Zeiss, founded in 1846, is a company specializing in optics but only entered the photography industry in 1896 with the invention of the Planar lens. For much of photography's history, they've been revered -- even during the split of Germany post-World War II.

Their lenses graced the Hasselblad cameras that journeyed into space to shoot famous images like the Blue Marble. In the digital photography world, they became known as a gold standard for optical excellence. They seemed nearly untouchable in 2013 with the launch of the Otus lineup until Sigma achieved almost comparable image quality not too long afterward, along with autofocus. Those lenses do well on film-camera today. In the mirrorless camera world, it feels as if they become synonymous with a quiet elderly family member left in an assisted living facility just wanting to leave the earth with dignity. Such was the case until an article stirred their attention. . thephoblographer.com

2023-6-20 13:00