M A I N F E A T U R E S :
- 3 Diopters (+0.5, +1, +2) for close ups beyond the lens' close focus
- Superior image quality through achromatic elements and Zeiss T* coating
- Optically matched to Master Primes, but can also be used on other lenses
- Time savings and better match to prime lenses compared to macro lenses
- Clamp-on mechanism ensures quick and easy use and precise fit
- New creative possibilities: close ups at T1.3, wide shots with shallow depth of field
A close up of a map using the ARRI/Zeiss Master Diopters |
Diopters are often used to quickly grab close ups of product labels, radio dials, clocks, lips, matches, eyeballs, lipsticks, buttons, bullets, signatures, jewelry, instrument gauges, a line in a newspaper, a finger pushing an elevator button, and so on. Even though they are a convenient and inexpensive method to grab a close up beyond the close focus range of the taking lens, the poor quality of traditional single lens diopters has prevented many cinematographers from using them. ARRI and Zeiss have re-thought the common diopter and offers a set of Master Diopters that provide considerably better optical quality and handling than regular diopters.
A close up of a match using the ARRI/Zeiss Master Diopters |
O P T I C A L Q U A L I T Y
The carefully crafted optical design of the Master Diopters ensures a high resolution, high contrast image that retains its quality all the way to the frame edges. The +1 and +2 diopters use an achromatic lens assembly, thus minimizing color fringes and spherical aberration, common problems with traditional single lens diopter designs. All Master Diopters use the same Zeiss T* coating that is used on the Ultra Primes, and the coating is applied to all glass surfaces, not just the front, reducing light loss and flare while improving transmission.
Master Diopters are optically matched to the whole range of Master Prime lenses for best color, contrast and overall image quality. However, since their optical quality is far better than that of other diopters, they can also be used with Ultra Primes, Ultra 16 lenses, the ARRI/Zeiss Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1 and others with excellent results.
The Master Diopter +1 on a 100 mm Master Prime lens |
There is no discernible light loss when using the Master Diopters, an advantage over macro lenses that are not as wide open as regular primes and require exposure compensation at higher magnification ratios. Another advantage is that the Master Diopters will not influence the color balance of the Master Primes, Ultra Primes, Ultra 16 lenses and the Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1, so close ups will match perfectly with the regular footage.
Color matching is always a concern when using macros, borescopes or other specialty lenses that have inherently a different look and may need relighting. Because of the Master Primes optical quality, it is now possible to quickly grab a close up at T1.3 with unprecedented image quality, a previously unattainable creative option.
H A N D L I N G
Master Diopters can be attached to the lens or each |
An often overlooked issue with diopters is how they are attached to the lens. The Master Diopters employ a self-centering clamping mechanism that ensures quick and safe use, while at the same time keeping the diopters in the precise position to ensure optimal image quality.
Since diopters usually must be used quickly, we decided against the commonly used threaded or Matte Box bound solutions. Instead, the Master Diopters can be quickly attached to, removed from or stacked onto the front of compatible lenses by means of a clamping mechanism. Reduction rings for different lens front diameters snap into the rear of the diopters. The 114 mm reduction ring allows them to attach to all Master Primes, the Ultra Prime 180 or the Lightweight Zoom LWZ-1. Other reduction rings cover lens diameters of 95mm, 104mm and 110mm, so the Master Diopters can be attached to most Ultra Primes, LDS Ultra Primes, Ultra 16 lenses and Cooke S4 lenses. This system puts the least amount of stress on the lens itself, while holding even a stack of three Master Diopters securely in place. Best optical results are achieved by using a single Master Diopter, but it is also possible to stack two diopters for a higher magnification ratio.
At the same time this design keeps the proper distance between diopter and lens, keeps the diopter properly centered and ensures that diopter and lens are perfectly parallel to each other, all important but often ignored factors that influence image quality. The weight of the Master Diopters has been kept to a minimum without sacrificing optical quality through the careful choice of glass and lens thickness, so the Master Diopters can be easily handled on the set.
Master Diopters can be ordered individually, or in a convenient travel case that holds three Master Diopters and a number of reduction rings.