Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss was founded in 1846 in Jena, Germany. The company was established by Carl Zeiss, who began by creating precision mechanical and optical instruments. Zeiss was a skilled mechanic and entrepreneur who recognized the potential for optical technologies to impact various industries.
Founders and Key Roles
The company was founded by Carl Zeiss, but its success is also attributed to Ernst Abbe, a physicist who joined Zeiss in the 1860s. Abbe revolutionized lens design with his work on optical theory and invented the Abbe sine condition, which improved lens quality. Another key figure was Otto Schott, a chemist who developed new glass materials, crucial for optical lens production.
Optical Designs and Innovations
Carl Zeiss is known for numerous optical innovations:
- Planar and Biotar Designs: The Planar lens design, introduced in 1896, provided higher image quality by reducing aberrations. The Biotar design became famous for its optical quality and bokeh.
- Tessar Lens: Introduced in 1902, the Tessar was a groundbreaking four-element lens design that offered sharpness and clarity. It was nicknamed “the eagle eye.”
- Zeiss T* Coating: Zeiss pioneered anti-reflective coatings, which greatly reduced flare and improved contrast, essential for modern lenses.
Major Product Lines and Notable Lenses
Carl Zeiss produced lenses across many categories, with notable lines including:
- Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4: A standard lens prized for its sharpness and bokeh.
- Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/2.8: Known for its telephoto capabilities and beautiful image rendering.
- Zeiss Distagon Series: Wide-angle lenses used in both photography and cinema.
- Zeiss Otus Series: Premium lenses with exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion.
Markets and Rebranding
Carl Zeiss lenses were sold worldwide, including under partnerships with brands like Contax, Hasselblad, and Rollei. They have also been used in military and industrial applications. Zeiss lenses were widely rebranded for other manufacturers, especially during the mid-20th century.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Rebranding
While Zeiss has not been acquired, its history includes significant partnerships and rebranding. During the Cold War, Zeiss was split into two entities: Carl Zeiss West (Oberkochen) in West Germany and Carl Zeiss Jena in East Germany. After German reunification, the two companies merged again in 1990.
Factory Locations
Zeiss' primary factories are located in Germany, including in Jena and Oberkochen. The company also operates manufacturing plants in several countries for different optical products, including in Asia for consumer lens production and in the United States for scientific and industrial optics.
Current Status
Carl Zeiss is still active today and remains a leader in the optical industry. The company is privately owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation and operates across various sectors, including photography, cinematography, medical technology, and microscopy.
Less-Known Facts
- Zeiss has been involved in space exploration, providing lenses used by NASA for moon landings.
- Zeiss lenses were used in early cinema, and the company continues to provide lenses for modern filmmaking.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Carl Zeiss has partnered with many camera manufacturers, including:
- Contax: A key partnership from the 1970s to the 1990s, Zeiss lenses were mounted on Contax SLR cameras.
- Hasselblad: Zeiss provided medium-format lenses for Hasselblad, a staple for professional photographers.
- Sony: More recently, Zeiss collaborated with Sony for its mirrorless and compact cameras, leading to the successful line of Sony/Zeiss lenses.
Impact on Photography
Carl Zeiss has profoundly influenced modern photography with its precision optics, optical coatings, and lens designs. The Tessar and Planar designs are still referenced and used today in both photographic and industrial lenses.
Marketing Strategies
Carl Zeiss has traditionally marketed its products to professional photographers, industrial users, and cinematographers. Zeiss positioned itself as a premium lens brand, targeting those who demanded the highest optical performance.
Brand Evolution
Zeiss branding has evolved from the simple "Carl Zeiss" mark on early lenses to more contemporary logos, often associated with high precision. The partnership with Sony introduced the "ZEISS" branding, simplifying the name for a more modern appeal.
Carl Zeiss Lenses
Biotar Carl Zeiss Jena 25mm f/1.4 Pentaflex
~$189
Biotar Carl Zeiss Jena 25mm f/1.4 Pentaflex is a manual focus wide angle lens for 16mm cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>65 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 184 grams so convinient to carry. With a lens filter diameter of 49 mm commonly filter size, presents numerous filter possibilities.
Carl Zeiss Apo-Makro-Planar 120mm f/4 C645
~$662
Carl Zeiss Apo-Makro-Planar 120mm f/4 C645 is a manual focus prime lens for medium format slr cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Average brightness in this league<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 796 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag. 104 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 72 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar 135mm f/2 Z
~$368
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar 135mm f/2 Z is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 9 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 77 mm this lens deserves a good quality filter, this is commonly filter size, presents numerous filter possibilities. 130 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. Weights 930 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag.
