/100.

The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 already has a reputation of STUNNING sharpness. If you’ve used it, you know.  Canon users are about to get to experience it firsthand (early 2010). The images below are the Nikon mounts because Zeiss doesn’t have an EF mount image online.

======= Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ========

The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZE will be available from beginning of 2010 at a recommended retail price of € 1.385,71 (excluding VAT)*.

======= Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/50 =========

The Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZE is available in December 2009 at a recommended retail price of € 965,55 (excluding VAT)*.

MY TAKE:

I think Zeiss missed a window of uniqueness and opportunity.  They should have released the Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZE last year before Canon upped the ante with their new 100mm f/2.8 L series lens with IS. Granted, the canon isn’t f/2, but it is much cheaper than the Zeiss which doesn’t have autofocus or stabilization.  However, if you want amazing performance at f/2… Zeiss will deliver.

Canon does make a 100mm f/2 lens, but it is dated (older design).  I can tell you from experience… canon’s 100mm f/2 is priced at $400 for a reason.  It ain’t an L and it ain’t a Zeiss.