Finally, hands-on: I’ve been waiting for the Zeiss Touit to arrive for quite some time. It’s the first real alternative to the Fuji Lens series on the X-E1 and X-1Pro. However, now that I hold it in my hands, I’m not as excited anymore.

Let me explain: I’ve been using the Zeiss ZM lens series for quite some time. While you’ve got to get used to manual focus, the Lens feels amazingly well built (similarly good as a Leica lens) and you’re 100% in control.

Zeiss ZM Planar 50mm f2.0

• The aperture ring has a very satisfying, mechanical click.
• Manual focus is smooth and quick once you have some practice.
• The Zeiss ZM works with almost any Leica M ever made and will happily sit on another camera with the correct adapter. Fuji even offers an official Leica M adapter.
• It’s all metal. It feels very solid and well built.

Of course you will need to accept some limitations.

1. Focusing in low light is quite a challenge: While a rangefinder camera such as the Leica M won’t have any trouble, the Fuji viewfinder becomes almost unusable.
2. The Zeiss ZM does not communicate with the camera. You will need to add the desired EXIF data manually.

Zeiss Touit 1.8/32

• It’s an autofocus lens
• There’s no ‘true’ manual focus. As you turn the focus ring, the camera will make the adjustment.
• The Focus speed is not terrific but quick enough for most shots.

The Zeiss Touit is certainly a good lens and many amateurs and professional photographers will enjoy it.

You can find a detailed comparison of Fuji and Zeiss Tuit here: Carl Zeiss lens for Fuji X-Mount - Touit We’ll be uploading some images later on.