In celebration of their 75 years of collaboration, Carl Zeiss and ARRI have released the new ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic lenses designed from scratch for modern digital cameras, but also performing, say the two companies, perfectly with analogue film cameras.
Carl Zeiss and ARRI have partnered for three-quarters of a century in a cooperative effort that is unmatched in the film industry. Celebrating this commitment, ARRI unveils the latest product – the new ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic lenses. Especially developed for the ALEXA Studio, ALEXA Plus 4:3 and ALEXA M cameras – all equipped with a 4:3 sensor and hence perfectly suited to true anamorphic capture.
These ground-breaking lenses are the first anamorphic glass designed from scratch for modern digital cameras; however, they also perform beautifully with analogue film cameras. Seven high performance anamorphic primes (35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 100mm and 135mm) comprise the line-up. The lenses are fast and compact, capable of shooting at T1.9, and most have a front diameter of 95mm. The maximum lens weight is below 3 kg.
The revolutionary optical technology features a newly developed iris with 15 aperture blades, while the near-telecentric optical design reduces colour fringing and shading at the image corners. Virtually no image breathing and no anamorphic mumps (fat face effect) are experienced. A completely new focusing mechanism overcomes time-consuming mechanical readjustments on set; state-of-the-art lens barrels feature improved dust and water protection.
Anamorphic imagery is famous for striking bokeh. With the Master Anamorphics this is further optimized with evenly illuminated oval out-of-focus highlights. Anamorphic blue streak lines are rendered in a fresh style with enhanced flares and reflections for additional artistic options. The lenses are super colour matched to other ARRI/ZEISS prime lenses.
The Master Anamorphics rely on the same mechanics and superior standards of the award-winning ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime lenses, which have brought them onto countless sets of memorable, award-winning cinematic masterpieces such as Hugo, The King’s Speech and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Earlier this year, the designers of the Master Prime range were honoured with a 2012 Scientific and Engineering Award (Academy Plaque®) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic series continues this amazing legacy by offering outstanding image quality to more cinematic storytellers.