Big, BIG news today for large-format filmmakers: ZEISS has dropped a new set of cinema prime lenses. This new ten-lens set of large-format cinema primes will range from 25mm to 180mm, and all feature a fast T2.2 aperture.
The new Panopte 65 large-format line will also feature a unique blend of high-end optics, ergonomics, the latest ZEISS eXtended Data, and compatibility with the CinCraft ecosystem. Here’s everything else you need to know about this new large-format cine lens series.
ZEISS Panopte 65 Lens Series Introduced
Following decades of success with tons of innovation in medium-format optics, this new Panopte 65 series from ZEISS looks to be a major step forward for the brand into the large-format space. And, despite the jump, the company appears well equipped to bring the same mix of natural colors, forgiving skin textures, gentle focus fall-off, and silky bokeh to this new range.
The ZEISS Panoptes 65 lenses are designed for 65mm sensor cameras and offer impressive consistency across their ten focal lengths, ranging from 25mm to 180mm, all with a fast T2.2 aperture.
The lenses have also been engineered with modern professional workflows in mind, as they will feature a housing design with consistent positions for iris and focus, along with standardized front diameters of 95 mm (35, 40, 45, 55, 70, 90, 110, 135) and 114 mm (25, 180).
Expanding the ZEISS Legacy
As mentioned above, ZEISS has already built a legacy in medium format with decades of lenses for photography-focused systems such as the Pentacon Six, Hasselblad 500 series, Contax 645, and many other legacy cameras.
However, moving into large format makes sense as there’s more demand there than ever before—and specifically for filmmaking and video production. We’ve seen new large-format cameras introduced, like the ARRI Alexa 265, Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 17K 65, and Fujifilm GFX ETERNA 55, which should all be ideal companions for the new ZEISS Panopte 65 lenses, thanks to their 59.9 image circles.
Overall, these new large-format lenses should carry a legacy of high-end cinematography and design, making it easier than ever to create distinctive, emotionally engaging looks in large format.
Price and Availability
As the new ZEISS Panopte 65 lens series has just been announced, we don’t have pricing or availability details just yet. But stay tuned as we’ll share that info as soon as it becomes available.
For more info, visit the company’s website here.
