Press Release - Oberkochen, September 1, 2016
With the new ZEISS Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3 21-100mm/T2.9-3.9 T* (ZEISS LWZ.3), the optics
company is launching a zoom lens for the Super 35 format that can be used for a wide usage
spectrum thanks to its light weight of only two kilos. The ZEISS LWZ.3’s optical qualities, long
focus rotation angle for precise focusing, and the high quality of the materials used in its
construction make it the ideal lens for sophisticated film shoots for many different application
scenarios. The new zoom lens is compatible with all common film cameras, and will be available
starting January 2017.
One lens instead of six
“With a focal length of 21 to 100 millimeters, the new ZEISS LWZ.3 covers a range for which cameramen had to use up to six fixed focal lengths until now. This flexibility delivers a clear price and time advantage as it is no longer necessary to change focal lengths,” said Christophe Casenave, product manager from ZEISS Camera Lenses. As a result, the zoom lens is well suited for budget-sensitive film projects.
Long-term investment
“Because of its modern optical design in a compact and high-quality housing, the ZEISS LWZ.3
is a long-term investment, especially for smaller productions,” added Casenave. Moreover, the ZEISS LWZ.3 is equipped with the well-known exchangeable mount - the so-called Interchangeable Mount System - with five different mounts for all current camera systems. Casenave also notes that the lens is characterized by its ergonomics, which allow high-quality films to be shot even in difficult situations. Such tricky situations can occur due to high time pressure, cramped space conditions on the set – where changing a lens is difficult to do – or low budgets. “The bokeh, highlights and contrast offer a look that you could otherwise only get with more expensive cine lenses,” said Casenave. Other technical quality features of the LWZ.3, in his view, include its calibrated scales, consistent imaging quality across the entire image field, no vignetting, and the efficient reduction of reflections through the well-known ZEISS T*® anti-reflective coating.
Price and availability
The ZEISS LWZ.3 will be available from the end of January 2017 at a retail sales price of EUR 9,900 (including 19 % German VAT), or USD 9,900.