Steve Huff got his hands on an advanced prototype of the next lens in the Loxia lineup:

When the 21 f.2.8 arrived I loved it for its small size and quality Loxia build. Feels the same as the other two in the Loxia line and that is a good thing as these lenses are built very well, even including a rubber seal around the mount to avoid dust getting in. The Loxia line of lenses from Zeiss are just what the doctor ordered for most of us who love a manual shooting experience with small high quality lenses.

The images are gorgeous. No word on pricing or release date on this piece, but the lens is already available for preorder at B&H for $1,499, with an estimated availability date of mid December 2015.

I’m still not sold on the Loxia lenses for the most part, but I have to admit this does seem to be a fine piece of glass. Then again, $1,499 sounds quite steep for a lens like this.