ZEISS is adding new focal lengths to its Supreme Prime family: 18 mm T1.5, 40 mm T1.5, and 200 mm T2.2 which are high-speed, full-frame prime lenses that extend the Supreme Prime series to a total of 14 cine lenses. Read more below.
The ZEISS Supreme Prime series
Supreme Prime is ZEISS’s optical solution to cover a full-frame sensor. All the lenses across the family can cover an image circle of 46.3 mm. The main characteristic of the Supreme Primes is a compact and lightweight design. The first lenses in the family were announced two years ago when the hype of the large sensor was transformed into a mainstream thanks to the ALEXA LF, Venice, and Monstro VV. The goal was (and still is) to allow the combination of large sensor coverage combined with high-speed capabilities. “We designed the ZEISS Supreme Prime lenses specifically for high-end productions. Since their launch, the lenses have been used in a variety of high-budget commercials and music videos, as well as in feature films, dramas, and TV series” says Christophe Casenave, responsible for Cinema Products at ZEISS.
We designed the ZEISS Supreme Prime lenses specifically for high-end productions.
Christophe Casenave, responsible for Cinema Products at ZEISS
The new members: 18, 40 and 200 mm
Two weeks ago, ZEISS announced on three more lenses to join the Supreme Prime family: 18 mm T1.5, 40 mm T1.5, and 200 mm T2.2. The ZEISS Supreme Prime lens family now consists of 14 prime lenses with fixed focal lengths between 15 and 200 millimeters and maximum apertures from T1.5 to T2.2. Eleven of the 14 lenses have a fast T-stop of T1.5. ZEISS says that the new lenses can be ordered immediately and will be delivered starting in September.
ZEISS eXtended Data Metadata Technology
The new lenses are equipped with the ZEISS eXtended Data metadata technology launched in 2017, meaning they provide frame-by-frame data on lens vignetting and distortion in addition to the standard metadata provided by Cooke’s /i technology1 protocol. This streamlines workflows, particularly for VFX and virtual production.
Test footage
The videos below show an angle of view comparison of the ZEISS Supreme Prime focal lengths from 18 to 200 millimeters and a comparison of the lenses in terms of perspective, focus, and bokeh. The tests look extraordinary and beautiful, especially the very unique bokeh and softness. The image looks creamy and artistic.
The video below was shot on the Sony Venice 6K and the camera was in a fixed position.
Also, watch another video below which demonstrates perspectives, focus, and bokeh of the entire Supreme Prime series. The camera position (subject distance) is adjusted depending on the focal length. Shot on Sony Venice 6K as well.
Price and Availability
According to ZEISS, the three new lenses are available immediately from ZEISS Cinema lens dealers and will be shipped starting September 2020. The ZEISS Supreme Prime lens with 15 mm T1.8 will be on the market by mid-2021. As for the price:
- 18mm T1.5 : $28,325
- 40mm T1.5: $20,625
- 200mm T2.2: $33,000
The dark side of ZEISS
ZEISS has some dark history. The German company was heavily involved in partnering with the Nazi regime back in World War II. For those who want to learn more, make sure to check our article which contains essential pieces of evidence that need to be reminded. For instance, ZEISS has utilized thousands of forced labor workers, which comprised about 30% of all its employees during WWII. Furthermore, according to reports, ZEISS also provided direct economic support to the national and local Nazi-party organizations. Read more in the article: The dark side of ZEISS.
Final thoughts
The Supreme Prime series is composed of truly remarkable pieces of glass that can take your footage to the next level. However, the high price makes it affordable mainly for high-end productions. Nevertheless, in that price range, it will be smarter to look after ARRI’s Signature Primes which, in my personal opinion, have more benefits.
What are your thoughts about ZEISS Supreme Prime lenses? Would you rent them for your production?
What does its WWII history has to do with lenses Zeiss releases today? Does it still employ the same people? Do you infer they still have an unsavory relationship with the far right maybe? What about ARRI, Porshe, VW, Krups, Siemens and the rest of the German industry?
It’s about the facts. ARRI wasn’t involved with the Nazi regime. ZEISS did. Just letting people know the history of this company.