Zeiss CP.2

[Brian Iannone]

I'm going to be purchasing some new lenses soon, and have been looking at Zeiss' CP.2 series. I specifically like their 21mm T/2.9. I'm starting this thread because, basically, I'd like to hear anything you have to say about these lenses. Advantages, disadvantages, suggestions, alternative recommendations, etc.

[Matt Ryan]

I can tell you that the lenses don't match across a set as far as color rendition goes. The wider lenses have a slight orange tint to them. The 18mm 3.6 is way too slow. The 21 at 2.9 is pretty slow if you are in low light situations. I would say if you can, get the Red Pro Primes instead. RPP's color is consistent (neutral), same speed throughout the set, and are extremely sharp.

Here are some grabs from a short I shot for school on the CP.2's. I avoided the 18 and 21 because of the color tint and slower speed. http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthr...h-Zeiss-CP-2-s

I have found that on the set of CP.2s we used some were not as sharp as the others. Not sure if this is a servicing issue or a general consensus on these lenses.

[Brian Iannone]

Very interesting. What lens(es) other than the RPPs would you recommend?

Also, as a general question to everyone, if you had to choose a focal length for a single lens you were getting (and you were shooting on a Scarlet at 4K [1.6x crop factor]), what would it be?

[Matt Ryan]

Honestly in this price range I've only used the RPP's and CP.2's. I would choose the RPP's any day. Standard Primes are in the price range and are all 2.1 with consistent color. I'd still choose RPP's.

Although if you want lighter lenses and can deal with inconsistent color and t-stops then pick up the CP.2's. Just test the lenses before you buy cause they can end up being an expensive mistake if you know what I mean. Jim did a test with Peter Lik and they were disappointed with the CP.2's. To each his own, some will love, some will hate.

As for only one focal length, my pick is a 35mm

[PatrickFaith]

I have the 21 and 50 cp .2 ... real cool thing about them is you can switch the mount (converting mine right now from EF to PL due to the scarlet AL EF delays), this allows a lot of long term flexibility (i.e. i tend to keep glass forever, some of my glass is over 30 years old and is still in great shape, but I change camera's every 3 years). So to me, glass is a long term investment, bodies ... not so much, thus the flexibility of the mounting option shouldn't be understated.

[Matt Ryan]

I have the 21 and 50 cp .2 ... real cool thing about them is you can switch the mount (converting mine right now from EF to PL due to the scarlet AL EF delays), this allows a lot of long term flexibility (i.e. i tend to keep glass forever, some of my glass is over 30 years old and is still in great shape, but I change camera's every 3 years). So to me, glass is a long term investment, bodies ... not so much, thus the flexibility of the mounting option shouldn't be understated.

Exactly, if theres one thing to splurge on its lenses. They last forever if you take care of them and they retain their value over time unlike camera's or other gear.

[Brian Iannone]

As for only one focal length, my pick is a 35mm

Just out of curiosity, why do you like 35mm? (I feel like I've been saying the phrase "Just out of curiosity" every day now...)

real cool thing about them is you can switch the mount (converting mine right now from EF to PL due to the scarlet AL EF delays), this allows a lot of long term flexibility (i.e. i tend to keep glass forever, some of my glass is over 30 years old and is still in great shape, but I change camera's every 3 years). So to me, glass is a long term investment, bodies ... not so much, thus the flexibility of the mounting option shouldn't be understated.

Agreed. That's one of the reasons I've been looking at the CP.2s. Being able to switch from a cinema camera to a DSLR and back is just too convenient. But, if there's that large of a loss in quality between the CP.2s and RPPs, I might have to remain stuck with PL mount lenses. Permanently... Which I don't mind too much (to me, quality > convenience), but it would be nice. :-)

[Costelloe Michael]

Brian,

Also dial in your main use for the lenses. I have RPP's and CP2's and I use them both.

Cp2's are small, compact and lightweight and can be canon mounted, I use them like this with L series as run and gun.

RPP's are Larger, telecentric and sharper, i use them on larger-crewed commercial projects and low budget features.

Anything bigger than this and I also hire in UP's or MP's.


MC

[Matt Ryan]

Just out of curiosity, why do you like 35mm? (I feel like I've been saying the phrase "Just out of curiosity" every day now...)




Agreed. That's one of the reasons I've been looking at the CP.2s. Being able to switch from a cinema camera to a DSLR and back is just too convenient. But, if there's that large of a loss in quality between the CP.2s and RPPs, I might have to remain stuck with PL mount lenses. Permanently... Which I don't mind too much (to me, quality > convenience), but it would be nice. :-)

I enjoy using the 35. Anything longer than a 35 becomes useless as a wide regardless of how far you back up the camera and or the subject (especially when your in confined spaces) and anything wider you have to bring in extremely close to get any medium or close ups and it doesn't have the look of the longer lenses. Typically the wider lenses in a set are less sharp with the exception of RPP's and higher end glass.

Everyone has their own preference for their favorite lens. It goes back to the idea to shoot as much as possible and figure out what works best for your style. Most importantly only make a decision on gear if you will still be happy about the choice 5 or 10 or 20 years down the road.

[Brian Iannone]

I enjoy using the 35. Anything longer than a 35 becomes useless as a wide regardless of how far you back up the camera and or the subject (especially when your in confined spaces) and anything wider you have to bring in extremely close to get any medium or close ups and it doesn't have the look of the longer lenses. Typically the wider lenses in a set are less sharp with the exception of RPP's and higher end glass.

Everyone has their own preference for their favorite lens. It goes back to the idea to shoot as much as possible and figure out what works best for your style. Most importantly only make a decision on gear if you will still be happy about the choice 5 or 10 or 20 years down the road.

I see. I know it all comes down to personal preference, but if you were shooting at 4K on Scarlet with its 1.6x crop factor, would you still prefer 35mm lenses, or would you use 21mm ones (which would have an equivalent of 34mm)? A 35mm lens on a Scarlet becomes 56mm, which doesn't really seem wide enough for most shots.