Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS CP.3 15mm T2.9 Lens MFT Mount Feetoffer the same full-frame sensor coverage and classic ZEISS look in an updated form factor and with improved mechanics and lens coatings. This 15mm 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 18, 21, 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 a MFT 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.

ZEISS CP.3 15mm T2.9 Lens MFT Mount FeetWhile 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    MFT 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. How does this perform in terms of CA levels and purple fringing at all aperture settings?

A: It is our understanding that the optical properties of the CP.2 and CP.3 lenses are very similar. There were reports of some CA with the CP.2 lenses. Being that these are Zeiss, we doubt that this really is something that the cinematographer will be concerned about let alone his audience. CA is dependent on lighting, focus and aperture as well. We would encourage you to rent and test before you buy to make sure these lenses are for you.

Q: 2. Can this take a front filter?

A: No, like all cine lenses, the ZEISS CP.3 lenses are not designed to accept screw in filters. You can filter the lens by using cut-filters in a matte box.

Q: 3. Does this cover vista vision? For example RED Raptor 8K VV.

A: Yes, the 46.3mm image circle on the ZEISS CP.3 15mm T2.9 Compact Prime Lens (Canon EF Mount, Feet) can be used with the 46.31mm diagonal sensor on the RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR 8K VV DSMC3 Camera (Canon RF, Black).

Q: 4. where is the specs of this lens? weight...

A: The specs for any ZEISS lens can be found on the ZEISS website. Here is the link for the CP.3 2.9/15 lens: https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/int/cinematography/compact-prime-cp-3-lenses.html#data

Q: 5. Will this lens transmit information required for auto-focus, auto iris, stabilization and distance/f-stop info in viewfinder?

A: This mount version has no electronic communication.

Q: 6. Is this lens rectilinear?

A: Yes, the ZEISS CP.3 2.9/15 is a rectilinear design with well controlled geometric distortion.

Q: 7. If using a super 35mm sensor with this full frame lens, would one need to use the crop factor of 1.5 to determine the equivalent field of view?

A: Yes you would. To take it a step further all lenses are listed by their physical focal length and from there the crop factor needs to be taken in to account. Even lenses that only cover a Super 35mm sensor will be subject to a crop factor. Any lens, regardless of it is covers Super 35mm or Full Frame, will need to have the 1.5x crop factor added.

Q: 8. Do CP.3's allow for a protective filter to be screwed on?

A: No, for any filters you will have to use a matte box.

Q: 9. Can any of these Zeiss MFT mount lenses work on the Olympus MFT camera bodies?

A: Yes, the CP.3 lenses with MFT mount will fit to any camera using the Micro Four Thirds lens mount standard. The lens will have the proper flange focal distance and will focus accurately to infinity.

Q: 10. Is this lens compatible with the 5D Mark IV?

A: The ZEISS Compact Prime lenses have been used for many years with HDSLR cameras, including this model. You would need to order EF mount version of the lens in order to mount to the camera.