Zeiss CP2 Lenses vs. Canon Cine Lenses

[Thomas Koch]

I just started building my kit I have the 35mm F2.1 and the 50mm Makro. I see they just released a 25mm t2.1 I want that lens. If you look at the-digital-picture.com you can see resolution crops of the Zeiss ZE and Canon EOS lenses. The coatings are different on the Cinema Lenses, but you get a good comparison of the lenses. It's that reason I went with the Makro version of the 50mm

 

[Mike P.]

I'm going to check out the SALTIII results, but anyone off-hand know how the Canon's at T1.3 compare to the Zeiss at t1.5 (do the CP2ss have a 24 t1.5?)... is the widest stop generally useless on these sets?

I'm seriously considering either because a.) FF35 support, which is arguably where we're headed in terms of sensor tech (as it doesn't have the costs associated with 65mm film, which was probably the major reason not all films were shot on that) and b.) they're the only fast glass I could potentially afford (that have FF35 compatibility)... unless I'm missing some other t1.3-t1.5 set that's ~$5k per lens.

I don't like that the CN-Es are EF only... kind of sketchy locking into that mount with glass in this price range.

 

[Mike Halper]

These are $4K-$5K lenses that are high speed at T1.5 to slower at T2.9 (though that's not much slower than Panchros (or mini S4's as they call them now)). I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to not have CA or sharpness issues wide open at T1.5 at that price. The bottom line is, unless you're going to scrutinize them, they'll look great, especially to a typical audience that knows nothing about making movies or cinematography. This was shot with the CP.2's. If you want better you'll have to spend a lot more money. Otherwise they're a great value and every lens (including the 15mm) in the line will cover Dragon.

 

[Tom Gleeson]

Gentlemen,

The ACS has a Review up on Vimeo where we directly look and compare the Canon CN-E Primes and the Zeiss CP "Super speeds" benchmarking both sets against the industry standard Ultraprimes. We also have a write up on the ACS Website with Frame grabs of charts and models. Both sets create wonderful images at an entry level price point with cinema mechanics.

 

[Mike P.]

Thanks for the links Tom, definitely taking a look. Any word if Canon plan to release with PL or, better still, changeable mounts?

 

[Tom Gleeson]

Thanks for the links Tom, definitely taking a look. Any word if Canon plan to release with PL or, better still, changeable mounts?

I asked the head of Canon in Australia this question and he directed the question directly to Japan and the answer was a PL mount is not being considered. While not a good sign Canon is not necessarily going to reveal its intentions. But at a 44mm flange depth the Canon rear element would need a reposition or redesign to work at PL 52mm flange depth. Not trivial. If you are an owner/operator Epic or Scarlet user I would not worry to much over the lack of PL mount. When I use the Epic I personally could not care less what mount is being used and a mount swap if needed takes my assistant 2 minutes. If you need to create income by renting your lenses the lack of PL is an issue but renting your personnal beloved glass to uncaring strangers is something to be avoided IMHO.

As much I fell in love with the Canon CN primes while testing they are not even in the race while the 35mm focal length remains missing in action.

 

[Dave Blackham]

I find the lack of PL an interesting move. Whilst lens mounts appear to becoming a much more diverse in tems of more options such as electronic interfaces and also choice of mount. PL, EF, Nikon, A mount, BNCR, Leica R leica M, Mamiya 645, Hasselblad, B4, some of which have been around for a good while and all mounts we have on lenses in our inventory. PL remains a standard, if Canon had a PL option then Id have purchased a couple of sets, Assuming of course theres a 35mm focal length option.

 

[Clayton Burkhart]

I find the lack of PL an interesting move.

Perhaps they want to make the world of cinema over in their image.
Who knows they just might.

In the meantime, I will drink my coffee, go over the racing forms, and pick the pony named Zeiss.
Though I am liking Cooke in the 6th.

 

[Dave Blackham]

Perhaps they want to make the world of cinema over in their image.
Who knows they just might.

In the meantime, I will drink my coffee, go over the racing forms, and pick the pony named Zeiss.
Though I am liking Cooke in the 6th.

My Money is on the horse name Leica but that depends on how much you want to invest

 

[Clayton Burkhart]

My Money is on the horse name Leica but that depends on how much you want to invest

I don't have enough money to bet on Leica, but your right.
Pure thoroughbred 2 year old.

 

[Thomas Koch]

So far I have the 35mm T2.1 and got the Makro 50mm T2.1 Wow, is the Makro HUGE. It's a big lens. Almost twice the size of the standard Cp2 lenses. However, the images are so nice wide open compared to the standard 50mm.