Phase One Announces Schneider-Kreuznach 40-80mm f/4-5.6 lens

Phase One has announced the Schneider-Kreuznach 40-80mm f/4-5.6 leaf shutter lens for its 645 camera platform.

The new Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6 joins the existing Schneider Kreuznach 75-150mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens and allows for flash synchronization up to 1/1000 sec.

Equivalent focal length differs according to the digital back in use, but varies between approximately 26-51mm and 31-63mm.

The lens will be very expensive with a price standing at $8,990 in the US and €6,990 in Europe.

PhaseOne Announces 40-80mm f/4.0-5.6 Leaf Shutter Lens

Copenhagen, June 2, 2014 – Phase One today announced the immediate availability of the Schneider Kreuznach 40-80 mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens. This is the second zoom lens designed for the Phase One 645 camera platform, and it offers workflow versatility without compromising image quality.

The new Schneider Kreuznach 40-80 mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens is the latest result of close optical collaboration between Schneider Kreuznach, Phase One and Mamiya Digital Imaging. It complements the existing Schneider Kreuznach 75-150 mm f/4.0-5.6 leaf shutter zoom lens.

“Designing a zoom lens with excellent optical qualities throughout the zoom range is always a challenge,” said Senior Product Manager Espen Beck, Phase One. “When the zoom range goes from a fairly wide angle perspective to a normal perspective, as our new lens does, this only adds to the design complexity. This lens has 15 optical elements, two of which are aspherical, arranged in 11 groups. We have invested greater design and engineering resources into this lens than any of those before it, and we are very proud of the results. I think that this lens will be a perfect companion for on-location photographers.”

“At first, I was skeptical when I heard about this lens that was supposedly on par with prime lenses in terms of image quality,” said Los Angeles based photographer Richard Thompson III. “But I have just used it for an on location high-end car shoot, and I was blown away by its performance. The images are flawless. I would never have relied on a zoom lens for my most high-end jobs. Now, with this new short zoom lens from Schneider Kreuznach, I can.”

Pricing and Availability

The Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6 lens is priced at 6.990 EUR / 8,990 USD. Additional information can be found here.