ZEISS, the renowned German optics manufacturer, has unveiled its latest cine prime lens collection, the ZEISS Nano Prime, specifically designed for Sony E-mount cameras.
This new set includes six lenses with focal lengths ranging from 18mm to 100mm, each featuring a maximum aperture of T1.5. Aimed at providing a cost-effective and lighter alternative to the ZEISS Supreme Prime series, the Nano Primes are set to ship in May 2024 at a price of $25,950 for the complete set, which also includes a transport case.
Design and Specifications
The Nano Prime lenses are crafted for the increasingly popular short-flanged mirrorless mounts, initially available for the Sony E-mount. ZEISS has incorporated a user-interchangeable lens mount component to accommodate future expansions to other camera mounts. The lenses offer focal lengths and close focus capabilities as follows:
- 18mm T1.5 with a close focus of 10 inches,
- 24mm T1.5 with a close focus of 14 inches,
- 35mm T1.5 with a close focus of 17.7 inches,
- 50mm T1.5 with a close focus of 20 inches,
- 75mm T1.5 with a close focus of 29.5 inches, and
- 100mm T1.5 with a close focus of 39.4 inches.
This lineup ensures a shallow depth of field and subject-background separation, even with the wide-angle lenses.
Features and Compatibility
Each lens boasts an electronic interface for real-time metadata transmission (focal length, focus distance, and aperture value) to the camera. ZEISS also provides additional data for distortion and vignetting correction through its CinCraft ecosystem. The lenses have standardized positions for focus and iris rings across the set, facilitating easy swapping during shooting. The focus rings feature a 280° rotation, while iris rings offer a 90° rotation with a non-linear scale, promising smooth and precise adjustments.
Physical Attributes and Mount Flexibility
All lenses in the Nano Prime series share a consistent front diameter of 95mm, with lengths varying between 93mm and 117mm, and weights ranging from 880g to 1260g. ZEISS has planned for future flexibility with the inclusion of the ZEISS IMS (Interchangeable Mount System), allowing for easy mount swaps with just four screws and a set of shims, maintaining electronic connections for metadata transfer.
Availability and Pricing
The ZEISS Nano Prime lenses will be showcased at upcoming industry events, including the AFC Micro Salon in Paris and the BSC Expo in London, where attendees can test the lenses. Pre-orders are currently open, with the entire set priced at $25,950, which translates to approximately €23,000 plus VAT in Europe, with deliveries starting in May 2024.
News source: https://www.zeiss.com/corporate/en/home.html
