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Zeiss CP.2 lenses are a staple at most rental houses and film schools, and they were introduced well ahead of our current trend in Full Frame cinematography. Zeiss took their popular ZF and ZE still photography lenses, and put them into proper cinema housings, with new 14-blade irises.
They have excellent image quality, and they are one of the most affordable cinema lens options available. For this test, we only tested the "Super Speed" focal lengths of the CP.2 line. The 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, and 85mm T1.5 are quite expressive wide open, delivering an image that is sharp but with a bit less contrast and bokeh that has a bit more character to it. Stopped down contrast increases dramatically, the bokeh cleans up as do most of the aberrations.
They will continue to be an excellent choice for filmmakers for years to come.
Significant SA, CA. Cleans up by T2.8.
Significant SA, CA. Cleans up by T4.
Significant SA, CA. Cleans up by T4.
The CP.2's are an industry-staple. Almost every DP has at some point either cut their teeth with these lenses are has used them before. Their compact size and sturdy cinema-build makes them a must-have for any indie production. I myself, have used these countless times when the project calls for relatively fast, efficient, compact and affordable lenses. A great entry-level set of cinema glass!
The Zeiss CP.2 can be credited with turning the tide of Full Frame cinematography. While they were indeed based on the older Zeiss still photo optics, Zeiss introduced these lenses at the height of the Canon 5D MkII era. Zeiss has been one step ahead ever since then, pushing FF/VV cinematography. The optics are far from ideal, but their price and versatility easily made up for that in the end. These can still be had on the used market for a steal.
