- ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R 8mm T2.8
ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R
Prime - Spherical - Super 35
product details
The ARRI/ZEISS Ultra Prime 8R T2.8 is an ultra-wide Super 35 cinema prime designed to deliver the clean, neutral image quality and mechanical precision that define the Ultra Prime series, while providing an expansive 8mm field of view for dramatic wide-angle cinematography. Engineered specifically for distortion control at extreme focal lengths, the 8R maintains strong sharpness, consistent contrast, and natural color reproduction across the frame, making it suitable for architectural interiors, dynamic camera movement, and immersive perspective shots. Like all Ultra Primes, it features precise focus mechanics, reliable T-stop accuracy, and a robust housing built for professional production environments. Available to rent from Cine Visuals. Shipping worldwide.
- ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R 8mm T2.8
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8mm (1 Lens)
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*Refer to the Technical Specifications table
Blogs
About the ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R Cinema Lens
The ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R is an ultra-wide Super 35 cinema lens designed to deliver an expansive field of view while maintaining the clean, rectilinear rendering characteristic of the Ultra Prime series. Engineered specifically to control distortion at extreme focal lengths, it allows cinematographers to capture wide environments and architectural spaces without the curvature or image warping often associated with lenses in this range.
The 8R is defined by its ability to keep straight lines true across the frame, preserving natural perspective even in complex interiors or dynamic camera movements. It maintains consistent sharpness, contrast, and illumination from center to edge, while Zeiss coatings help control flare and maintain image clarity in challenging lighting. With precise focus mechanics and a robust, production-ready build, the Ultra Prime 8R offers a specialized solution for filmmakers seeking ultra-wide coverage with accuracy, control, and a natural visual feel.
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Image Fidelity & Focus
The image remains clear from center to corner, allowing the cinematographer to place subjects anywhere within the frame without sacrificing clarity. The truly defining quality of the ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R is its rectilinear rendering. Ultra-wide lenses frequently introduce barrel distortion that bends architectural lines outward near the edges of the frame. The 8R corrects for this remarkably well. Walls remain vertical. Horizons stay level. This control is invaluable when photographing environments such as hallways, urban architecture, or interior sets where straight lines define the visual structure of the frame.
Handling & Adaptability
The lens housing is robust and carefully engineered to withstand the rigors of professional production. Focus rotation is generous, giving camera assistants precise control when pulling focus. Despite its large field of view, the 8R remains relatively manageable in weight and balance, which for a lens of this quality is not common. It can be comfortably used in handheld configurations or stabilized rigs without placing excessive strain on the operator. At the same time, its solid build ensures that the optical alignment remains stable even under demanding conditions.
Flare & Bokeh
One of the defining traits of Zeiss lenses is their approach to flare control. The Ultra Primes employ the companyโs well-known T* coatings. Veiling flare is reduced, preventing the image from becoming washed out. Instead it allows subtle optical artifacts that feel cinematic rather than distracting. They often manifest as soft halos or gentle streaks that generally lean slightly cool, a characteristic frequently associated with Zeiss optics. The Bokeh are circular toward the center of the frame, maintaining a pleasing softness while toward the edges, the bokeh takes on a gentle cat-eye appearance.
Image Circle
The image circle of the ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R extends to 31.1mm, matching the needs of S35 sensors and 35mm film. Illumination remains consistent across the frame, and edge sharpness stays strong. S35 is smaller than Full Frame formats which means less area for exposure. An 8mm lens effectively expands the visual possibilities of the format, allowing cinematographers to capture sweeping environments, expansive interiors, or dramatic perspective shots that would otherwise require much larger sensor or film plane sizes. This capability is particularly valuable when working in confined spaces.
Cinematic Heritage
Extremely wide focal lengths had long existed, but many introduced noticeable distortion or behaved more like fisheye lenses for specialty shots. Filmmakers often needed an ultra-wide perspective that maintained straight architectural lines and believable spatial relationships. The ARRI Zeiss Ultra Prime 8R was designed to fill that gap. At 8mm on S35, the lens provides an enormous field of view while remaining rectilinear. Straight lines stay straight. Interiors appear expansive. Movement through space feels dramatic and immersive.
Technical Specs Table
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