While there has been much ado about PL mount modded HDSLRs like Illya Friedman’s Hot Rodded Canon 7D that feature a custom redesign to incorporate a very permanent PL mount (and will cost you 2 times what the camera did in the first place), Carl Zeiss demontrated at the NAB show in 2010 that it is expanding its successful line of SLR lenses: ZE lenses with EF bayonet for all analog and digital EOS camera models. The new lenses, named the Compact Prime II set, are clearly a response to the incredible amount of attention the new EOS HD video cameras (more archaically know as “HDSLRs”) received from bona fide cinematographers and filmmakers. It is a savvy move for the German manufacturer who already produces similar lenses for both worlds.
Because the optics are based on CZ’s “Z” lens series, they cover the full still frame image format (24 x 36mm) without any vignetting and furthermore allow for the mount system to be “easily” changed from EF mount to PL formats by removing four screws and some shims – though it is recommended this transformation be performed by a service shop with a collimator so that the back focus can be adjusted.
As with all EF lenses, the new lenses transfer all information exclusively via electronic contacts. This means that all exposure modes such as programmed auto exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual setting are supported. In addition, the lenses feature an interchangeable mount system that can be changed to a PL mount, making them “upwardly compatible,” and thus affording filmmakers room to grow into newer cine cameras without having to purchase a new set of lenses.
Check out the Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 presentation video from the NAB 2010 show floor
(skip to 1:15 to skip the pyrotechnics and get to the info you seek.)
The nitty gritty:
- Interchangeable mount allows a mix of HDSLR systems with traditional cine cameras
- Full frame coverage (24 x 36mm) for focal lengths 21 to 85 mm
- Common aperture of T2.1 for the standard lens set
- No need for adapter solutions anymore
- Three different mounts available (PL, EF and F mount)
- High stability due to support bracket, which is included for additional lens stability
- Sweet spot effect with APS-C sensors
This chart demonstrates an overview of what each of the respective focal lengths will get you:
| Technical Data: |
| Super Wide Angle | Aperture | CFD | AOV | Weight | EF | PL | F |
| CP.2 18mm/T3.6* | T3.6 – 22 | 0.3 | 69° | 900 g |  | |  |
| CP.2 21mm/T2.9 | T2.9 – 22 | 0.22 | 60.9° | 1000 g | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Wide Angle | | | | | ZE | ZF | ZF.2 |
| CP.2 25mm/T2.9 | T2.9 – 22 | 0.17 | 52.2° | 900 g | | | |
| CP.2 28mm/T2.1 | T2.1 – 22 | 0.24 | 47.4° | 1000 g | | | |
| CP.2 35mm/T2.1 | T2.1 – 22 | 0.3 | 38.5° | 1000 g | | | |
| Standard | | | | | ZE | ZF | ZF.2 |
| CP.2 50mm/T2.1 | T2.1 – 22 | 0.45 | 27.3° | 900 g | | | |
| Tele | | | | | ZE | ZF | ZF.2 |
| CP.2 85mm/T2.1 | T2.1 – 22 | 1 | 16.7° | 900 g | | | |
All Compact Prime CP.2 lenses cover the full-frame image format
(24 x 36 mm), ANSI Super 35 and Normal 35 image format, except the CP.2 18mm/T3.6.
| CFD: Close Focus Distance from film plane AOV: Angle of View, diagonal EF: EF Bayonet Mount supported PL: PL Bayonet Mount supported F: F Bayonet Mount supported * The CP.2 18mm/T3.6 covers the ANSI Super 35 and Normal 35 image format. |
List price per lens will be approximately US$3,900.00 with the entire set bundled at US$24,000.00
