Zeiss have announced a brand new Lightweight Zoom - LWZ.3 with a very decent range - 21-100mm T2.9-3.9 with Super 35 sensor coverage and Interchangeable lens mount system for maximum flexibility. This is Zeiss' first foray into a more affordable segment, and from the looks of it it has all the potential in the world to make a significant impact on the world of documentaries, wildlife and corporate.  LWZ 3 Zeiss Lightweight Zoom Documentary and wildlife shooters in particular should take a look at this lens as the lens not only features a good range of focal lengths, but is also quite affordable - at just over £6900 + VAT. Considering the competition in the section, which is heating up, we're very excited about this new lens and will have a full video report from IBC next week, where the lens is expected to be unveiled for the first time to the world. We believe, the LWZ.3 is a great opportunity for hire companies to get on board and better utilise their kit, as the mounts can be changed to accommodate different cameras. Each lens mount will be an optional purchase of about £250 + VAT approximately (final pricing may vary as we get closer to release). Whether you own a Sony FS7 and you have a job that requires an AMIRA, the LWZ.3 allos for a mount change for example from PL or EF from E (similar to the way it works on the CP.2s, but the actual mounts are different from those used in the CP.2 compact primes), thanks to the IMS mount and use just one lens, instead of hiring a 2nd lens for example. This sort of versatility will help a lot of productions save money as in today's production world, budgets are always tight.   FS7 LWZ3
“With a focal length of 21 to 100 millimeters, the new ZEISS LWZ.3 covers a range for which cameramen had to use up to six fixed focal lengths until now. This flexibility delivers a clear price and time advantage as it is no longer necessary to change focal lengths,” said Christophe Casenave, product manager from ZEISS Camera Lenses, summarizing the benefits.
As stated above, one of the many benefits of the compact ZEISS LWZ.3 lightweight zoom is the ability to change mounts thanks to the well-known exchangeable mount (IMS) – with five different mounts (PL, Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds) allowing cinematographers to change mounts so they can use the lens on different cameras whether it be a Sony FS7 or an ARRI Amira, or a RED Raven, Varicam LT etc. The LWZ.3 is also quite lightweight - at just 2.0kg or 4.4lbs, its compact foot print and leanness will certainly be appreciated by documentary shooters, who often have to spend sometimes a full shooting day with the camera on their shoulder. In these scenarios, working with a lightweight lens can be a life-saver. LWZ-3 1 AMIRA The LWZ.3 features calibrated scales, and of course the world-renowned Ziess build quality, which is second to none. The Zeiss optical formula ensures consistent imaging quality across the entire image field, no vignetting and focus shift, the efficient reduction of reflections through the well-known ZEISS T* anti reflective coating and the colour matching with lenses of the Compact Prime CP.2 family complete the overall package. Zeiss Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3 Specifications
Focal length 21-100mm
Aperture range 2.9 – 22
Lens elements/groups 22 elements/ 18 groups
Close focus 0,8m/ 2’8”
Focus ring rotation angle (inf-MOD) 294°
Zoom rotation angle 100°
Aperture rotation angle 48°
Front diameter 114mm/ 4.49”
Length 226mm/ 8.9”
Weight 2.0kg/ 4.4 lbs
Aperture blades 11
Sensor coverage ANSI Super 35mm
Horizontal field of view Super 35: 61-14° Normal 35: 55-12° APS-C: 56-13° MFT: 45-9°
As an authorised Zeiss dealer, we are very proud to be able to offer this stunning lens to our customers and to be one of the first in the UK to have stock as we've already placed an order with Zeiss. We expect availability in January 2017; the LWZ.3 is available to pre-order here, or alternatively give us a call on 0208 977 1222.