Photoclubalpha

This lens, in contrast to the Carl Zeiss 24-70/2.8, does not have SSM. Do you think it likely that a newer model of the 135 with SSM might come out in the not too distant future?

Thanks for any opinions. Cheers, Bob.

In the not too distant future I doubt, but on the long run as it was hinted, SSM will be on practically all lenses (not on STF or lenses alike).
For the time being I don't even think that SSM is a must on 135/1.8 CZ. Just enjoy it as it is

I think Sony needs to work on getting Zeiss to produce ZA lenses to fill all the holes in the system first, then worry about going back through and adding SSM to these.

The lens is still new, they will keep making it for a few years just to get there money back on it. Sell it as is for a few more years when the NRE is long since covered and it's just a profit center, then when sales begin to sag, and they have filled the other lens holes, bring out SSM versions and have people buy the new one and sell there old one.

Concerning the 135 I just wanted to make a quick check to see if anyone knew of any plans to add SSM to it that I was unaware of, because that lens, in the absence of a CZ zoom, is next on my list (as soon as the moneybag permits )

PhotoTraveler wrote:I think Sony needs to work on getting Zeiss to produce ZA lenses to fill all the holes in the system first, then worry about going back through and adding SSM to these.

I so much agree with this statement. It seems to me that Sony simply is not making sufficient use of their allience with Zeiss, they've been on the market for several years now and all they've got is one Zeiss DT lens and 3 Zeiss lenses capable of FF . I do not come from a Minolta background but from a Contax background and the reason for going with Sony was the availability of Carl Zeiss lenses and not the alpha bodies (although I have no complaints about the A700, on the contrary it is a great camera and has given me no problems at all over the month I've used it.) I wonder how many other possible customers were in my case and did not risk it just because of the lack of CZ lenses. Personally I am hoping for a Zeiss zoom in the 70-180 range with f2.8, and of course a variety of fixed focus lenses.

Mind you I am not saying anything against the other lenses in the Sony range, I have absolutely no experience with them and have seen very many great pictures taken with them by many fellow forum members. It's just that I've been with Contax and Zeiss from the beginning (that's 30 years!) and you don't just shake that off.

Also, whether justified or not, the names of Leitz and Zeiss glass have always inspired awe. At the moment the future of Leica does not seem to be too certain (they still have not got a digital body, the R10 rumoured, and their digital back for the R9 was taken out some time ago). It seems to me that Sony is missing out on a great chance to become a big player in the field. Not counting the Minolta heritage they have two other great assets "of their own": their electronics and Zeiss glass, and in that second department they are really dragging their feet. However, decisions are quickly made, and once you have dedicated yourself to a brand it is difficult and costly to change, so they don't really have time to loose in my opinion.

Of course as always YMMV

Cheers, Bob