Zeiss ZE vs. CP.2 in terms of optics?

[Abo Jassin]

Hey friends,

could any of you who has worked with both tell me, is there a significant difference in the image produced by a Zeiss ZE vs a Zeiss CP.2 regarding resolution, contrast, color gradiation? I now the ZE has no standard gear and no declicked iris. I can live with that. I´m on a tight budget and am wondering if the CP.2 primes are worth twice the renting rate for my project.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Maik Müller]

The visual differences are minimal, at best. There is a reason why lots of people think of CP.2s as re-housing of the still-versions. Which isn't totally correct (CP.2s have different coatings and more aperture blades, better quality control too), but it's close, as the optical formula is the same.

So if you don't need the better mechanics, get the ZE/ZF-versions and save that precious money for other things.

Btw, look around, maybe you'll find some cine-modded versions with declicked iris and focus gear. And those older Contax (Zeiss) lenses are also a nice. Have a look at them, if you can.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Mark K.]

+1

If you're tight on budget, I'd always suggest spending it on lights before lenses. Optically the differences between those two are minimal (opertionally is another matter though).

 

[Abo Jassin]

Maik and Mark, thanks a lot for clarifying. I really like the fact that the ZE lenses have a close to cinematic focus throw. Think I´m gonna go with that and, as Mark says, spending more on lights.
Thank you friends!