Zeiss cinema prime lens series optimized for minimal distortion and maximum sharpness; industry standard on high-end sets.
Definition
The ZEISS CP.3 and CP.3 XD are professional mid-range cinema prime lenses from Carl Zeiss, specifically developed for full-frame cameras. The CP.3 series includes 15 focal lengths from 15mm to 135mm with a consistent T-stop of T2.1, while the CP.3 XD additionally features Extended Data for modern digital workflows.
These lenses are characterized by their compact design, uniform housing dimensions, and consistent color rendition. They offer a balanced compromise between optical quality and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for mid-range production budgets. The lenses are available in PL mount (Positive Lock) and optionally in other mounts such as EF or E-mount.
Practical Application
The CP.3 series is frequently used in feature film productions, high-end commercials, and premium television formats. Due to their uniform front diameters (95mm) and gear rings, they are ideally suited for gimbal work and complex camera movements. The compact form factor allows for flexible operation in confined spaces or during handheld shooting.
Technical Details
The CP.3 XD features integrated Cooke /i Technology, which transmits metadata such as focus and aperture position in real-time to the camera. This significantly simplifies post-production, especially in VFX-heavy productions. The lenses offer even sharpness distribution and minimal distortion at high resolutions up to 8K.