Anyone use the Zeiss Otus line of lenses?

[adam brennan]

Just curious what kind of results from the Zeiss Otus line? I have the Zeiss Cp.2 fast lens and the Otus is a much sharper cleaner lens, but not sure how it does on a Red Epic W or other Red cameras.

 

[David Baumber]

We use all three editions and absolutely love them. We liken them to 'mini' Ultra Primes. Having used RED Lenses and Canon L extensively the move to Otus was a good one. Super sharp, good color and solid build. We keep hankering for an 18mm, 35mm and 100m+ versions to complete the set. Hoping NAB might throw something up? We use them on Weapon and Dragon and they cover the sensor. I'm pretty sure they cover Helium too. Our Weapon is in for the upgrade and I'll let you know once it's back home.

 

[adam brennan]

I own the entire Otus line but haven't gotten a chance to use them on the Red Epic W. Wasn't sure if there was some decent example footage out there. I primarily photograph and photog wise, it's hands down the best optical lens, but lacking in the autofocus side. I've gotten used to it a tad with my focus assist on my Canon 1DX II bodies. I bought the ring gears from Zeiss and I can tell the Red Epic w, lens, and all accessories, it's going to be killer on weight using it on my Freefly Movi rigs.

 

[Phil Holland]

I use them a lot.

So much so that Duclos Lenses has developed a Cine-Mod Otus which adds:
- 114mm bayonet mount front ring (doesn't unscrew)
- hard metal focus gear w/ scales

And I'm using Canon EF Mount, but if you go Nikon with the Canon adapter you can have a declicked iris as well.

They are very, very good lenses. Some of my favorite glass in the last few years really.

Much of Forged was shot with the Otus 55mm and 85mm, the 28mm wasn't out just yet when it was filmed.

 

[Tim Morten]

Phil, if you had to choose just one set in the $15k ballpark, would you go with cinemod Otus or the new Tokinas or the Xenons?

 

[Phil Holland]

Phil, if you had to choose just one set in the $15k ballpark, would you go with cinemod Otus or the new Tokinas or the Xenons?

Very tough call.

I truly enjoy the focus pull of the Xenons with their cam system. They are small in comparison to the Tokina as well. I would say their look is more classic meets modern in many ways.

The Tokina's are indeed PL Mount, which for me is a big plus, but they are the heaviest of the 3. However, they are a consistent T1.5. If you don't mind their weight, these are likely the best "speed" options.

The Otus are indeed the "top" optical performer out of the bunch, but the 28mm does indeed feature a short focus through which isn't great.

The out of focus image/bokeh on all three are gorgeous.

I think that alludes to the reason I own all three sets.

There are more focal lengths coming for all of the sets. Some we know about, like 18mm and 135mm for Schneider. Tokina will have longer and wider options. Zeiss has been tight lipped about future Otus primes, but there will be one or two on the horizon. Just can't say a damn thing about them.

 

[Tim Morten]

Thanks for the thoughtful answer! Since you own all three, do you find yourself reaching for one set more often than the others?

 

[Brandon Obey]

Has anyone used the EF mount version of these lenses?

I wanted to know if there is way to disable the Electronic EF funtionality with EF lenses on any RED camera. I do like the advantage of it but sometimes I prefer to manually set the aperture ring. Is this possible with EF Mount on any RED camera ?

 

[Bob Gundu]

Has anyone used the EF mount version of these lenses?

I wanted to know if there is way to disable the Electronic EF funtionality with EF lenses on any RED camera. I do like the advantage of it but sometimes I prefer to manually set the aperture ring. Is this possible with EF Mount on any RED camera ?

Its not the camera, its the lens. If it has a manual Aperture ring, then yes you can use it.

 

[adam brennan]

I hope Zeiss comes out with a wide angle prime. When I mount my 28mm on my Epic W with the crop factor, it's too much for what I need.

 

[Ben Scott]

The Milvus 15mm is brilliant and will not let you down being used alongside an Otus.

 

[Brandon Obey]

Many Thanks for the helpful info

 

[Thomas G]

any views on comparing them to sigma?

 

[Alexander.M]

Would the Zeiss Otus lenses mix well at all with Classic ZF.2 lenses?

 

[vincent kardasik]

Quick question, on an Otus ZE, does the lens communicate focus distance infos to Red cameras?
I know it's a manual focus lens but as the iris is electronically controlled, I'm wondering if we can have the focus infos on screen.