What is the difference between the Compact Primes and the ZEISS ZF still lenses?
The Compact Primes are based on the ZF optical design. However, the lens housing and internal mechanics are completely new and the manufacturing process is a cine style process, similar to the process used for the other ZEISS cine style lenses. When you hold a Compact Prime and a ZF lens in your hand, you can immediately feel the difference. The Compact Prime housing is rugged and robust to withstand the rigors of life on the set. Its solid design also helps when using lens motors – the Compact Primes will remain stable in the solid PL mount, and won’t wobble like many still lenses do when used for cine work. Fast and easy lens changes are ensured since all Compact Primes have the same dimensions, and all have focus and iris gears in the same position. Operating the Compact Primes is also vastly different from working with ZF lenses. For starters, the focus ring turns in the direction all other cine lenses turn – cine style rotating angle. Their purposefully chosen larger diameter prov
