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Wrolds Largest Zoom Lens 1700mm F4

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Jack Graham on November 7, 2006 at 3:59 PM
cut & paste this url & get a load of this (from DPReview)
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http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06100101zeiss1700f4.asp

Carl Zeiss recently announced a totally unique 'monster lens', the built-to-order Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 1700 mm F4 lens. Designed to be used with a Hasselblad 6x6 medium format camera this monster lens weighs in at 256 KG (564 lb) and uses unique methods for handling focusing (because of the weight of each glass element). This lens becomes the largest telephoto lens for non-military use anywhere in the world. The price hasn't been disclosed (although we've heard rumours) nor has the private owner, although some of the text on the lens is in Arabic and it carries a 'State of Qatar' emblem.
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If only it were a 2.8

JG
Posted by Guy Tal on November 7, 2006 at 4:09 PM
You may need a tripod (and vehicle) upgrade to use it. Maybe a surplus APC or old tank would fit the bill :smile:
I don't think it's a zoom though.

Guy
Posted by Robert Fisher on November 7, 2006 at 4:09 PM
I wonder if Norma Desmond would have been ready for her close-up if DeMille had been using this baby.

Yeah, I know, movies vs. still. :razz:
Posted by Pete D on November 7, 2006 at 4:22 PM
I refuse to buy one. I like absurdities, but only if they're cheap.

Pete D.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on November 7, 2006 at 4:29 PM
Let's see Jack. If it were a 2.8 lens, and assuming that most of the mass is in the glass, volume increases with the cube of the diameter, we'd be at 1.4^3 = 2.8. 2.8 * 564 = 1580 pounds. I thought MY camera bag was heavy... :rolleyes:

Some people just have way too much free cash.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on November 7, 2006 at 4:43 PM
Just something else to start saving my bellybutton lint for....
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on November 7, 2006 at 8:23 PM
Well, it sure has me curious about how this lens will be used :confused:

Should be able to get some great moonrise shots !
The ultimate paparazzi lens ??
Posted by Robert Hice Jr. on November 8, 2006 at 12:47 AM
Used for T&A, thats toes and ankles. Remember the women over there are wearing burkas/tents.
Posted by Juza on November 8, 2006 at 12:16 PM
Nice lens. At 564 lbs, I wonder if it is handholdable, since it lacks of IS :jump: