This sounds awfully zero sum to me. Zeiss can refresh their "standard" SLR lens line, give it a name, etc. while still developing & releasing higher-end stuff.
Sure, but my point was about the specs of the new line, in particular the replacement of the metal focus ring of the former lens by the Otus like rubber one.
Owning the 2 Otii and shooting a lot with them, I can testify - and agree with John - that those rubber focusing rings are terrible designs in terms of durability. The philosophy of the design is "smooth look", but a scratched and dented focus ring kills that in no time and looks ugly.
I believe that many Zeiss owners would rather have prefered an optical redesign of the - already excellent - 100mm f2.0 to improve its CA rather than this redesign that introduces new issues IMHO.
So I keep thinking that Zeiss is focussing on the wrong priorities with this redesign.
And yes, I also own the 100mm f2.0, 135mm f2 APO and pretty much the best Hassy V Zeiss lenses, so I do love their products.
Cheers,
Bernard