Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of vintage cinema lenses to compare two iconic contenders: the Zeiss Super Speed MKII and the Zeiss Super Speed MKIII. If you're a filmmaker, cinematographer, or just a lens enthusiast, you've probably heard of these legendary lenses. They're known for their beautiful image quality, fast apertures, and unique character. But which one is right for you? Let's break it down.

A Brief History of Zeiss Super Speed Lenses

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the MKII and MKIII, let's take a quick look at the history of the Zeiss Super Speed lenses. These lenses were originally designed for 16mm and 35mm film cameras, and they quickly became a favorite among filmmakers for their fast apertures and sharp images. The Super Speeds were a game-changer back in the day, allowing cinematographers to shoot in low-light conditions without sacrificing image quality. Over the years, the Super Speeds have gone through several iterations, each with its own unique characteristics.

Zeiss, a name synonymous with optical excellence, has a rich history dating back to 1846. Founded by Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany, the company initially focused on microscope production. However, Zeiss's collaboration with Ernst Abbe revolutionized lens design, leading to advancements that propelled Zeiss to the forefront of the optics industry. Their lenses became renowned for exceptional sharpness, contrast, and innovative coatings.

The Super Speed lenses emerged during a pivotal era in filmmaking. As filmmakers sought greater creative control and the ability to shoot in more challenging environments, Zeiss answered the call with these fast, high-quality lenses. The Super Speeds quickly gained popularity for their ability to capture stunning images even in low-light conditions, enabling cinematographers to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. These lenses became workhorses on countless film sets, contributing to the iconic look of numerous classic movies. The legacy of the Zeiss Super Speed lenses continues to inspire and influence filmmakers today, solidifying their place in the history of cinematography.

Why are They So Popular?

• Fast Apertures: The Super Speeds are known for their incredibly fast apertures, typically around T1.3. This allows you to shoot in low light and create a shallow depth of field.
• Beautiful Image Quality: These lenses produce sharp, contrasty images with a pleasing amount of character. They're not sterile or clinical like some modern lenses.
• Compact Size: The Super Speeds are relatively small and lightweight, making them ideal for handheld shooting and Steadicam work.
• Vintage Look: Many filmmakers love the vintage look that the Super Speeds provide. They have a certain warmth and softness that's hard to replicate with modern lenses.

Zeiss Super Speed MKII: The Classic Choice

The Zeiss Super Speed MKII lenses, introduced in the 1970s, represent a significant advancement in cinema lens technology. These lenses were designed to meet the demands of filmmakers who required exceptional image quality, even in challenging shooting conditions. The MKII series quickly gained a reputation for its fast aperture, sharpness, and pleasing bokeh. Cinematographers praised the lenses for their ability to capture stunning images with a unique visual character.

One of the defining features of the Zeiss Super Speed MKII lenses is their fast T1.3 aperture. This allows filmmakers to shoot in low-light environments without sacrificing image quality. The fast aperture also provides a shallow depth of field, which can be used to create a sense of separation between the subject and the background. This is particularly useful for creating a cinematic look and drawing the viewer's attention to the main subject. The MKII lenses also exhibit a pleasing bokeh, the out-of-focus areas of the image, which adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.

The optical design of the MKII lenses is carefully crafted to deliver exceptional sharpness and clarity. The lenses are known for their ability to resolve fine details and produce images with a high level of contrast. This makes them ideal for capturing intricate textures and patterns. The MKII lenses also exhibit minimal distortion, ensuring that objects in the frame appear natural and lifelike. In terms of build quality, the Zeiss Super Speed MKII lenses are built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking. The lenses are housed in a robust metal barrel that can withstand bumps and knocks. The focus and aperture rings are smooth and precise, allowing for accurate adjustments. The MKII lenses are also relatively compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport.

Key Features of the MKII:

• Fast T1.3 Aperture: Allows for shooting in low light and creating a shallow depth of field.
• Sharp Image Quality: Produces sharp, contrasty images with a pleasing amount of character.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport.
• Classic Vintage Look: Provides a warm, soft image with a unique character.

Zeiss Super Speed MKIII: The Evolution

The Zeiss Super Speed MKIII lenses, introduced as the successor to the MKII series, represent a further refinement of Zeiss's optical engineering. While retaining the key characteristics that made the MKII lenses so popular, the MKIII series incorporates several enhancements that improve overall performance. The MKIII lenses are designed to deliver even greater sharpness, contrast, and color rendition, while maintaining the pleasing bokeh and unique visual character of their predecessors.

