ZEISS has chosen the opening of the BSC Expo in London to introduce their new Aatma lenses, 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. The Aatma Primes draw inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, combining an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that’s expected for current production.

Aatma lenses balance character with versatility, producing organic, emotionally resonant images while remaining suitable for a wide range of cinematic applications. Their rendering enhances texture and atmosphere, enabling filmmakers to infuse personal style into each frame while retaining the precision required for contemporary productions. This aesthetic will allow cinematographers to achieve a nostalgic yet refined look that supports storytelling without compromising control and repeatability.

The nine Aatma lenses – 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm, all T1.5 – are available as a complete set or individually. ZEISS Aatma lenses are available to order now, with deliveries expected to begin June 2026 from authorized ZEISS Cinema dealers. To find out more please visit: https://www.zeiss.com/photonics-and-optics/en/cinematography/lenses/aatma-lenses.html?

ZEISS 65mm Format Lenses Are on the Way

Also of note, ZEISS Panoptes 65mm format lenses are on the way and will be ready for delivery in summer 2026. This lens set is inspired by ZEISS’ modern full-frame lenses and will cover the larger sensor area of the ARRI ALEXA 265, ARRI 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.

The Cine Lens blog by Matthew Duclos Covers the ZEISS Aatma

Those looking to dig a little deeper into these lenses might want to see an independent analysis and assessment by cine lens expert Matthew Duclos of Duclos Lenses. Matthews devotes this issue of his informative blog, The Cine Lens to the Aatma. You can find it online here: https://thecinelens.com/2026/02/11/zeiss-introduces-aatma-primes-heritage-influence-modern-intent/