Zeiss has introduced the Supreme Zoom Radiance T2.9 series, crafted for high-budget filmmaking. This new series includes three cinema zoom lenses: the Zeiss 70-200mm T2.9, 15-30mm T2.9, and 28-80mm T2.9. Built to meet the demands of professionals, these lenses feature the Zeiss T* coating and a 16-blade aperture, designed to deliver vibrant highlights and smooth bokeh. Prices start at $44,000, with the full three-lens set available for $125,000.
Supreme Zoom Radiance Series: Precision Lenses for Cinematic Vision
The Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses bring a fresh approach to cinema lenses. Built for full-frame, high-performance use, these lenses utilize the signature T* coating from the Supreme Prime Radiance series. This coating provides controlled optical flares and adds warmth to colors, giving filmmakers a distinct aesthetic tool.
These lenses offer an updated focal range similar to the Zeiss CZ.2 cinema zooms, with improvements to meet today’s cinematic needs. The Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses feature a standardized setup for aperture, focus, and zoom ring positioning, allowing smooth transitions between prime and zoom lenses during production.
Notable Features of the Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance Lenses
- Full Frame Coverage: T2.9 to T22 aperture range
- Zeiss T* Coating: Delivers controlled flares and warm color tones
- Warmer Look: A shift from the cooler tones of previous Zeiss optics
- Zeiss eXtended Data Technology: Tracks lens vignetting and distortion per frame
- Cooke /i Technology Compatibility: Standardized metadata for VFX and virtual production
- Front Diameter: 114 mm, suitable for various Zeiss lens mounts
- Focus Ring Rotation: 300°, allowing for precise adjustments
- 16-Blade Aperture: Produces smooth, cinematic bokeh
- Replaceable Mounts: Versatile across different camera setups
Enhanced Performance for Filmmakers
The Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance series creates warmer tones compared to previous Zeiss lenses, known for their cooler color profile. The T* coating allows controlled optical flares, producing a distinct look under focused lighting. With a shallow depth of field, refined sharpness, and smooth focus transitions, these lenses provide versatility across cinematic styles and work seamlessly with other zoom lens options, such as the Supreme Prime series.
Equipped with Zeiss eXtended Data technology, these lenses integrate into the Zeiss CinCraft ecosystem, enhancing workflows, especially for VFX and virtual production. The eXtended Data captures additional metadata for lens vignetting and distortion, making these lenses compatible with Cooke/i technology and suited for detailed post-production.
Weight and Design for Easy Handling
Designed to offer flexibility on set, the lenses weigh between 2.76 kg and 3.18 kg. The 28-80mm T2.9 lens is the lightest of the three, while the Zeiss 70-200mm T2.9 is the heaviest, providing portability without sacrificing quality. Each lens has a 114 mm front diameter, making it easy to swap between different Zeiss lenses as needed.
Price and Release Date
The Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses are available for pre-order at the following prices:
- Zeiss 28-80mm T2.9: $44,000
- Zeiss 70-200mm T2.9: $44,000
- Zeiss 15-30mm T2.9: $49,500
- Supreme Zoom Radiance 3-Lens Kit: $125,000
These prices place Zeiss in line with other high-end cinema lenses from brands like Cooke, ARRI, Angenieux, and Leitz.
The Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance series provides filmmakers with a versatile, high-performance zoom lens choice, offering warm color rendering, precise optical control, and outstanding image quality for cinematic projects.
Earlier this year, Zeiss announced the Zeiss Nano Prime cinema lenses for Sony E. The manufacturer claims the line delivers “ high performance and cinematic looks in a compact, lightweight package.” Zeiss Nano Prime lenses have fully manual focus ring control. The entire line of the new series has a maximum aperture of T1.5. The cinema lenses are marked in feet or meters and are available for purchase as a set (6 lenses) or individually.
