Lens manufacturer Zeiss has launched its latest premium offering for K- and F-mount SLRs, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3.5/18.

Landscape and architectural photographers are the target market for this new rectilinear ultra-wide 18mm f/3.5 lens, which provides superior optical quality across a 99-degree field of view on full-frame cameras. Anti-reflective coating and a unique optical design comprising 13 elements in 11 groups promise crisp edge-to-edge capture and excellent fault control.

An included lens hood allows the use of standard 82mm screw-in filters with the new Distagon, in spite of its curved front element.

Zeiss lenses are known for their exceptionally fine build quality, and from all indications the new 18mm f/3.5 is no exception. Metal construction promises a robust exterior and smooth focus and aperture adjustments on the manual-focus Distagon.

F-mount versions of the lens are scheduled for retail delivery next month, with the K-mount variant rolling out this fall. Suggested list price for both versions is $1,450.