Carl Zeiss will present its entire Compact Family at NAB, April 8-11 in Las Vegas. This popular lens family currently consists of 14 fixed focal lengths, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses and two Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses.
With five different interchangeable mounts for PL, EF, F, MFT and E, the lenses of the ZEISS Compact Family can be used on a wide selection of cameras. The interchangeable mount and the 24×36 mm image circle illumination make the lenses very versatile to use, whether on HDSLR and HD video cameras or on professional cine cameras. All Compact Family lenses also have a cine-style housing with gears for mounting follow-focus systems.
“We get a lot of positive feedback from clients and cinematographers who work with our lenses, not only because of the many available focal lengths, but also because our lenses are ideally suited for every possible demand on the set,” said Richard Schleuning, national sales manager, Americas for the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division.
Thanks to the full-frame feature, the lenses can create a ‘sweet spot’ effect when used on Super 35 sensors. Due to the same front diameter across the different lens types as well as the uniform positioning of the gears, the lenses can be changed quickly without a lot of adjustments to the mounted accessories.
“ZEISS lenses from the Compact Family give me the flexibility and consistent look I need, regardless of what format I am shooting,” said cinematographer Den Lennie. “Whether I am shooting full frame DSLR or Super 35, ZEISS Compact lenses deliver the consistency and resolving power I want.”
The lenses range from 1 Kg to a maximum of 2.8 Kg (2.2 to 6.1 pounds), which makes it possible to do hand-held shooting. The front diameter is uniform at 114 mm for prime and 95 mm for the zoom lenses. The Compact Family lenses come with calibrated focus scales and the ZEISS T anti-reflective coating as well as internal stray light reduction. The 14 aperture blades on the prime lenses and 18 blades on the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 ensure natural looking out-of-focus details.
