Carl Zeiss CP.2 100mm T2.1 CF

Carl Zeiss CP.2 100mm T2.1 CF is a full-frame telephoto cinema prime designed for portraits, close-ups, product work and compressed-perspective shots. The CF designation stands for Close Focus capability, highlighting one of the key advantages of this version: despite the 100mm focal length, it can focus down to 0.7 m from the image plane. This CamCam version uses Canon EF mount and can also be paired with available Sony E-mount, PL-mount and Canon RF-mount adapters, making it easy to integrate into different cinema and mirrorless camera packages.

100mm compression with full-frame coverage

On a 36 × 24 mm sensor, the 100mm focal length gives a narrow field of view and strong perspective compression, making it a natural choice for portraits, close-ups, beauty work and details. It can also be useful for isolating subjects from busy backgrounds or creating a more layered, compressed look in exterior scenes. On Super 35 cameras, the field of view becomes tighter still, turning the lens into a strong telephoto option for close coverage and detail work.

Close Focus capability down to 0.7 m

The 100mm T2.1 CF focuses down to 0.7 m, measured from the image plane. For a cinema lens of this focal length, that relatively short minimum focus distance makes it much easier to move in on faces, hands, props and product details without immediately switching to a dedicated macro lens. The close-focus capability also gives cinematographers more freedom to combine long-lens compression with a tighter working distance, which can be especially useful in controlled studio setups.

T2.1 aperture and smooth 14-blade iris

The lens opens to T2.1 and closes down to T22, offering a useful balance between low-light performance and depth-of-field control. Its 14-blade iris is designed to maintain a rounded aperture shape through the stop range, helping produce smooth, natural out-of-focus highlights. Combined with the longer focal length, the T2.1 aperture makes it easy to separate a subject from the background and create a softer, more dimensional image without relying on extreme camera-to-subject distances.

Professional cine mechanics with 300° focus rotation

The CP.2 100mm uses standardized focus and iris gears for follow-focus units and remote lens motors. Its approximately 300° focus rotation gives camera assistants a long, precise focus throw, which is particularly important on a 100mm lens where depth of field can become very shallow. Calibrated distance markings and manual iris operation support repeatable focus pulls and stable exposure changes during a take.

114 mm front and robust CP.2 construction

The lens has a 114 mm front diameter, matching the common front size used across most CP.2 primes and simplifying matte-box changes within a larger set. At approximately 1.5 kg, the 100mm CF is heavier than the shorter CP.2 focal lengths, reflecting its longer optical and mechanical construction. Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and internal light traps help control flare and maintain contrast, while the cine-style housing is designed for regular production use.

Rent the Carl Zeiss CP.2 100mm T2.1 CF at CamCam Rental

At CamCam Rental the lens is available in EF mount, with Sony E-mount, PL-mount and Canon RF-mount adapter options for compatible camera systems. It can also be combined with additional CP.2 primes, matte boxes, follow-focus systems and filtration. If you are building a portrait, beauty or close-detail package, our team can help match the lens with a suitable camera and support setup. Availability can be checked directly on our website, and reservations can be placed online.