Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS CP.3 21mm T2.9 Lens Nikon F 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 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 a Nikon F 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 21mm T2.9 Lens Nikon F 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    Nikon F 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. At what T stop does the lens start to go down in exposure?

A: On the ZEISS LWZ.3 zoom lens, the aperture ramping is linear from 21mm - 100mm, meaning as you rack the zoom at wide open aperture, the light transmission changes from T2.9 - T3.9 in continuous, even steps.

Q: 2. 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: 3. What is the hyperfocal distance at t 2.9 and focus set at 6 feet? is there a chart to show hyperfocal distance at various focus and Tstop settings?

A: The DOF tables for the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.3 lenses can be viewed on the ZEISS website: https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/camera-lenses/files/service/download-center/depth-of-field-tables/depth-of-field-tables-zeiss-compact-prime-cp3-lenses-feet.pdf

Q: 4. Is EF mount an option with extended data support?

A: The EF mount does not support the Cooke /i Technology protocol, so transferring meta data with this mount type is not possible. However, the meta data can be captured through the 4-pin Lemo connector on the lens barrel using Ambient's Master Lock-It Plus. For more information, please visit: https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/int/cinematography/content/extended-data.html.

Q: 5. Will this crop in if I use the red Komodo? What is the super 35 equivalent?

A: The RED Komodo's sensor will crop the ZEISS CP.3 25mm T2.1 Compact Prime Lens' image circle. The Super35 equivalent focal length of this lens on the RED Komodo is 38mm.

Q: 6. 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: 7. Is this lens compatible with Sony 6500 Premium E-mount APS-C Camera?

A: Yes, you can use the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.3 lens with E mount on this camera. There is no communication with the camera however and no EXIF data transferred to the file.

Q: 8. Will this work if I attach it to the Metabones Speedbooster for EF to MFT?

A: Yes, that will work. However, in order to ensure the focus marks are accurate on the lens, it may be advantageous to get this lens with the ZEISS MFT Interchangeable Mount Set.

Q: 9. Hello. I have a Sony FS5 and a APS-C sized Canon DSLR and want to be able to use this lens for both cameras. I have an EF to E-mount Speedbooster adapter to use EF glass with the FS5. If I attach the EF version of this glass using the speesbooster will I get vignetting at wide focal lengths?

A: This lens covers an APS-S or Super 35mm Sensor. If you used it with a Speedbooster, you will see some vignetting. You really would want to use this lens with a standard adapter. Zeiss also happens to offer an Interchangeable Mount Set for this lens, B&H # ZE21100IMSE. You would be able to change it between a EF and E-Mount with this kit.https://bhpho.to/2AcTQDV

Q: 10. Is there a servo available with this Zeiss lens?

A: A servo controller is not available for the ZEISS Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3.