ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1 Compact Cinema Lens
The Zeiss 28mm T2.1 is a 28mm f/2.1 cinema lens designed for PL Mount, LPL mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1 Compact Cinema Lens
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Lens Overview — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
Key Features — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
T2.1 Maximum Aperture: A fast T2.1 stop delivers reliable light-gathering performance for narrative and documentary work in controlled or low-light environments.
PL and LPL Mount: Available in industry-standard PL and LPL mounts, ensuring broad compatibility with professional cinema camera bodies from ARRI, RED, and others.
Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full-frame sensors, making this lens compatible with larger-format cinema cameras such as the ARRI ALEXA LF and ALEXA 35.
Fixed 28mm Focal Length: A classic wide-to-standard prime position well suited to establishing shots, interiors, and environmental storytelling.
Manual Focus Design: Smooth, precise manual focus ring built for repeatable focus pulls in professional cinema workflows with a dedicated focus puller.
95mm Front Filter Thread: Standardized 95mm thread integrates cleanly with common matte box systems and professional filter setups on set.
Lens Specifications — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Studio, Video / Cinematography |
| Lens Type | Cine |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.1 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | PL Mount, LPL |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 95mm |
Description — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
The ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1 Compact Cinema Lens is a manual focus prime built around a PL Mount and designed to cover full-frame sensor formats. Operating at a fixed 28mm focal length, it sits in the wide-to-standard range favored for versatile narrative and documentary work. The T2.1 maximum aperture delivers reliable light transmission suited to controlled lighting environments and available-light shooting.
Weighing in at 880g, the lens balances professional build quality with a footprint that works across handheld rigs, gimbals, and traditional cinema support systems. The 95mm front filter thread allows integration with matte boxes and filter systems commonly used on professional sets, and supports quick front-end swaps when working with other lenses sharing the same diameter. With no image stabilization and manual focus only, the CP.3 28mm is engineered for the structured workflow of professional cinema production, where dedicated focus pullers and support rigs handle stabilization and focus control.
The lens is classified as a Cine type prime in the Cinema / Video camera system category.
Pros — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
- ✓T2.1 maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering capability for a cinema prime
- ✓PL Mount is the industry-standard cinema mount, ensuring broad professional camera compatibility
- ✓Full-frame lens format provides coverage for larger sensor cinema cameras
Cons — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus, requiring a dedicated focus puller in professional use
- ✗No image stabilization, necessitating reliance on external support rigs for stable imagery
- ✗Single PL Mount configuration; additional mounts would require separate purchase and professional conversion
Reviews — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
Videos — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
Zeiss CP.3 Primes 18, 25, 35, 50, 85, 135 - Lens Tests — LensProToGo
Frequently Asked Questions — Zeiss 28mm T2.1
What camera mount does the ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1 use?+
This lens is fitted with a PL Mount, which is the standard mount used on professional cinema cameras. PL Mount is widely supported across the professional cinema production ecosystem.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The ZEISS CP.3 28mm has a maximum aperture of T2.1. This T-stop rating reflects the lens's actual light transmission, which is the standard measurement used in cinema lens specifications for consistent exposure across a matched set.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes, the CP.3 28mm is rated for full-frame lens format coverage, making it compatible with cinema cameras featuring full-frame or similarly sized sensors.
Does the CP.3 28mm have autofocus or image stabilization?+
No, this lens is manual focus only and has no image stabilization. It is designed for professional cinema production workflows where a focus puller operates the focus ring and camera support systems handle stabilization.
What filter thread size does the CP.3 28mm use?+
The lens has a 95mm front filter thread. This standardized diameter allows it to be used with matte boxes and filter systems compatible with 95mm front elements, and facilitates quick lens swaps within the CP.3 lineup.
How heavy is the ZEISS CP.3 28mm T2.1?+
The lens weighs 880g. This makes it manageable for a range of cinema support setups including handheld rigs and motorized gimbals, while still offering a robust cinema-grade build.