ZEISS introduces Aatma set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes

ZEISS introduces the new Aatma, a set of nine high-end full-frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production.

“With Aatma, we wanted to give cinematographers an expressive and characterful choice within the ZEISS offering,” says Jeanfre Fachon, Senior Product Manager Cinema at ZEISS. “Over the years, we have come to acknowledge how much some of our legacy lens lines are still appreciated. But instead of simply remaking them, we looked at their most appealing characteristics and drew inspiration to incorporate into a new optical design.”

The name “Aatma” was derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “innermost essence,” “self,” or “soul”. The lenses retain the proven form factor, size, weight, and operability of ZEISS’ current premium cine lenses. “Extensive positive feedback on ergonomics meant there was no need to reinvent the wheel—only to adapt what is already known and trusted to work seamlessly with Aatma’s optical design,” Fachon adds. Like all modern high-end ZEISS cinema lenses, Aatma comes equipped with ZEISS eXtended Data (XD) technology and is fully integrated into the ZEISS CinCraft ecosystem, supporting efficient workflows for visual effects, camera tracking, and virtual production.

Visit zeiss.ly/aatma-wg for “Welcoming Grace”, shot by Pascale Marin, AFC, directed by Hélène de Roux. After completing production, Marin commented: “I had four Aatma lens focal lengths for the film “Welcoming Grace,” which rendered skin tones beautifully with greater softness. And I love the way the focus falls off. This gives them a more distinctive character than I’m used to from other modern ZEISS lenses, while remaining truly reliable with their familiar ergonomics”.

ZEISS 65mm format lenses on the way

Also ready for delivery in summer 2026 are the ZEISS Panoptes 65 lenses. This lens set is inspired by ZEISS’ modern full-frame lenses and will cover the larger sensor area of the Alexa 265, Alexa 65, Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, etc. There will be 10 focal lengths: 25, 35, 40, 45, 55, 70, 90, 110, 135 and 180 mm — all T2.2.