The Zeiss Compact Zoom CZ.2 28-80mm T2.9 is the mid-range zoom of the Compact Zoom CZ.2 family — the heart of the three-lens CZ.2 system and the most versatile and all-purpose lens in the family: it covers the focal range most widely used in any professional production — from moderate wide angle to short telephoto —, with a constant aperture of T2.9 throughout its entire zoom range and absolutely no exposure ramping. Together with the CZ.2 15-30mm and 70-200mm, the 28-80mm completes the Zeiss CZ.2 zoom system — three lenses that cover continuously and coherently from 15mm all the way to 200mm with identical colour, matched to all Zeiss prime lenses in the range — Ultra Prime, Master Prime, and CP.2. It is the lens in the set that never leaves the camera.
Its optical behaviour is characteristic Zeiss: high resolution and contrast, no focus shift throughout the entire zoom range — a fundamental technical differentiator over conventional photographic zooms —, circular iris for a rounded, organic bokeh, Zeiss’s T* anti-reflective coating with internal light traps for dramatic flare and ghost suppression, and low distortion across the full focal range. With an interchangeable PL / Canon EF mount, Full Frame coverage — also compatible with Super 35, APS-H and APS-C —, a 95mm front diameter, a length of 220mm, and a weight of just 2.6 kg, the CZ.2 28-80mm is one of the most compact and manageable universal-range Full Frame cinema zooms on the market.
Perfect for: cinematographers seeking Zeiss visual character in the most compact and versatile universal-range Full Frame cinema zoom — constant T2.9, no focus shift, circular iris, T* coating, and perfect colour compatibility with all Zeiss prime lenses —, for feature films, series, commercials, handheld, Steadicam, and any production where the versatility of the 28-80mm range, lightweight operation, and optical coherence with the Zeiss system are the top priorities.
