The new Compact Zoom CZ.2 28-80 T2.9 will be shown for the first time in the US (it was presented at IBC and Cinec) — joining the CZ.2 70-200 T2.9. Both zoom lenses cover full-frame still format (24x36mm) and can be used on HDSLR as well as video and cinema cameras. As full-frame lenses, they create what ZEISS calls a sweet spot effect (uniformity of illumination) when used on Super 35 sensors and are “future-proofed” for next generation digital cinema cameras that may have larger sensors. (I think they will.)
The interchangeable mount system are for PL, EF, F, MFT and E. All Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses have the same front diameter of 95 mm. The focus rotation angle is almost 300 degrees. All lenses in the Compact Zoom Family conform to “4K production standards” and cover a resolution of 4096 x 2160 with no distortion. The ZEISS Compact Zoom lenses weigh 2.5 to 2.8 kilograms (5.5 to 6.2 pounds).
The delivery of the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200 T2.9 began in early 2013. The Compact Zoom 28-80 T2.9 will be available starting July. Carl Zeiss authorized dealers are now accepting orders on both zoom lenses. The suggested list price of each Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens will be €14,900 or US$19,900 (excluding VAT).
The lead time for the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200 T2.9 is currently six to seven months. Carl Zeiss plans to increase its production capability in order to reduce the lead time to three to four months.
Still Lenses
Carl Zeiss will also present its entire line of lenses for digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR), with a total of 13 focal lengths for F mount and 12 focal lengths for EF mount cameras. Included in this range are the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 ultra wide angle lens and the new Apo-Sonnar T* 2/135 telephoto lens, which began shipping in early 2013.
The ZEISS SLR lenses should be interest to filmmakers as well as still photographers adding video production to their range of services. These manual focus lenses enable precise focusing and feature a long angle of focus rotation. They enable a compact camera set-up (they are smaller than comparable Compact Primes).
ZEISS Compact Primes have a cine-style housing (114 mm front diameter), a standardized focus rotation angle of 300° and gears to mount follow-focus systems. They also have 5 more aperture blades than the ZEISS SLR lenses, bringing the total to 14 — for a rounder iris opening and rounder bokehs.