ZEISS Introduces New Horizon Anamorphic Series of Full-Frame 2x Lenses With Built-In Motors

We have a major cinema lens announcement to share with y’all today, as ZEISS has officially introduced its new line of Horizon Anamorphic lenses, the latest chapter in the company's historic cine lens history. These full-frame 2x anamorphics are designed to deliver a refined cinematic look and feature a unique, fully motorized yet lightweight design.

The ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic lens series is set to feature seven lenses at launch, ranging from 35mm to 200mm, and all options are set to seamlessly integrate into existing LCS ecosystems. And while this is exciting news no matter what, here’s what we’re hoping to have revealed about these lenses here soon.

ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic Series

Set to debut at the upcoming Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles this weekend, ZEISS has made the announcement for its newest cine lens line. The ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic Series, in the company’s words, aims to deliver a combination of "cinematic artistry with cutting-edge technology.”

Despite our long history of providing external lens motors, I was immediately enthusiastic when I heard about the Horizon concept in 2021. I saw this as a bold step into the future—one where attaching motors, running cables, mounting brackets, and calibrating lenses could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

For crews, those advantages answer one of the most common requests on every DP’s wish list: make the camera package cleaner, smaller, lighter, and more streamlined. ZEISS also incorporated a key requirement from our side: fast, precise and repeatable focus control to integrate naturally with the Light Ranger. What can I say, it partners beautifully.

We believe Horizon lenses point toward the future: cleaner camera builds, faster setup, precise electronic integration, and more flexible control for the entire camera team.

• Howard Preston, President of Preston Cinema Systems.

The ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic Series is set to offer a classic 2 anamorphic squeeze that should deliver pronounced oval bokeh, stretch spatial depth, and that signature ZEISS immersive look. Plus, with a neutral optical baseline, these new ZEISS lenses should allow cinematographers to shape their desired aesthetic using filters, diffusion, or the dedicated ZEISS look-tuning back element for even more character.

Immersive Visuals and Versatile Creativity

Set to be available at launch, this seven-lens set ranges from 35mm to 200mm and features a fast T2.3 stop on all lenses up to the 200mm (T2.9). This should be a fast, very cinematic option for working DPs and cinematographers.

The company reports that the Horizon Anamorphics will be fully compatible with industry-standard lens control systems from ARRI and Preston and that focus pullers will be able to use them exactly as they’re used to with existing hand units and workflows.

The lens series will also include integrated focus and iris motors that will help make camera and lens preparation fast and straightforward at both rental and on set. Only the flange focal distance will be adjusted, and separate scale calibrations will be performed.

Price and Availability

While these new ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic lenses were just announced, it sounds like the first batch, including the 40mm, 50mm, and 75mm options, will be available this fall. The rest of the lenses are set to be rolled out over the coming months and into next year.

For more details on these new ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic Series lenses, you can visit the company’s website here.