This lens is a super-wide addition to Zeiss's Compact Prime CP.2 family of cine primes. Like the rest of the family, the 15mm features an interchangeable-mount system that affords a major forward-looking benefit -- not only can the lens now be used with cameras of different mounts, but rather it is ensured to also be compatible with most all future cameras. The system offers compatibility with PL, EF, F, MFT and E mounts. Zeiss's website provides instructions on how to dismantle an existing mount and assemble a new one. The five mounts allow use with cine cameras and DSLRs.
The CP.2 15 is designed to shoot wide angles in tight spaces and does so very effectively. It's a rectilinear flat field lens that does extremely well in the distortion area, minimizing it to almost non-existence and producing razor-sharpness to the very edges of a frame, even on full frame sensor cameras. The 15mm is a great tool for shooting architectural settings in confined spaces, as it accurately captures horizontal and vertical lines and delivers natural looks.
The optics and mechanics are superior too. The lens incorporates two aspheric lens elements and two special types of glass with abnormal partial dispersion that exceptionally corrects for chromatic aberration. Zeiss-famous T* anti-reflective coating along with internal light traps provide advanced flare suppression. Fourteen high-precision iris blades open up consistently circular across all T-stops, allowing impressive highlights in out-of-focus areas and producing smooth bokeh.
As for high flexibility, in addition to the interchangeable-mount system, the CP.2 15, like the rest of its family, provides full coverage of full frame 24 x 36 sensors.
The lens also offers follow-focus flexibility. Across the entire CP.2 family, the front diameter is consistent, focus and iris gears are standard, and the housing is cine-style, offering thus compatibility with all standardized follow-focus systems. In addition, the CP.2 15 also offers a focus ring rotation of a manual 300° and as such allows accurate follow-focusing.
