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ZEISS CP.3 50mm T2.1 Compact Prime Lens (Sony E Mount, Feet)

BH #ZECP31M21CMM • MFR #2177-331
ZEISS CP.3 50mm T2.1 Compact Prime Lens (Sony E Mount, Feet)
Key Features
  • Covers Full-Frame Format
  • Sony E Mount
  • T2.1 to T22 Aperture Range
  • Geared Focus and Iris Control Rings
Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS's CP.3 Compact Prime Lenses offer the same full-frame sensor coverage and classic ZEISS look in an updated form factor and with improved mechanics and lens coatings. This 50mm Compact Prime lens is derived from the same classic optical formula as the preceding CP.2 variant and shares the same physical length as the 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, 35, and 85mm CP.3 lenses while maintaining identical focus and iris gear positioning with the entire set of CP.3 lenses, relative to the mount. All CP.3 lenses also share the same 95mm front diameter. Similar physical attributes across the lens line makes fitting lens accessories such as matte boxes, follow focuses, lens supports, and lens control motors easier and less time consuming.
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ZEISS CP.3 50mm T2.1 (ft) Overview

By B&H Photo's

Building on the success of the well-regarded CP.2 lenses, ZEISS's CP.3 Compact Prime Lenses offer the same full-frame sensor coverage and classic ZEISS look in an updated form factor and with improved mechanics and lens coatings. This 50mm Compact Prime lens is derived from the same classic optical formula as the preceding CP.2 variant and shares the same physical length as the 15, 18, 21, 25, 28, 35, and 85mm CP.3 lenses while maintaining identical focus and iris gear positioning with the entire set of CP.3 lenses, relative to the mount. All CP.3 lenses also share the same 95mm front diameter. Similar physical attributes across the lens line makes fitting lens accessories such as matte boxes, follow focuses, lens supports, and lens control motors easier and less time consuming.

Another feature handed down from the preceding CP.2 lenses is the interchangeable mounts. This lens comes with a Sony E mount installed. Though, if you wish to fit your CP.3 lens to a different camera, the lens mount can be swapped by the user for a separately available mount of a different kind. If you like the bokeh in your images to be round, even after stopping down, you will be pleased to know that the 14-bladed iris, made famous by the CP.2 lenses, has been retained.

Note: While the CP.3 lenses are designed for a degree of user-serviceability regarding the mount, for ideal performance and calibration, B&H recommends that mount swaps and other lens adjustments be done by a trained lens technician at a service center.

Signature Zeiss Look
Zeiss lenses are known for their clean and crisp image rendering. The CP.3 series of lenses is no different. This CP.3 lens will accurately color-match to other Zeiss cinema lenses inside and out of the CP.3 range. The CP.3 lenses feature improved lens coatings and anti-reflection masking over the CP.2 range for increased contrast and reduced flare, important for capturing content with the intent of an HDR-format release.
New Ergonomic Design
For enhanced ergonomics over the previous-generation CP.2 lenses, the CP.3 lens barrel has been reshaped to be more similar to the renowned Zeiss Ultra Prime lenses. This new shape is easier to handle, and takes up less physical space than the original Compact Prime design. An even weight distribution ensures that these lenses will be at home handheld, locked down on a tripod, or flown on a Steadicam or motorized gimbal.

ZEISS CP.3 50mm T2.1 (ft) Specs

Focal Length
50mm
Maximum Aperture
T2.1
Minimum Aperture
T22
Lens Mount
Sony E
Lens Format Coverage
Full Frame
Image Circle
46.3 mm
Focus Scales
Imperial
Minimum Focus Distance
From Unspecified Point in Lens: 1.5' / 45 cm
Diaphragm Blades
15
Image Stabilization
No
Electronic Communication
Yes
Weight
1.7 lb / 0.77 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.95 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.1 x 9.2 x 9.1"

ZEISS CP.3 50mm T2.1 (ft) Reviews

The Moneymaker

By Caleb
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-01

This lens is my bread and butter. For all of my client work I need something with a consistent look across the entire aperture range. Up until purchasing this lens my primary client glass was a sigma 24-70 2.8, which although beautiful, got soft when zoomed in to 50mm and under performed in other areas. Aside from the performance of this lens, there are two things I adore: It's construction and color consistency. Despite being incredibly light, this lens is built like a tank. I travel frequently and it holds up very well. Because Zeiss improved the color rendition in the CP.3 line, I often rent the 85 or 100mm for my b-cam and have a easy time matching up cameras. Much of my client work requires cropping in substantially (thanks Instagram) and I can comfortably shoot this at it's minimum aperture of T2.1 for a tack sharp image that can be scaled up in post. I think this lens' greatest competition is the Canon CN-E line, which shoots warm and renders terrible onion skinning on the bokeh. For me this is unforgivable, and I'm happy to see a neutral, clean image coming from the CP.3 line. Assuming this is the look you need, I'm not sure you can get a better lens in this price bracket.

Pure gold

By Kyle
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-01

Love everything about this lens; build quality, weight (light weight) and the optics are perfection. Elevates everything. Fantastic lens.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is this lens compatible with a Sony FS7 M2?

Is this lens compatible with a Sony FS7 M2?
Asked by: Nick
Yes, the ZEISS CP.3 lenses with E-mount will fit directly to any of the Sony video cameras, including the FS5, FS7 and FX9.
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2020-02-17

will the autofocus on FX3 / a7s III / FX6 work ...

will the autofocus on FX3 / a7s III / FX6 work with this lense ?
Asked by: Per
The ZEISS CP.3 lenses are manual focus only
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2021-04-17

does this also work on super 35 ?

does this also work on super 35 ?
Asked by: Senoga
Yes it does.
Answered by: jabarih
Date published: 2021-08-03

With the Zeiss CP.2 Super Speeds being ...

With the Zeiss CP.2 Super Speeds being discontinued, does Zeiss intend on releasing a CP.3 Super Speed line to take their place?
Asked by: David
there has been no official statement from Zeiss about a Cp.3 line of super speeds
Answered by: Sean
Date published: 2020-08-14

do these have a front thread?

do these have a front thread?
Asked by: Joshua
Zeiss CP.3 Lenses do not have a front thread.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2022-04-26

can fixed uv filter?

can fixed uv filter?
Asked by: gayan
It is not possible to fit a UV filter to the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.3 lenses. Like most cine lenses, they are designed for use with a matte box and cut filters.
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2019-01-04

Does this support 8K?

Does this support 8K?
Asked by: Jeff
Yes absolutely. The performance of the lens is excellent at even higher resolutions.
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2023-01-06

question

Excuse me, which uv protecting glass can be usd with ZEISS Cp.3?
Asked by: Cheng Han L.
Like any cinema lens, the ZEISS Compact Prime CP.3 do not accept screw-in filters. Instead, filtration is provided via matte boxes and cut filters.
Answered by: ZEISS Zeiss Expert
Date published: 2022-01-27
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