ZEISS CP.2 cinema lenses: 10 focal lengths (15–135mm, T2.1–T3.6) with interchangeable mounts, 300° focus rotation, unified 114mm front diameter for digital filmmaking.
Focal Lengths
| 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 35 | 50 | 85 | 100 | 135 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2.9 | T3.6 | T2.9 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 |
| 0.30m | 0.30m | 0.28m | 0.26m | 0.24m | 0.30m | 0.45m | 1.00m | 0.70m | 1.00m |
| 1.25kg | 1.15kg | 1.05kg | 0.95kg | 0.95kg | 0.98kg | 1.10kg | 1.20kg | 1.40kg | 1.80kg |
| 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 |
| 100° | 90° | 81° | 72° | 65° | 54° | 40° | 24° | 20° | 15° |
| ◀━━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ |
PL/EF/E/F/MFT · 300° Focus · FF · T* · 14 Blades · + Super Speed 35/50/85 T1.5
Technical Details
The CP.2 series offers 10 focal lengths (15-135mm) with T2.1-T3.6. Additionally, Super Speed variants 35/50/85mm with T1.5 are available. A uniform 114mm front diameter (50mm Macro: 134mm), 95mm filter thread. 300° focus rotation, 0.8mm gear pitch. Interchangeable mount (PL/EF/E/F/MFT). T* coating, 14-blade iris for round bokeh. Chromatic aberration under 10µm, distortion under 1.5%.
History & Development
Zeiss introduced the CP.2 series in 2010 as the successor to the original Compact Primes, developed specifically for the growing digital film production market. The lenses are based on Zeiss's ZF still photo lenses but were recalculated with cine-specific characteristics. In 2012, Zeiss expanded the series with Super35-optimized versions. The CP.2 line formed the foundation for later Zeiss cinema lenses such as the CP.3 (2016) and the Supreme series. In 2018, Zeiss ceased production of the CP.2 in favor of more modern series.
Practical Use in Film
The CP.2 established itself in independent productions and TV series due to its balanced price-performance ratio. Cinematographers appreciate the warm, organic look with smooth bokeh transitions and controlled lens flares. The consistent color rendition eliminates time-consuming corrections when changing focal lengths. The series is typically used for handheld shots due to its compact weight, ranging from 1.4kg to 2.1kg. The precise mechanics are suitable for demanding focus pulls and gimbal work.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Canon CN-E or Sigma Cine, the CP.2 offers higher mechanical precision but less modern lens coatings. The successors, CP.3, improve contrast and sharpness with identical mechanics. Positioned as an alternative to Cooke S4/i or ARRI Ultra Primes, the CP.2 is more affordable with similar optical quality. For larger productions with higher budgets, Zeiss Supreme or Master Primes offer significantly better optical performance. The CP.2 remains a first choice for mid-range budgets with high quality demands.