High-quality ZEISS prime lenses for digital cinema cameras — exceptional sharpness and neutral color rendition.
Technical Details
Focal Lengths
| 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 32 | 35 | 50 | 65 | 75 | 100 | 135 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 | T1.3 |
| 0.20m | 0.25m | 0.30m | 0.30m | 0.35m | 0.35m | 0.35m | 0.35m | 0.45m | 0.55m | 0.60m | 0.75m | 0.90m |
| 1.9kg | 2.1kg | 2.2kg | 2.0kg | 1.9kg | 1.8kg | 1.9kg | 1.9kg | 2.1kg | 2.2kg | 2.3kg | 2.8kg | 4.2kg |
| 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 134 |
| 112° | 104° | 97° | 90° | 81° | 72° | 59° | 54° | 40° | 31° | 27° | 20° | 15° |
| ◀━━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ |
PL · 300° Focus Travel · FF/VV · T*
History & Development
ZEISS introduced the Master Prime series in 2005 as a response to the emerging transition to digital cinema production. The lenses were developed through a collaboration between ZEISS Germany and ARRI, with ZEISS handling optical development and ARRI the mechanical construction. In 2008, ZEISS expanded the range with ultra-wide focal lengths. The series was continuously produced until 2018 and is considered the predecessor to the current ZEISS Supreme Prime line.
On-Set Use in Film
Master Primes have been used in numerous Hollywood productions, including David Fincher's "The Social Network" (2010) and "Skyfall" (2012). Their extreme T1.3 aperture allows for shooting in minimal lighting conditions and creates a characteristic depth of field with creamy bokeh. Typical workflows utilize complete sets of 6-8 lenses for consistent color rendition. The drawback lies in their high weight, which can strain stabilizers during handheld shots.
Comparison & Alternatives
Master Primes differ from the more affordable ZEISS CP.2 lenses through their higher light sensitivity and superior optical correction. Compared to Cooke S4/i lenses, they offer greater sharpness but a less "organic" look. Modern alternatives include the ZEISS Supreme Prime (T1.5, but more compact) and Sigma Cine FF (more affordable, but T1.5). Today, Master Primes are primarily chosen for low-light scenarios or specific aesthetic requirements, while Supreme Primes have largely taken over standard usage.