Zeiss Unveils New Panoptes 65 Cine Lenses for Large-Format Cameras
Zeiss has recently expanded its cinema lens offerings, introducing the Panoptes 65 series just before the Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles. These new lenses are specifically crafted to accommodate large-format 65mm cinema camera sensors, marking a significant development in the realm of professional cinematography. The introduction underscores Zeiss's dedication to evolving optical technology while maintaining the high standards cinematographers have come to expect from the brand.
The Panoptes 65 lineup comprises 10 distinct focal lengths, spanning from a wide 25mm to a telephoto 180mm. Each lens in the series boasts a consistent T2.2 aperture, ensuring excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. A key feature of these lenses is their uniform design, including standardized positions for iris and focus rings, which streamlines the filmmaking process by allowing for quick lens changes without needing to adjust camera rigs. Most lenses in the series feature a 95mm front diameter, with the 25mm and 180mm options slightly larger at 114mm, catering to various production needs. The physical dimensions range from 144 to 165 millimeters in length and weights between 1.6 to 2.2 kilograms, making them robust yet manageable for professional use.
Zeiss emphasizes that these lenses inherit a rich legacy in medium and large-format imaging, drawing from decades of experience in creating optics for renowned camera systems like the Pentacon Six and Hasselblad 500 series. This deep expertise in optical design, advanced lens coatings, and precision manufacturing has been leveraged to achieve a carefully balanced aesthetic. The Panoptes 65 lenses are engineered to produce natural colors, pleasing skin tones, a gentle focus transition, and an exceptionally smooth bokeh. This combination delivers an emotionally engaging visual quality essential for premium large-format productions.
The Panoptes 65 lenses are versatile, offering full coverage for a range of prominent cinema cameras, including the Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55, Arri Alexa 265, and Blackmagic Design Ursa Cine 17K 65. With an image circle of 59.9mm, they also support full-frame and S35 cameras, ensuring broad compatibility within the professional filmmaking community. Zeiss has meticulously controlled optical aberrations, color rendition, and bokeh characteristics to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations, resulting in images with high resolution and smooth contrast.
The Panoptes 65 lenses are currently available for pre-order, with prices set at $20,950 for most focal lengths, while the 25mm and 180mm primes are priced at $25,500. A complete set of all ten primes would cost filmmakers $218,600. Given the premium price point, these lenses are expected to be primarily utilized as rental options for many creators, a common practice in high-end cinema production.
The introduction of the Panoptes 65 series marks a significant advancement for Zeiss in the professional cinematography market. These lenses are crafted to meet the highest standards of visual fidelity and aesthetic quality, offering filmmakers powerful new tools for capturing breathtaking large-format imagery. Their blend of optical excellence, robust construction, and broad camera compatibility positions them as a valuable asset for demanding productions, further solidifying Zeiss's reputation as a leader in optical innovation.