The 50mm is a wide entry in the comprehensive array of Ultra Prime focal lengths from 8 to 180mm. The Ultra Primes provide a compact, lightweight, optically matched complement to the higher-speed ARRI Master Prime series. Compatible with both HD and film cameras, the Ultra Primes are color-matched to each other and the rest of the ARRI lens spectrum.

The Ultra Primes provide the optimal image quality, vivid colors, and skin tones for which ARRI/ZEISS is known. Each lens in the series features a T* XP lens coating for reduced glare and minimized reflections. The Ultra Prime 50mm has a minimum close focus of 2'. The lens has a fast maximum aperture of T1.9 that enables shallow depth-of-field shots. Minimal focus breathing does not draw attention to focus pulls, preserving the viewer's cinematic experience.

The Ultra Prime 50mm lens barrel is marked in feet and has focus markings on both sides of the barrel, enabling the focus puller to easily work the side of the lens best suited for each setup. Its industry-standard 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears interface with manual follow focus units and with wireless lens control motors. All the lenses in the Ultra Prime series share common focus and iris gear positions, making for fast lens swaps with no need to reposition lens accessories. The 50mm shares a common 95mm front diameter with most of the Ultra Prime line.