Carl Zeiss Cine Lenses Target HDSLR Filmmakers This June
Later this June, well-known lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss will begin offering a line of Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with the discerning HDSLR filmmaker in mind.
The new is no surprise, really, given the versatility and functionality that HDSLR rigs have shown over the past year in the film making space. As you may recall, the season finale of House was shot entirely on a Canon 5D Mark II. That's one example of mainstream acceptance, and there are many more.
Anyway, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are rumored to be compatible with Nikon F, Arri PL, and Canon EF mounts. There's also a lightweight Zoom LWZ.2 lens that will presumably offer similar mount compatibility:
Pricing, unfortunately, will probably arrive a bit closer to the rumored June release date. [DPReview via Engadget]
Send an email to Jack Loftus, the author of this post, at jloftus@gizmodo.com.
I guess my question is: Are these lenses intended for pro crews like the guys who shoot House, or for independent filmmakers (who account for probably 95-98 percent of HDSLR ownership).
ReplyDeleteBoth scenarios present interesting shifts in the industry.
If the lenses are more geared towards pros, than that puts a lot of push behind HDSLRs to be considered a more legitimate capture device, like the RED.
If the lenses are intended for independent filmmakers, than that helps lessen the gap between what the pros can shoot and what the grass roots under funded filmmaker can shoot.
Price point is key. If Zeiss hits the price point right, they could accomplish both scenarios at the same time.
Exactly Chad, the price is the question. If they put it in the range where independent filmmakers can grab a few, if not the whole set, then we are looking at something truly special.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping they are intended for a sort of middle ground...as most everyone is. It would be great, even on the professional side of things...to be able to own a 5D MkII (or whatever they upgrade to next) and a whole set of these lenses for say...under $30k...that would put them in this awesome place where you could get a camera and a set of primes for just a bit more or less then a RED (depending on the model of RED you want). Mix that with the handheld mounts that are out there for the 5D and 7D and your looking at quite a nice set up for the indie filmmaker or professional, with a price point that most could make.
I know the cry for cinematic lenses built directly for the canon mount has been going on for quite sometime, so this is a natural thing that we knew was coming. Not sure what we are going to get for price though.
Now bring on a native set of anamorphics for the canon...good god would that be amazing.
That is AWESOME
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