ZEISS has taken a step into the world of virtual lens emulation with the launch of ZEISS Virtual Lens. This “digital twin technology” is designed to replicate the optical characteristics of real lenses (Not Only ZEISS, but others as well) and integrate them into VFX, and it will replicate the changes in breathing, bokeh, etc. according to the visual behavior of its real twin lens.
This isn’t just for showreels – ZEISS is positioning the Virtual Lens tech as an industrial-grade simulation platform intended to accurately match the real behavior of cine optics. That includes lens-specific features like distortion, lens breathing, and chromatic aberration—key phenomena that matter deeply in compositing, tracking, and CG/VFX integration.
Simulation Meets Integration: Where and How It Works
The ZEISS Virtual Lens is designed for integration into compositing and rendering environments, though ZEISS doesn’t yet name which hosts are officially supported – propably it is going to be Nuke. What’s confirmed: this is intended to be part of the digital camera’s data stream. According to ZEISS, this also has benefits developers and compositors who want to integrate optics into their own workflow. Digital lenses are going to be provided per focal length and represent one real lens per digital – and therefor allow flexibility in applying the lens look of a digital lens freely on any camera format.
Live at FMX: Tech Demo and Artist Feedback
If you’re attending this year’s FMX in Stuttgart, you can experience the ZEISS Virtual Lens firsthand. On Wednesday, May 7 at 2:30 PM, ZEISS experts Jonathan Demuth and Marius Jerschke will present the technology in a seminar alongside Nicolas Borens, Head of 2D Film at MPC Paris. The session will cover Borens’ initial testing experience and his take on how the tech might impact everyday production work. Attendees looking to test the virtual optics themselves can visit the ZEISS booth at the FMX Marketplace for a hands-on demo.
Reality Check: Production-Readiness
For VFX and post, accurate lens simulation can be a make-or-break detail when matching CG to plate. But before you start throwing away your calibration charts: the ZEISS Virtual Lens tech is still fresh out of the lab. For now, the Virtual Lens is in a closed beta with selected testers. Stay tuned about any updates regarding an open beta phase or a public product release. ZEISS notes that development is ongoing, and recommends getting in touch directly to evaluate current capabilities and potential integration into existing workflows. In other words: don’t drop this into your next comp until you’ve kicked the tires.
Available Now (Sort Of), Price TBD
The ZEISS Virtual Lens technology is available in its developer-facing form. There’s no pricing, no store link, and no downloadable installer – a techdemo. Interested parties should contact ZEISS directly via their official site.
Source: ZEISS – Virtual Lens Technology
