Schneider Optics was one of many companies at the Macworld iWorld expo showing off its latest accessories. Electronista stopped by the lens maker's booth to check out their latest addition to the iPro interchangeable lens system for the iPhone 4 and 4S. A 2X telephoto lens now complements the company's wide angle and fisheye lenses.
Coming hot on the heels of news that Carl Zeiss and Schneider Kreuznach have signed up to make Micro Four Thirds lenses, Sony has announced that it has opened up the NEX’s proprietary E-mount system to other lens makers. Moreover, in this instance Sony has opted not to charge a licence fee for the privilege, which given its history of pushing proprietary technologies at a fee is somewhat surprising. The NEX cameras compete in the same space as the Micro Four Thirds market of mirror-less compact-bodied cameras that aim to offer DSLR-like photo quality and interchangeable lens options.
The Micro Four Thirds format looks as though it is starting to gain momentum with Carl Zeiss joining the Micro Four Thirds System Standard group jointly founded by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008. Carl Zeiss now joins Schneider Kreuznach who also recently announced that they too have joined the standards group. Micro Four Thirds cameras use lenses that are interchangeable like DSLR lenses but lack a moving mirror and a traditional shutter.
German lens maker Schneider Kreuznach on Friday announced it has become the newest member of the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group. As such, it will build lenses that support the standard, which was pioneered by Olympus and Panasonic. Micro Four Thirds cameras are digital cameras with interchangeable lenses, but unlike larger DSLRs, they lack a moving mirror and traditional shutter.