One of the most notable improvements in the MKIII lenses is their enhanced sharpness. Zeiss engineers refined the optical design to further reduce aberrations and distortions, resulting in images that are even sharper and more detailed. This makes the MKIII lenses ideal for capturing intricate textures and patterns with exceptional clarity. The MKIII lenses also exhibit improved contrast, which enhances the overall sense of depth and dimension in the image. The increased contrast helps to separate the subject from the background and creates a more visually engaging image.

In addition to sharpness and contrast, the MKIII lenses also offer improved color rendition. Zeiss engineers carefully optimized the lens coatings to ensure accurate and consistent color reproduction. This results in images that are more vibrant and lifelike. The improved color rendition also makes the MKIII lenses a better match for modern digital cinema cameras, which are known for their accurate color reproduction. Despite the improvements in sharpness, contrast, and color rendition, the MKIII lenses still retain the pleasing bokeh and unique visual character that made the MKII lenses so popular. The MKIII lenses produce a smooth and creamy bokeh that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the image. They also exhibit a subtle vintage look that is highly sought after by filmmakers who want to create a timeless and classic feel.

Key Features of the MKIII:

• Improved Sharpness: Delivers even sharper and more detailed images than the MKII.
• Enhanced Contrast: Enhances the overall sense of depth and dimension in the image.
• Improved Color Rendition: Provides accurate and consistent color reproduction.
• Same Fast T1.3 Aperture: Allows for shooting in low light and creating a shallow depth of field.

MKII vs MKIII: Key Differences

Okay, so now that we've covered the basics of each lens, let's get into the key differences between the Zeiss Super Speed MKII and MKIII:

• Sharpness: The MKIII is generally considered to be sharper than the MKII, especially in the corners of the frame.
• Contrast: The MKIII has slightly higher contrast than the MKII.
• Color Rendition: The MKIII has more neutral color rendition, while the MKII has a slightly warmer tone.
• Bokeh: The MKII has a slightly more swirly bokeh, while the MKIII has a smoother bokeh.
• Price: The MKII is typically less expensive than the MKIII.

Let's elaborate further on these points. The improved sharpness in the MKIII is a result of advancements in lens design and manufacturing techniques. This makes the MKIII a better choice for filmmakers who prioritize capturing fine details and textures. The higher contrast in the MKIII contributes to a more visually dynamic image with greater depth and dimension. This can be particularly beneficial in scenes with a wide range of tonal values.

The more neutral color rendition in the MKIII makes it a more versatile option for a variety of shooting situations. It allows for greater flexibility in post-production color grading. The warmer tone of the MKII can add a pleasing vintage feel to the image, but it may not be suitable for all projects. The swirly bokeh of the MKII is a characteristic that many filmmakers find appealing. It can add a sense of movement and energy to the background. The smoother bokeh of the MKIII is more subtle and less distracting, making it a better choice for situations where you want the background to be less prominent. Finally, the lower price of the MKII makes it a more accessible option for filmmakers who are on a budget. However, it's important to weigh the cost savings against the performance benefits of the MKIII.

Which Lens is Right for You?

So, which lens should you choose? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the sharpest image quality and the most neutral color rendition, the MKIII is the way to go. However, if you prefer a warmer tone, a swirly bokeh, and a lower price point, the MKII might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both lenses out for yourself and see which one you prefer. Rent them, test them, and see how they perform with your camera and your shooting style.

Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision. Think about the type of projects you typically work on. If you primarily shoot documentaries or news footage, the MKIII's improved sharpness and neutral color rendition may be more beneficial. If you shoot a lot of narrative films or music videos, the MKII's vintage look and swirly bokeh may be more appealing. Consider the aesthetic you are trying to achieve in your films. Do you want a clean, modern look or a more classic, vintage feel? The MKIII is better suited for the former, while the MKII is better suited for the latter.

Think about your budget. The MKII is generally more affordable than the MKIII, but the price difference may not be significant enough to sway your decision. Don't forget to factor in the cost of accessories, such as lens adapters and filters. Finally, consider your personal preferences. Ultimately, the best lens is the one that you enjoy using and that helps you achieve your creative vision. Trust your instincts and choose the lens that feels right to you.

Final Thoughts

Both the Zeiss Super Speed MKII and MKIII are fantastic lenses that have stood the test of time. They each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you. No matter which lens you choose, you're sure to be happy with the beautiful images they produce. Happy shooting!

In conclusion, the choice between the Zeiss Super Speed MKII and MKIII lenses is a matter of personal preference and project requirements. The MKII offers a classic vintage look with a warm tone and swirly bokeh, while the MKIII delivers improved sharpness, contrast, and neutral color rendition. Both lenses are capable of producing stunning images and have earned their place in the history of cinematography. By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can choose the lens that will best help you achieve your creative vision. So go out there and start experimenting with these legendary lenses – you might just discover your new favorite tool for visual storytelling.