ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime cine lens family — T1.3 across the set, Super 35 coverage, neutral high-resolution rendering. Backbone of countless feature productions since 2005.
Definition
The ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime lenses are a series of high-precision cinema lenses for professional film productions in Super 35mm format. This lens series, developed in Germany, is the result of a collaboration between the Munich-based camera manufacturer ARRI and the Jena-based optics company Carl Zeiss AG. The Master Primes are characterized by exceptional optical quality, high speed, and consistent color reproduction across all focal lengths.
The series includes focal lengths from 12mm to 150mm with a constant aperture of T1.3, making them particularly suitable for low-light shooting. Characteristic features include neutral color reproduction without optical distortion and precise mechanical construction with standardized focus and iris gear rings for professional follow focus systems.
Practical Application
Master Primes are considered a benchmark for high-end cinema productions and are preferred for use in feature films, commercials, and high-quality TV productions. Their consistent characteristics allow for seamless cuts between different focal lengths. The lenses are optimized for digital cinema cameras such as ARRI ALEXA or RED systems and, due to their low distortion, offer ideal conditions for visual effects work.
Technical Details
The Master Primes use the PL-Mount system (Positive Lock) as their connection standard and cover an image circle of at least 24.5mm. Their minimum focus distance ranges from 0.25m to 1.2m depending on the focal length, with a uniform front diameter of 95mm for matte box compatibility.