Carl Zeiss has just launched the first set of cine lenses designed especially for HDSLR cameras: the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses. The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses deliver great flexibility by introducing interchangeable mounts that allow the lenses to be used with a wide range of cameras, from traditional cine to HDSLR systems.

Available with three different mounts – PL, Canon EF and Nikon F – this new family of ZEISS lenses enables cinematographers to be completely free in their choice of camera systems, the company says. The ergonomics have been improved compared to standard SLR lenses. The lenses’ cine-style housing dimensions, focus and iris gear positions, and front diameter are the same for the standard lens set. The longer focus rotation and the possibility for manual focus give users the flexibility they demand. The iris diaphragm consists of 14 high-precision blades, which stay consistently round and symmetrical over the entire T-stop range. This translates into natural and pleasing out-of-focus highlights and a smooth bokeh. Currently on display at the NAB in Las Vegas, these lenses cover a 24x36mm image format without vignetting. They will be available from June 2010.

Press Release:

The trend of filming in high definition using a digital SLR camera is unstoppable. Moviemaking today is unthinkable without this technique, whether for independent filmmakers, television producers or professional still photographers who wish to expand their services. Optics specialist Carl Zeiss now introduces the world’s first set of cine lenses designed especially for HDSLR cameras: the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses.

Why change the mount on the camera when you can change it on the lens? The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses deliver great flexibility by introducing interchangeable mounts that allow the lenses to be used with a wide range of cameras, from traditional cine to HDSLR systems. Available with three different mounts – PL, EF and F – this new family of ZEISS lenses enables cinematographers to be completely free in their choice of camera systems while ensuring a high consistency of images. Furthermore, the lenses can be upgraded to any number of existing or future cine and still cameras while enabling cinematographers to still utilize the same set of lenses.

Like their predecessors, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are made for a rigorous life on the set. The ergonomics have been improved compared to standard SLR lenses. The lenses’ cine-style housing dimensions, focus and iris gear positions, and front diameter are the same for the standard lens set. The longer focus rotation and the possibility for manual focus give users the flexibility they demand. The iris opening consists of 14 high-precision blades, which stay consistently round and symmetrical over the entire T-stop range. This translates into natural and pleasing out-of-focus highlights and a smooth bokeh. Together, they help create and capture special moments on film. The modern lens design and tight tolerances ensure low distortion, high resolution and excellent color rendition for sharp, punchy images.

The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses cover a full-frame 24 x 36 image format without vignetting. They will be based around a common aperture of T2.1 for the standard set, which is an improvement over the first generation of lenses.

Carl Zeiss will present these new lenses for the first time at the NAB show in Las Vegas (April 10-15). They will be available from June 2010.

The Sony Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens is a brilliant all-around performer – with SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) design for fast, silent auto-focus, pro-quality Carl Zeiss T* coated optics to reduce lens flare, and 17-element design with two aspherical and two ED glass lens elements to minimize distortion and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration.

This superb 24-70mm zoom lens is an excellent choice for a wide range of photo applications – a lens you can put on and leave on, providing large-aperture brightness that’s easy to carry (35mm equivalent: 36-105mm).

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Like other large-aperture Carl Zeiss lens designs, this f2.8 24-70mm zoom lens is simply magnificent in its ability to capture brilliant high-resolution images in low-light conditions requiring fully open aperture.

A major reason for its compact, lightweight design is the benefit of Super SteadyShot in – camera image stabilization, built into every Sony & 945 system DSLR – and enabling accessory lenses to eliminate the extra weight and expense of in-lens stabilization mechanisms.

SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) – Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing, this unique technology achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response. It operates through the ability of a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.

Features:

- Compact Design, All-Around Versatility
- Superior Large-Aperture Performance
- In-Camera Image Stabilization
- SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)
- Carl Zeiss« T* Coating
- Multi-Element Design
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass

Coated optics were pioneered by Carl Zeiss – and this superb lens features T* (T-Star) coating that virtually eliminates the lens flare, internal reflection and light scattering that can otherwise occur at glass-to-air surfaces.

The Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens is designed with 17 lens elements in 13 groups, including 2 aspherical elements and 2 ED glass elements. Floating motion between the third and fourth groups of lens elements helps compensate for any aberrations caused by the zooming action of the lens.

Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements – These precision lens elements correct distortion for sharper, more visually accurate images across the entire zoom range of the lens.

Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used in Carl Zeiss lenses to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.

