Zeiss has unveiled the new Supreme Prime Radiance lenses, which offers controlled flares in the image while maintaining contrast and avoiding transmission loss.
Just like the original Supreme Prime lenses, they offer large-format coverage, fast speed at T1.5 and a compact, light-weight package.
The new Radiance lenses are available in a seven-lens set: 21 mm, 25 mm, 29 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm and 100 mm – all T1.5. While they are warmer than the regular Supreme Primes, Zeiss feels that they still match very well which is why they left out the extremer focal lengths on both ends.
Recently, we have seen many other lens manufacturers releasing modified versions of the lenses with the Tokina Vista One & Sigma Classics as an example.
A new coating
The Supreme Prime Radiance lenses are not simply uncoated Supreme Primes. They are using a new T* blue coating which was reworked from the standard T* coating.
The new T* blue coating products more flares that can be planned and reproduced while maintaining contrast.
Under regular lighting, Supreme Prime Radiance render like modern and versatile cinematography lenses. With appropriate lighting however, the lenses start to flare. Cinematographers can decide and plan when they want to create flares rather than relying on unforeseen effects.
Zeiss
Just like the Supreme Prime lenses, the Radiance lenses are available in PL-mount or ARRI LPL-mount with ZEISS eXtended Data.
Sample Footage
Two short films have been filmed with the new Supreme Radiance lenses.
Shot by cinematographer Takuro Ishizaka, JSC, ‘Metamorphosis’ is a short film inspired by the studies of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), Director Aki Mizutani has written a script of a character going through the processes of Metamorphosis.
The opening sequence illustrates the character’s confined inner conflicts. She then tries to break through her own discord, finds her past (childhood memories), affirms, and finally finds herself in bright light (liberation).
DP Takuro Ishizaka and his team backlit the character (Dancer: Kaka) through all sequences but used many different colors and effects to hint the changes of the character’s inner self.
R&R by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto ASC, AMC. The film will be available to view after the World premiere at Camerimage 2019 on November 11.
Technical Data
The Supreme Prime Radiance lenses won’t be available for a while though, they are expected to ship in April 2020. A 7 lens set will cost around $170,000 USD.
