Carl Zeiss Super Speed Prime Lenses Part 3

Lens Profiles- Zeiss Super Speed Cine Lenses Pt 3

CinemaTechnic Lens Profiles – Carl Zeiss Super Speed Cine Prime Lenses

Part 3: Third Generation Mark III

Zeiss Super Speed Planar 50mm T1.3 Mark III — Zeiss Planar 1.2/50mm T1.3 Super Speed for Super 16 format – Mark III

Zeiss Super Speed 18mm T1.3 Mk.3 — Zeiss Distagon 1.2/18mm T1.3 Super Speed Mark III

Mark III High Speed lenses were available in both S16mm and S35mm versions. Their appearance is very similar. Note the “Arriflex Super 16” mark on the 50mm lens (top image). 9.5, 12 and 16mm focal lengths are available for Super 16 format only.

25 and 50mm focal lengths are available in both Super 16 and 35mm versions. 35mm format lenses will be marked “Arriflex 35mm” in the same position (look carefully at the bottom photo). 18, 35, 65 and 85mm focal lengths are available for 35mm format only.

Mk. III – Final Version – 1995

The Mk. III version all have a gear on the iris ring and larger more legible focus marks with vertically oriented numbers. The mechanics of the S35mm format versions 2.1 and 3 are neraly identical.

The S16mm format lenses have a different focus helix thread that allows rotation of nearly a full turn. Mk. III focus scales are slightly larger in diameter than Mk II and are marked in feet or meter exclusively. The focus gear is 80.8mm diameter for S16mm lenses. The focus marks are larger and have witness lines engraved underneath to show exactly where each distance is calibrated.

The distance marks are oriented at 90º to the optical axis of the lens instead of on the axis as with the Mark II. There is one scale for each side of the lens, so the assistant does not have to “flip” the lens over to have a focus scale available when switching sides on the camera.

Although there is more room on the Mk III scale ring due to the longer rotation, the larger size of the marks means that there are less marks near infinity. Also Mark III focus scales are feet only or meter only (not dual-standard). Changing distance standards requires replacing the entire focus ring, which needs to be matched with the letter code engraved near the “feet” or “meter” engraving. Replacement rings are no longer available from the manufacturer.

Optics and irises are the same for the Mark II and Mark III versions, both for S16mm and S35mm format lenses.

<- Zeiss High Speed Primes Mark II (T1.3) | Zeiss High Speed Primes Mark III | ARRI Zeiss Master Primes ->

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the Zeiss Super Speed lenses from the Ultra Prime set?

The Super Speed lenses prioritize maximum aperture — T1.3 to T1.4 — over the Ultra Prime's T1.9, making them the choice when light is extremely limited. The Ultra Primes offer more consistent optical performance across the frame and better close focus, while the Super Speeds have a warmer, more characterful rendering.

How do Zeiss Super Speed lenses render skin tones?

The Zeiss Super Speed lenses are known for a slightly warm, flattering rendering of skin tones that many cinematographers find more natural than the clinical precision of modern lens designs. This quality has made them enduringly popular for narrative and documentary work.

What is the bokeh character of the Zeiss Super Speed lenses?

The Super Speed lenses produce a smooth, round bokeh at wide apertures that is considered very pleasing for portraiture and narrative work. The out-of-focus rendering is less clinical than modern high-performance lenses, contributing to their organic visual quality.

Can Zeiss Super Speed lenses be used on full frame cameras?

The Zeiss Super Speed lenses were designed for Super 35 coverage. Use on full frame sensors may introduce vignetting at wider apertures depending on the specific focal length and camera combination. Stopping down typically resolves vignetting.

Where can I find technical specifications and service information for Zeiss Super Speed lenses?

CinemaTechnic maintains detailed technical resources on the Zeiss Super Speed lens family, including specifications, variant identification, and service guidance based on decades of hands-on experience with these lenses.