Specifications:

Focal length range: 24-70mm (equivalent to 36-105mm with APS-C sensor)
Picture angle: 84 degrees to 34 degrees (61-23 degrees with APS-C sensor)
Maximum aperture: f/2.8 throughout zoom range
Minimum aperture: f/22
Lens construction: 17 elements in 13 groups (includes two aspheric elements and two ED elements)
Lens mount: Sony Alpha mount
Diaphragm Blades: 9 (circular iris)
Minimum focus: 34 cm
Filter size:  77mm
Dimensions (Diameter x L): 83 x 111 mm
Weight: 955 grams

Its f/1.8 aperture makes it the brightest telephoto lens in its class – and with 35mm-equivalent 202.5mm focal length plus the ability to focus tightly on objects closer than three feet away, it can cover an amazing range of photographic assignments.

Ultra-Bright Images
At fully open f/1.8 aperture (the best in its class), this high-performance 135mm lens creates amazingly bright telephoto images.

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Superb Sharpness
In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony ± (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this lens gives you excellent results even working with hand-held camera by available light.

Close-up Focusing
You can capture professional-quality images of both faraway scenes and objects closer than three feet.

Features:

- Image circle format: 35mm (18? angle of view)
- Focal length equivalent when mounted on an APS-C format DSLR: approx. 202.5mm (12? angle of view)
- Lens configuration: 8 elements in 6 groups (incl. 2 optical elements for apodization)
- Aperture blades: 9 in auto mode, 10 in manual mode (circular aperture)
- Minimum aperture: F31 [T32] (T = Transmissive brightness)
- Minimum focus distance: 0.87m / 34-1/4″
- Max. magnification ratio: 0.25x
- Filter size: 72mm
- Lens hood: bayonet-mount round
- Dimensions (max. diameter x length): 80 x 99mm / 3-1/8 x 3-7/8″

Internal Focusing System
Internal lens elements move to increase auto-focus speed to help you catch quick action.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Two ED Glass lenses minimize flare and greatly reduce chromatic aberration, giving you sharp, clear telephoto shots.

Specification:

Aperture (Max.) : f/1.8
Aperture (Min.) : f/22
Aspheric Elements : no aspheric
Blades : 9 aperture blades
Depth-of-Field : Yes
Distance Encoder : Yes
Distance Scale : Yes
Focal Length : APS: 202.5mm (Equivalent: 135mm)
Focus-hold Button : Yes
Lens Groups-Elements : 8 groups, 11 elements
Lens Type : Standard & Medium Telephoto
Magnification : x 0.25
Minimum Focus Distance : 2Æ 5ö (72cm)
Non-rotating Focusing Ring : Yes

Sony CZ DT 16-80mm f3.5-4.5 Vario-Sonnar T Lens SAL1680Z is the ultimate all-in-one zoom lens designed specifically for DSLR imaging.

5X Zoom Range:
Smaller and lighter, it s the only 5X zoom lens designed specifically for the APS-size CCD imager used in the Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera.

Glass-Molded Aspherical Lens Elements:
Two glass-molded aspherical lens elements correct visual aberrations and improvepicture quality across the entire zoom range.

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Circular Aperture:
Because aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.

Auto Clutch:
In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate, and in manual focusing, a wider focus ring provides a solid, hands-on feel.

Specifications:

• 2 Glass-Molded Aspherical Lenses for extra precision

• Circular Aperture for pleasing defocused effects

• Auto Clutch to stop manual focus ring rotation

• Wide focus ring for a solid feel in manual focusing

• Focal Length 35mm  Equivalent: 16 – 80 mm

• Focal Length APS: 24 – 120 mm

• Angle of View 35mm Equivalent: N/A

• Angle of View APS: 83ﾟ- 20ﾟ

• Min Focus Distance: 2.4 (62 mm)

• Aperture Maximum: f/3.5 – 4.5

• Aperture Minimum: f/22 – 29

• Maximum Magnification: 0.24 x

• Lens Construction: 14 elements in 10 groups with 7 aperture blades

• Filter Diameter: 62 mm

• Dimensions: 2-7/8 x 3-3/8 (72 x 83 mm)

• Weight: 15.5 oz (440 g)

It also features three aspherical lens elements that provide greater brightness from center to the edge of the image field.Its Carl Zeiss T* (T star) coating technology provides higher light transmission, and minimizes flare to produce images of luminous clarity, color and sharpness.

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The Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Zoom Lens offers the utmost flexibility in challenging lighting conditions due to its wide f/2.8 constant aperture. Combined with Sony’s in-camera SteadyShot Inside image stabilization system, this lens is the only large aperture, full-frame capable, wide-angle zoom lens with the benefit of stabilization in the industry.

Smooth, fast and precise focusing is delivered by Sony’s Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) autofocus drive system. It utilizes a solid-state focus drive motor to provide silent, high-speed response, powerful torque and fine rotational control – critically important for large wide-aperture lenses.

