Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses for NEX E-mount Announced

Carl Zeiss 85/2.1 Compact Prime on Sony NEX-VG10 by farwesttexasphotog from CP+

Carl Zeiss Cinematography officially announced that the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses will be available in the Sony NEX E-mount. CP.2 lenses have interchangeable mounts and with the short register distance of the NEX an adapter or mount was easily made. The NEX and the CP.2 combination was first shown in Japan at the CP Plus convention. This is great news for videographers who use the NEX-VG10 and the new NEX-FS100.

Sony NEX E-mount for Zeiss CP.2 Lenses

Zeiss has instructions on how to replace the lens mounts of Compact Prime CP.2 lenses to E-mount if you already have the set.

Focal Lengths of Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses (larger image)

The Zeiss Compact Prime lenses are available in the following focal lengths and apertures:

• CP.2 18mm f/2.6
• CP.2 21mm f/2.9
• CP.2 25mm f/2.9
• CP.2 28mm f/2.1
• CP.2 35mm f/2.1
• CP.2 50mm f/2.1
• CP.2 50mm f/2.1 Macro
• CP.2 85mm f/2.1
• CP.2 100mm f/2.1 Close Focus

Here is the press release from Carl Zeiss Cinematography:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 30.03.2011.

During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011, Carl Zeiss will present two new mounts for the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses:

the E mount and the MFT mount. The MFT mount is particularly suitable for the new corresponding professional camcorders, while the brand-new E mount is perfect for the new Sony cameras like the Super 35 mm NXCAM camcorder. The MFT mount has been available since March. The new E mount is expected to be available beginning in June. Exactly a year ago, Carl Zeiss introduced the Compact Prime CP.2 series during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. They are the first lenses with interchangeable mount developed specially for filming with HDSLR cameras. Since then, there has been significant demand for these lenses among cinematographers and still photographers adding new video services. Carl Zeiss is now adding a new chapter to its Compact Prime CP.2 success story.

“With these new mounts, we respond to many of our customers’ wishes asking to use the lenses on these new HD video cameras,” said Holger Sehr, Product Manager for Cinematography lenses at Carl Zeiss AG, Camera Lens Division. “Thanks to the interchangeable mounts, now for five different camera systems — PL, EF, MFT, F and E mount — our Compact Prime CP.2 lenses deliver superb flexibility, can be used in many different market segments, and are attractive for both end-customers and rental houses.”

With the interchangeable mount and the 24x36 mm full-format image circle illumination, these latest members of Carl Zeiss compact lens family are extremely versatile. During the NAB Show, Carl Zeiss will present all nine fixed focal lengths of Compact Prime CP.2 series from 18 to 100 mm, which thanks to the new mounts can be used for a wide range of cameras — from SLR to professional camcorders through to professional cine and television film cameras. Moreover, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are highly compact with a robust construction, so that they can withstand any demand of cinematographers and photographers on the set.

Click here for more information on Carl Zeiss Compact Prime Lenses.