IB/E Optics, a German opto-mechanical design and manufacturing house, gave us a sneak peak at their new apochromatic macro telephoto prime lenses which will be available sometime early next year. The new prime lenses possess some rather interesting features. Not only are they true 1:1 macros, they’re original designs with 35mm Full Frame (Vista Vision) coverage, interchangeable mounts (PL, Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony E), internal focus (constant volume, non-telescoping), and Cooke’s /i data technology.
The focal lengths available next year will be a 100mm, 150mm, and 180mm, all a constant T2.9. The housings will all be similar between the 100 and 150mm, while the 180mm will be a bit longer. Focus rotation will be a respectable 300°. Here’s the good bits: close focus on the 100mm will be an impressive 12.2 inches, the 150mm at 14.9 inches, and the 180mm at a staggering 18.5 inches from he film plane. On a personal note, after trying these out – there’s almost no aberration to speak of, even in less-than-ideal circumstances (backlit, out of range specular highlights, etc). Check out all the data below:
| Data | 100mm | 150mm | 180mm |
| Magnification | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Aperture | T2.9 – T22 | T2.9 – T22 | T2.9 – T22 |
| Close Focus | .31m, 12.2″ | .38m, 14.9″ | .47m, 18.5″ |
| Focus Rot. | ~300° | ~300° | ~300° |
| Iris Blades | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Image Cir | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Length | 5.7″ | 5.7″ | 7.9″ |
| Front Dia | 95mm | 95mm | 95mm |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs | 4.1 lbs | 6.3 lbs |