Zeiss Standard Speed

1. Overview

The Zeiss Standard Speed MkII is a German vintage prime lens from the 1960s for Super 35 cameras. The series belongs to the classic lens sets that were widespread in European film and television productions for decades. The 16mm focal length covers the wide normal range and, at T2.1, is fast enough for vintage glass for controlled set conditions.

2. Characteristics

Flare behavior according to CINEFLARES datasheet:

• Types: Rainbow, Caustic, Spherical Spot
• Colors: Blue, Purple
• Intensity: Average

Linked Pattern Entries:

• rainbow-flare
• caustic-flare
• spherical-spot

3. Creative Use

The 16mm lens is suitable for wide-angle shots with slight barrel distortion — the barrel distortion is visible with close architectural elements or faces at the edge of the frame and should be used deliberately. Flares appear in blue and purple, with average intensity; rainbow and caustic effects occur with direct backlight, but without the aggressiveness of more modern coatings. The look is soft in contrast and typical of vintage single-coat glass, making it interesting when you want to give a digital sensor texture. In rental houses, these sets are often found on independent productions or commercial jobs looking for a 70s/80s character without having to resort to more expensive specialty optics.

4. Specs Overview

5. Status Tracker

• [x] Datasheet extracted (DOM-direct, 2026-04-20)
• [ ] Overview formulated
• [ ] Creative use researched
• [ ] AI-Illu or Manufacturer Photo (with attribution)
• [ ] Translations (9 languages)
• [ ] Import via import-lexikon.mjs