Carl Zeiss APO Sonnar T 1700mm f/4
~$431
Carl Zeiss APO Sonnar T 1700mm f/4 is a auto focus super telephoto lens for medium format slr cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Great choice mainly for good light conditions<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 256 grams so consider putting to your camera bag.
Carl Zeiss Aposonnar 200mm f/2 C/Y
~$5,520
Carl Zeiss Aposonnar 200mm f/2 C/Y is a manual focus telephoto lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>With high brightness value, it has the ability to collect light even in poor lighting conditions<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>182 mm long, with this size carry only if you use it. Weights 2690 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag.
Carl Zeiss aus Jena DDR T 50mm f/2.8
~$148
Carl Zeiss aus Jena DDR T 50mm f/2.8 is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 5 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 175 grams so convinient to carry. With a lens filter diameter of 49 mm commonly filter size, offers a wide range of filter options.
Carl Zeiss Biogon 21mm f/2.8 T
~$1,110
Carl Zeiss Biogon 21mm f/2.8 T is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>35 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 55 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options. Weights 200 grams so convinient to carry.
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 21mm f/2.8 ZM
~$846
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 21mm f/2.8 ZM is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 300 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. 71 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options.
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 25mm f/2.8 ZM
~$858
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 25mm f/2.8 ZM is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 260 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 46 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 28mm f/2.8
~$646
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 28mm f/2.8 is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 31 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 150 grams so convinient to carry.
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 28mm f/2.8 ZM
~$697
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 28mm f/2.8 ZM is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>51 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 220 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options.
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 35mm f/2 ZM
~$664
Carl Zeiss Biogon T 35mm f/2 ZM is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p> With a lens filter diameter of 43 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 68 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. Weights 240 grams so consider putting to your camera bag.
Carl Zeiss Biotar 25mm f/2 - Dmount
Carl Zeiss Biotar 25mm f/2 - Dmount is a manual focus wide angle lens for 4/3 cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 8 aperture blades, with this amount of aperture blades you will be satisfied with the result. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>25 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag.
Carl Zeiss C Biogon 21mm f/4.5 ZM T
~$726
Carl Zeiss C Biogon 21mm f/4.5 ZM T is a manual focus wide angle lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh. Average brightness in this league<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>31 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. Weights 195 grams so convinient to carry.
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T 50mm f/1.5 ZM
~$1,062
Carl Zeiss C Sonnar T 50mm f/1.5 ZM is a manual focus prime lens for 35mm rangefinder cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Wide open, subjects located outside the depth of field are shown very blurred. Has 10 aperture blades, this lens has a beautiful bokeh.<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>63 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 46 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. Weights 250 grams so consider putting to your camera bag.
Carl Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8 C/Y
~$1,279
Carl Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8 C/Y is a manual focus wide angle lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>90 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 82 mm lens filters in this range can be expensive, purchase lens - and filter - only if you plan to keep them for long time, make a try with used ones. Weights 530 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary.
Carl Zeiss Distagon 35/3.5 C645
~$904
Carl Zeiss Distagon 35/3.5 C645 is a auto focus wide angle lens for medium format slr cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Average brightness in this league<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 877 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag. 108 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 95 mm finding lens filters in this range can be expensive consider using Cokin P system if you really need one.
Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2.8
~$281
Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2.8 is a manual focus wide angle lens for full frame cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 205 grams so consider putting to your camera bag. 53 mm long, this small lens should be always in the camera bag. With a lens filter diameter of 49 mm commonly filter size, provides a range of filter options.
Carl Zeiss Distagon 45mm f/2.8 C645
~$781
Carl Zeiss Distagon 45mm f/2.8 C645 is a auto focus prime lens for medium format slr cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 821 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag. With a lens filter diameter of 72 mm you are one step from the next standard filter size, buy step-up ring and bigger filter but you can chose from plenty options. 99 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag.
Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm f/4
~$686
Carl Zeiss Distagon 50mm f/4 is a manual focus prime lens for medium format slr cameras.<p><b>Optical design</b></p>Average brightness in this league<p><b>Physical characteristics</b></p>Weights 800 grams so it is a heavy lens, consider using its own lens bag.
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