CLeW

The ZEISS CP.2 are the successor to the original Compact Prime line of cine lenses; some people refer to the original as the CP.1, but this is inaccurate since ZEISS only used the CP.2 name after updating the original Compact Prime line. The optics remained the same from the original Compact Prime to the CP.2 with one main exception; the T1.5 models in the Compact Prime line were limited to T2.1 to offer a wider range of match T-stops throughout the CP.2 line. This included the 50mm and 85mm which were eventually re-released as “CP.2 Super Speeds” with their full T1.5 aperture. The other primary difference was in the mechanical design. The Compact Primes lacked an interchangeable mount system. The CP.2 introduced ZEISS' IMS system which included interchangeable mounts for the CP.2 primes including PL, EF, F, E, and MFT. A limited range of focal lengths were released in the CP.2 line. Focal lengths such as the 15mm and 135mm were added later on as they became available. Both the original Compact Primes, the CP.2, and CP.2 Super Speeds inherit their optical design from the ZEISS still-photo lenses; ZF, ZF.2, ZE, etc. The physical dimensions and operational layout of the ZEISS Compact Primes set the trend for Full Frame cinema prime lenses inspiring several other product lines from rival lens manufacturers. Eventually the CP.2 primes were succeeded by the CP.3 primes which were very similar conceptually.

Country of Origin: Final assembly: Germany (optics: Japan)
Release Date:
Launch Price:
Design Revisions: Originally released as Compact Primes, updated to CP.2 and CP.2 Super Speeds. See notes above.

ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 Brochure - 2011)
(PDF) ZEISS CP.2 Interchangeable Mount Instructions - 2014