Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS's CP.3 Compact Prime Lenses offer the same full-frame sensor coverage and classic ZEISS look in an updated form factor and with improved mechanics and lens coatings. This 21mm Compact Prime lens is derived from the same classic optical formula as the preceding CP.2 variant and shares the same physical length as the 15, 18, 25, 28, 35, 50, and 85mm CP.3 lenses while maintaining identical focus and iris gear positioning with the entire set of CP.3 lenses, relative to the mount. All CP.3 lenses also share the same 95mm front diameter. Similar physical attributes across the lens line makes fitting lens accessories such as matte boxes, follow focuses, lens supports, and lens control motors easier and less time consuming.

Another feature handed down from the preceding CP.2 lenses is the interchangeable mounts. This lens comes with an PL mount installed. Though, if you wish to fit your CP.3 lens to a different camera, the lens mount can be swapped by the user for a separately available mount of a different kind. If you like the bokeh in your images to be round, even after stopping down, you will be pleased to know that the 14-bladed iris, made famous by the CP.2 lenses, has been retained.

Note: While the CP.3 lenses are designed for a degree of user-serviceability regarding the mount, for ideal performance and calibration, B&H recommends that mount swaps and other lens adjustments be done by a trained lens technician at a service center.

Covers Full-Frame Format    PL Mount    T2.9 to T22 Aperture Range    Geared Focus and Iris Control Rings    Clickless Iris Ring    14-Blade Iris    Classic ZEISS Image Rendering    Improved Ergonomics Over Last-Gen CP.2    New Lens Coatings for Enhanced Contrast    Lens Scale Marked in Feet

Zeiss lenses are known for their clean and crisp image rendering. The CP.3 series of lenses is no different. This CP.3 lens will accurately color-match to other Zeiss cinema lenses inside and out of the CP.3 range. The CP.3 lenses feature improved lens coatings and anti-reflection masking over the CP.2 range for increased contrast and reduced flare, important for capturing content with the intent of an HDR-format release.

For enhanced ergonomics over the previous-generation CP.2 lenses, the CP.3 lens barrel has been reshaped to be more similar to the renowned Zeiss Ultra Prime lenses. This new shape is easier to handle, and takes up less physical space than the original Compact Prime design. An even weight distribution ensures that these lenses will be at home handheld, locked down on a tripod, or flown on a Steadicam or motorized gimbal.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Do these lenses transmit exif data or metadata to camera?

A: No, the Canon 35 mm Sumire Prime T1.5 (PL Mount, Feet) does not support sending EXIF Metadata to the connected camera.

Q: 2. Is there a version with lens data?

A: The P+S TECHNIK EVOLUTION 2x 75mm T2.4 S35 Prime Lens (PL Mount, Feet) is only offered in this configuration.

Q: 3. Are there contacts for lens data?

A: The Canon 20mm Sumire Prime T1.5 (PL Mount, Feet) does not have contacts that would provide lens data to the connected camera.

Q: 4. Would this lens vignette on an Alexa Mini shooting in 4K or open gate mode?

A: Zeiss 21-100mm T2.9-3.9 Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3 Lens creates the standard ANSI S35 image circle of 31.1mm. The image circle of and ARRI Alexa Mini is 33.59mm. So unfortunately this lens will not cover that sensor. You will need a full frame lens in order to do this.

Q: 5. Does this lens have filter threads, and if so, what is the diameter?

A: This lens does not have a filter thread. However it does have a 114mm front lens diameter, which is common for use with matte boxes.

Q: 6. Does it have a 1/4 -20 thread on the bottom for a lens support?

A: The ZEISS Light Weight Zoom features a 3/8 support collar for lens support.

Q: 7. Did Zeiss announce whether there will be an adapter for Canon RF Mount for these?

A: No, as of now, Zeiss has only announced the ZEISS Nano Prime 6-Lens Set (Sony E, Feet) in the Sony E-Mount.

Q: 8. Have they fixed their aperture communication problem with Sony? Loxia lenses have issues with bodies newer than A7iii

A: The Zeiss Nano Primes do not share components with Loxia, and are fully compatible with all Sony E-mount cameras. Zeiss has tested them extensively on everything from an A7IV to the Burano & Venice and they have discovered no compatibility issues.

Q: 9. Can these be converted to PL mount and would they cover a Monstro large format sensor?

A: No, the ZEISS Nano Prime 75mm T1.5 Cine Lens and all other lenses in the Nano Prime set cannot be modified to PL mount.

Q: 10. Can lwz.3 cover whole red weapon's 8k sensor?

A: The ZEISS LWZ.3 does a good job of covering the RED Helium 8K Super35 sensor. If you record in either 8K WS (1.85:1) or 8K HD (1.78:1) mode in the camera, then the 21-100 image circle is large enough to project a complete image, with slight darkening of the edges when in the widest zoom setting. When in the 8K FF (Full Frame) setting, you will see vignetting around the top and bottom of the frame. If you go past 23mm to 25mm, the image becomes quite clean from edge to edge.