Zeiss ZF 21mm f/2.8 Distagon delayed

The Zeiss ZF 21mm f/2.8 Distagon has officially been delayed by 3 months. Note that Nikon users will get first crack at it, Canon users will have to wait a bit longer.

This is one well-corrected lens judging by the complex optical design. Will it be the ultimate wide angel [sic] on full-frame? How will it compare to Nikon’s 14-24/2.8G zoom? Testing will tell and I certainly will be exploring that in detail in Zeiss ZF Lenses.

Zeiss ZF 21mm f/2.8 Distagon optical layout

My understanding from discussions with Zeiss USA is that the factory wants to ensure that the lens meets every expectation, and that they’re not going to hurry it out the door. The official published line is a little different:

Due to a capacity constraint volume production of the Distagon T* 2,8/21 could not start as scheduled. The estimated date of delivery for the ZF version will be the end of the first quarter 2009. The ZE as well as the ZK version will be available by the mid of 2009.