Zeiss announced two new sets of premium cine lenses. The Horizon full-frame 2x anamorphic lenses feature pronounced oval bokeh, fast T-stops, and a fully integrated motor system with no external gearing. They have interchangeable look-tuning back elements and are compatible with serial and LBUS connections. The Panoptes 65 large-format primes have exceptionally large image circles that can cover nearly any sensor on the market. Both sets use an LPL mount, come in a variety of focal lengths, and are compatible with eXtended Data and CinCraft ecosystems.
If you’re going after the classic 2x anamorphic stretch, the Horizon Anamorphic series is the way to go. All seven lenses have a neutral baseline look that can be supplemented with back elements, filters, LUTs, and lighting. The back elements can alter sharpness, contrast, and character, and mount via the Zeiss Interchangeable Mount System (IMS). The most surprising feature here is focus and iris motors being built directly into the body of the lens, alongside touchscreen displays on both sides. That means deep compatibility with ARRI and Preston LCS systems, as well as Cooke /i support and streamlined metadata, no external motors or gearing required.
The low distortion and consistent look of the Horizons also make them ideal for VFX and on-set virtual production work. They share a 114mm front diameter and impressive T2.3 apertures (T2.9 on the 200mm). The lenses have built-in processing and on-board memory to support additional features that are yet to be announced. The 40mm, 50mm, and 75mm will ship first, with the 35mm, 100mm, 150mm and 200mm coming later this year or early 2027.
If you’re planning to shoot on a large-format camera like the ARRI ALEXA 265, Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, or FUJIFILM GFX Eterna 55, give the Panoptes 65 series a look. Zeiss promises natural colors, gentle focus fall-off, and silky bokeh on all ten focal lengths, as well as a 59.9mm image circle that can cover virtually any 65mm sensor. The lenses have fast T2.2 apertures and full eXtended Data (XD) support. Expect a 95mm front diameter on the 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 55mm, 70mm, 90mm, 110mm, and 135mm. The 25mm and 180mm have a 114mm front diameter.
Field-of-view with large-format lenses is considerably wider than full-frame and Super35, thus why so many of the Panoptes 65 fall in that 35-70mm space. The weight of the lenses averages around four to five pounds, and close focus goes from 11” on the 35mm to 3’9” with the 135mm. Focus and iris ring placement is consistent across the set, with standard 0.8 MOD gearing. The 35-135mm focal lengths will ship first, with the 25mm and 180mm to follow.
For more information about the Zeiss Horizon and Panoptes 65 lenses, including features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages.
