Zeiss

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Zeiss – Brand Review & Overview

Zeiss is one of the most influential names in optics, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and a portfolio that spans scientific instruments, cinema lenses, and photographic glass for everything from large-format view cameras to modern digital systems. In the context of vintage and large format, Zeiss is best known for classic lens families such as Tessar, Planar, Sonnar, Biogon, and Protar, which set benchmarks for sharpness, contrast, and innovative optical design across a wide range of focal lengths and formats.

Large-format lenses produced by Zeiss in Germany (Oberkochen) and by Carl Zeiss Jena include Tessar and Protar designs, high-speed Planars, and specialized process and wide-angle optics that served studio, architectural, and field photographers. Many of these lenses combined excellent resolution with generous image circles, allowing significant camera movements on 4×5, 5×7, 8×10 and larger, and they remain highly prized today for their combination of technical performance and distinctive rendering on sheet film.

As you explore Zeiss within a vintage large-format collection, think about which optical family best suits your work: Tessar types for compact, general‑purpose use, Planars for faster portrait and studio work, or specialized wide or process designs when coverage and precision matter most. Choosing the right Zeiss lens lets you pair a classic camera with optics that not only carry deep historical significance but also continue to deliver beautifully detailed, character‑rich images in contemporary large‑format practice.