ZEISS Master Anamorphic series offers eight native anamorphic focal lengths (25–180mm) with constant T2.1 aperture, characteristic oval bokeh circles, and horizontal lens flares.
Focal Lengths
| 25 | 32 | 40 | 50 | 65 | 100 | 135 | 180 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 | T2.1 |
| 0.80m | 0.80m | 0.80m | 0.80m | 0.90m | 1.20m | 1.50m | 1.80m |
| 3.8kg | 3.9kg | 4.0kg | 4.2kg | 4.4kg | 4.8kg | 5.0kg | 5.2kg |
| 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 |
| 96° | 76° | 62° | 50° | 39° | 26° | 19° | 14° |
| ◀━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ |
PL · 2x Squeeze · S35 · T* · Native Anamorphic
Technical Details
Eight focal lengths (25-180mm) with a constant T2.1 – native anamorphic design, not adapted spherical optics. 114mm front diameter, PL mount. Image circle of 29.6mm for S35. Characteristic oval bokeh circles and horizontal flares. T* anti-reflective coating. Development costs exceeding 50 million Euros. Individual quality control in Oberkochen.
History & Development
ZEISS announced the Master Anamorphic series in 2011, with first deliveries in 2012. Development took four years and cost over 50 million Euros. Unlike adapted spherical designs, the Master Anamorphics were created as native anamorphic constructions. In 2019, ZEISS expanded the series with the 32mm and 65mm focal lengths. The lenses are manufactured in Oberkochen and undergo individual quality controls with T* anti-reflective coating.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematographer Roger Deakins used the Master Anamorphics for "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) to enhance the futuristic aesthetic. Emmanuel Lubezki's "The Revenant" (2015) utilized the series for landscape shots in natural light. The constant aperture allows for consistent work in challenging lighting conditions. Typical workflows require monitors with a de-squeeze function and appropriate post-production software. The shallower depth of field compared to spherical lenses demands precise focus pulling.
Comparison & Alternatives
Master Anamorphics are positioned between vintage lenses like the Panavision C-Series and modern alternatives such as the ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphics or Cooke Anamorphic/i. They offer cleaner imaging than vintage glass but less "character" than older designs. Panavision G-Series and Atlas Orion Anamorphics compete in the premium segment. For budget productions, Sirui or Laowa Anamorphics are available, but they involve significant compromises in light transmission and image quality.