Popular UK lens rehousing company TLS was showcasing a range of products at Cine Gear 2025 in Los Angeles.
ZEISS Standard Speeds
After a lot of development, testing, and fine-tuning, TLS recently launched the full rehousing of the complete range of Zeiss Standard Speeds.
Originally developed in the 1970s, Zeiss Standard Speeds became a defining tool for an entire generation of filmmakers, prized for their compact form factor, character-rich rendering, and pleasing falloff. Now, decades later, these lenses are once again available to cinematographers seeking the timeless aesthetic that helped shape the golden era of cinema.
The full comprehensive set offers 10 focal lengths ranging from 16mm to 135mm, all meticulously maintained and matched in colour and character. Unlike modern clinical optics, these lenses offer gentle contrast, subtle warmth, and organic flaring, making them a favourite among DPs looking to add texture and nuance to digital acquisition.
Each lens in the set features a consistent T2.1 aperture, compact build, and smooth mechanical performance – ideal for handheld, Steadicam, and gimbal work.
As digital cinema continues to push toward ultra-sharp imagery, filmmakers are increasingly turning to vintage lenses to bring warmth and character back into their visuals. Zeiss Standard Speed lenses have re-emerged as a popular choice, offering not only dependable performance but also the unique texture and emotional resonance that define classic cinematography.
With a re-engineered mechanical design on the Standard Speeds, TLS has developed a comprehensive set, with improved close focus. Currently offering focal lengths 16mm to 135mm, to provide cinematographers with additional creative tools.
With such a broad and versatile rehoused range, this project is expected to be highly popular among cinematographers working with Super 35 (S35) cameras who seek the reliability and desirability of Zeiss optics combined with a timeless, cinematic rendering.
To ensure consistency and ease of use on set, TLS have maintained a 95mm front diameter, along with matching iris and focus gear positions—a design choice that will ideally align with the spacing of their rehoused B-Speed and Super Speed lenses.
The lenses remain remarkably lightweight, a practical advantage that makes them ideal for handheld operation, Steadicam, gimbal setups, and other dynamic shooting environments where flexibility and mobility are essential. Now with the reliability of our renowned mechanical design.
As interest in vintage glass continues to grow in response to the hyper-sharpness of modern digital cinema, the Zeiss Standard Speed lenses have been rediscovered. They remain a powerful option for today’s cinematographers who seek not only technical excellence but also the soul and character that only classic optics can deliver.
Pricing & Availability
The TLS Zeiss Standard Speeds rehousings are now available to order. The full set is estimated to be ready by the end of July. You need to contact TLS directly for pricing.
ZEISS Contax
The Zeiss Contax lenses were originally released in the seventies, around the same era as the legendary Zeiss Super Speeds. The Contax lenses have the renowned T* coatings and a wonderful optical design. Originally designed for the stills photography world, these lenses have great coverage coupled with an organic character that differentiates them from any modern optics. They’re often dubbed the ‘full frame super speeds’.
The TLS Rehousing
TLS has worked its magic and converted them to a full cine lens. These beautiful optics are now hand-crafted into a robust rehousing offering:-
- 300 degrees of focus rotation on a non-linear cam;
- Replacement circular iris for perfect bokeh, no matter what stop you’re shooting;
(replacement ‘ninja star’ iris available for the AE variants) - Focus and iris gears in the same position in relation to the camera;
- Repeatable, individually marked focus scales;
- 95mm fixed front with no telescoping
- Optically aligned to render their true character.
