Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1 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 28mm 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, 21, 25, 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 28mm T2.1 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    T2.1 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. Why are the CP2's more expensive than the cp3's? What are they offering that is better?

A: The CP3 are a huge leap forward in lens design. The basic improvements are they are more compact than the CP2'2 with 95mm fronts rather than 114mm. This in an age of smaller cameras and remote focus controls, this makes great sense. However, amazingly, in spite of being smaller, they still cover full frame. 15mm in Super35 is great but 15mm in full frame is fantastic. The CP3's, like the CP2's, are mount agnostic and in another significant step, are 8K ready. However, the huge step is achieved with the PL mount with eXtended Data option. With the help of an app, you can custom configure the lens's look by manipulating the lens metadata. This is a huge leap for professionals who are always searching for that new look. Now, not only can you correct lens aberrations, but you can add/decrease distortion, increase/decrease vignetting and otherwise amplify the look to your liking. With this incredible feature, I know Hollywood DP's will be lining up around the block to try it out.

Q: 2. 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: 3. 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: 4. do these have a front thread?

A: Zeiss CP.3 Lenses do not have a front thread.

Q: 5. Does this require a locking mechanism in the mount? I’d like to use it on the FX6

A: The ZEISS CP3 lenses incorporate a 3/8" thread support bracket at the bottom of the barrel. This can be tied into a camera support rig to isolate the lens from the camera and prevent any movement in the mount as the focus is racked.

Q: 6. Will this provide lens data such as iris t-stop/f-stop to any camera with an electronic EF mount?

A: The ZEISS CP.3 lens you are referencing has a PL mount and the meta data can be read by any PL type camera using the Cooke i/technology interface. The meta data is also accessible via the side port and can be read by such devices like the Ambient Master Lockit Plus. This would be the option when the CP.3 is fixed with an EF mount.

Q: 7. Will this work with the FX3?

A: Yes, the ZEISS CP.3 35mm T2.1 Compact Prime Lens (Sony E Mount, Feet) is compatible with the Sony FX3.

Q: 8. Does this lens have a filter thread so that don't need a matte box?

A: Like all cine style lenses, the ZEISS CP.3 lenses do not incorporate filter threads. A matte box and cut filters are the most common accessories used.

Q: 9. Is there a 65mm CP3?

A: No, there is not a 65mm version of the ZEISS CP.3 85mm T2.1 Compact Prime Lens (PL Mount, Feet).

Q: 10. With the Zeiss CP.2 Super Speeds being discontinued, does Zeiss intend on releasing a CP.3 Super Speed line to take their place?

A: there has been no official statement from Zeiss about a Cp.3 line of super speeds