Tewe was a German company based in Berlin and well known for its long-distance lenses, up to 2000mm. Technische Werkstätten für Photo-Kinotechnik, Weiste & Co., TEWE OHG, was founded in 1935 in Schöneberg Berlin (in West Berlin during the Cold War period). The company initially developed long-focal length cinematic lenses, but by the 1950s and 60s they were producing long-focal length lenses for reflex cameras. Some of these lenses were designed in association with Astro-Berlin and Piesker. The company discontinued production in 1972.

Supposedly their lenses were used by astronomical observatories around the world, and lenses were well known for their “exceptional light intensity, unique brilliance, and needle-sharp, critical definition”. Their lenses were adapted for Exakta cameras, with lenses in the realm of 300-800mm.

These lenses were sold in two lens configurations, Telagon, or Telon. The Telagon had 4 elements in 3 groups, whereas the Telon was 2 elements in 2 groups. The Telon lenses were available in 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, and 800mm for 35mm, and a 1000mm for 6×6 cameras. The Telagon was available in 300/400/500/600mm. These lenses were heavy – the Telon 800mm was 6.5kg!