NAB 2014: Zeiss Servo Controller for Compact Zoom Lenses

Zeiss has just starting shipping their new CZ.2 28-80 Compact Zoom lens. This lens joins their family of Compact Zooms, which also contains the 70-200 CZ.2 and their newly announced 15-30 CZ.2. The Compact Zoom lens family is similar to the Compact Primes in that these zooms cover the large full frame sensors that are found on cameras like the Canon 5D Mark III, 1D C, and also the large sensor area of the Red Epic Dragon at 6K. They also have interchangeable lens mount systems (PL, EF, F, MFT, E). These features make the lenses unique in the zoom world, as well as future-proof.

Zeiss announced last week that they would be showing off a prototype of their servo unit for compact zooms at IBC this year and during the show I was able to stop by their booth and take a look.

At this year's IBC show, Zeiss will be showing off a prototype servo unit that is compatible with all three Compact Zoom lenses. Designed specifically for the CZ.2 15-30 T2.9, 28-80 T2.9, and 70-200 T2.9, the servo features a pressure-sensitive rocker for smooth zoom control and an integrated aperture motor for auto-iris (if supported by camera).