Specifications:

Focal Length Equivalent: 16-35mm
Lens Aperture Range:  f/ 2.8
Minimum Focus Distance: 1 inches
Filter Size: 77 mm
Groups: 13
Elements: 17
Diagonal Angle of View: 83-44 °
Length: 4.5 inches
Max Diameter: 3.2 in.
Weight: 1 lbs.

Its performance at fully open aperture is astonishingly precise – and its 35mm-equivalent 125.7mm focal length gives you sharp midrange close-ups and natural, distortion-free portraits at relaxed distances.

Superb Sharpness at Fully Open Aperture
In conjunction with the Super SteadyShot image stabilization system of the Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera, this superb Carl Zeiss lens achieves pinpoint sharpness – even working with hand-held camera by available light.

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Excellent Contrast Reproduction
Precision optical design and advanced T coatings help to reduce flare and increase contrast.

Smooth Backgrounds
Smooth, visually pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds give portraits and close-ups an extra dimension of beauty.

Features:

- Image circle format: 35mm (29? angle of view)
- Focal length equivalent when mounted on an APS-C format DSLR: approx.
- 127.5mm (19? angle of view)
- Lens configuration: 8 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture blades: 9 (circular aperture)
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Minimum focus distance: 0.85m / 33-1/2″
- Max. magnification ratio: 0.13x
- Filter size: 72mm
- Lens hood: bayonet-mount round
- Dimensions (max. diameter x length): 81 x 75mm / 3-3/16 x 2-15/16″
- Weight: approx. 640g / 1 lb 6.6 oz
- ADI flash metering support (distance encoder)

Focus Hold Button
For full creative control, a focus hold button located on the lens can lock auto-focusing even in continuous advance mode – and focus lock can also be set on the spot-focus center frame area.

Auto Clutch
In auto-focus mode, the manual focus ring does not rotate – and in manual focusing, you’ll have a solid, hands-on feel.

Specification:

Aperture (Max.) : f/1.4
Aperture (Min.) : f/22
Aspheric Elements : no aspheric
Blades : 9 aperture blades
Depth-of-Field : Yes
Distance Encoder : Yes
Distance Scale : Yes
Filter Diameter : 72 mm
Focal Length : APS: 127.5 mm (35mm Equivalent: 85 mm)
Focus-hold Button : Yes
Lens Groups-Elements : 7 groups, 8 elements
Lens Type : Standard & Medium Telephoto
Magnification : x 0.13
Minimum Focus Distance : 2′ 10ö (85cm)
Non-rotating Focusing Ring : Yes

Optical expert Carl Zeiss has now added an EF bayonet to its proven lens for photographic reporting: the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE. The high-speed, moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/35 ZE fits all analog and digital EOS cameras. Its classic 35 mm focal length is particularly well-suited for advertising, travel and nature photography as it captures dynamic perspectives with high depth of focus and few distortions. With a moderate wide angle of 53 degrees (horizontal), the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE can easily capture wide scenery without forcing photographers to consider perspective effects as design elements as they would have to with shorter focal lengths. The relatively short angle of rotation of the precision focusing mechanism enables fast but precise focusing when required.

The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE features high image quality for the entire aperture and focusing range. Thanks to its sophisticated optical design, in which nine lens elements are perfectly aligned, it permits particularly high imaging performance across the entire image field.

A tripod is not always available, when traveling for example. With an initial aperture of 1:2, the Distagon T* 2/35 easily handles low light, making perfect pictures possible even under difficult lighting conditions. When quick action is required, or when there is not enough room for a tripod, this ZEISS lens delivers crisp handheld images even in the twilight or inside. And thanks to its special optical design and the Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating, this lens captures bright light sources without artifacts. The Distagon T* 2/35 is also perfect on-the-go thanks to its all-metal and extremely durable precision mechanics for which Carl Zeiss lenses are well-known.

Specifications:

- Focal length: 35 mm
- Diagonal Angle of view: 62º
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Lens Construction: 9 elements/7 groups
- Minimum focus: 30 cm
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:5.3
- Filter thread: 72 mm
- Supplied accessories:
•  Front and rear caps
• Lens Hood
- Lens Mount: ZF (F bayonet), ZK (K bayonet), ZE (EF bayonet), ZS (M42 screw thread)

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3.5/18 specifications:

Focal length: 18 mm
Diagonal Angle of view: 99º
Maximum aperture: F3.5
Minimum aperture: F22
Lens Construction: 13 elements/11 groups
Minimum focus: 30 cm
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:12
Filter thread: 82 mm
Supplied accessories:
• Front and rear caps
• Lens Hood
Lens Mount: ZF (F bayonet), ZK (K bayonet), ZE (EF bayonet)