Back in yesteryear, pro photographers concerned with optimum image quality used to shoot almost exclusively with primes because they tended to be sharper than zoom lenses. That was then. The SK 40-80mm LS is now. The designers over at Schneider outdid themselves with the SK 40-80mm LS as it delivers fantastic, prime quality, medium format imaging deliciousness across its entire zoom range. Working with a 35mm equivalent of 25mm to 50mm, this lens is beloved by Phase One medium format shooters for its excellent image quality and versatility as a zoom, essentially providing 4 prime lenses in one chassis. The lens is also basically parfocal, allowing for practically zero focus shift while zooming. Did we mention it’s a Blue Ring design? That means it syncs with strobes at up to 1/1600s. And it looks good doing it. Weighing in at 4.1 lbs the SK 40-80 is certainly no featherweight, but replacing 4 separate primes in one lens means that you might actually end up saving some weight (and cash) in the long run.