Cinema Lenses: Angenieux- Ultra Compact, Ultra Zooms, and Primes
Cinema Lenses: Angenieux- Ultra Compact, Ultra Zooms, and Primes

Cinema Lenses: Angenieux- Ultra Compact, Ultra Zooms, and Primes

2021-12-27
4 mins read

Here’re the key points and highlights of Angenieux’s presentation, as part of the DCS (Digital Cinema Society) discussion, about the “Focus On Cine Lenses From the Buyer’s POV”. Angenieux is presenting its cinema lenses lineup, focusing on the mighty OPTIMO glass: from the Ultra-Compact to the Primes. Explore them below.

Amanda Wojtaszek carrying the ARRI Amira with the Angenieux Optimo 12x. The Swan - 2020 - Photo by Laine Knox
Amanda Wojtaszek carrying the ARRI Amira with the Angenieux Optimo 12x. The Swan – 2020 – Photo by Laine Knox

DCS 2021 presentation: Focus On Cine Lenses From the Buyer’s POV

The DCS (Digital Cinema Society) once again has hosted one of the most fascinating discussions about cinema lenses. As stated by the DCS: “As is our tradition, the main ‘focus’ of the event is to explore the market of available cine lenses from the buyer’s point of view”. We, at Y.M.Cinema Magazine, have meticulously watched the presentations in order to serve you the key points and highlights which you can find them below. However, the entire credit belongs to the DCS. Read our first chapter (ZEISS) here.

About the DCS: The Digital Cinema Society, which has founded by cinematographer Jim Mathers,  is a nonprofit educational cooperative dedicated to the industry’s informed integration of new technology. Academy Award winners to aspiring Filmmakers, Educators, and Students are joined by artists from every production and post discipline including dozens of ASC Cinematographers, ACE Editors, leading Technologists, and top management from Manufacturers, Studios, Exhibitors, and Networks. The Society’s purpose is not to advocate for digital technology but to objectively examine all media, solutions, services, and technologies without favoring any one brand, service, or format over another.

The DCS (Digital Cinema Society)
The DCS (Digital Cinema Society)

Angenieux

In this presentation, Band Pro’s Randy Wedick presents the latest lenses from Angenieux, focusing on the OPTIMO lineup. Here’re their major lenses described in the presentation: 

OPTIMO Ultra Compact Zoom

Description: As the second generation of Optimo lightweight lenses, the Optimo Ultra-compact lenses replace the famous academy awarded Optimo 15-40 and 28-76 lenses which have been the faithful companions of Directors of Photography for more than 15 years. This new generation of high-end lenses is fully designed for the FF/VV format. Lightweight and compact, these lenses are among the lightest on the market. They will seduce by their ergonomics, their Optimo optical quality including the Angenieux look and their high-precision mechanics

The Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra Compact Zooms
The Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra Compact Zooms

Special notes by Angenieux: The main specialty of Angenieux is zoom. When you think about Angenieux you think about cinema zoom lenses. The most recent zooms are the OPTIMO Ultra-Compact lenses (which were introduced in July this year). Both are 2.7X zoom, lightweight, and compact. The OPTIMO glass is characterized by high resolution and lower contrast. Hence, it allows cinematographers to preserve the information for further adaptations in post. 

Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra Compact Zoom
Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra Compact Zoom

The main specialty of Angenieux is zoom. When you think about Angenieux you think about cinema zoom lenses.

OPTIMO Ultra 12X Zoom

Description: The Optimo Ultra 12X S35 & U35 Spherical Lens Kit from Angenieux includes the S35 and U35 lenses, along with the large-format FF/VV (full-frame/VistaVision) interchangeable rear optics modular lens. The S35 lens is a low-distortion, long-range zoom designed for use in feature films, TV series, live stage commercials, and similar productions. Each lens is constructed with front and rear caps along with a focus ring, zoom ring, iris ring, fixed marker, and a fixed marker cover.

The Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra 12X Zooms
The Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra 12X Zooms

Special notes by Angenieux: This is the best-selling lens. It can be defined as a flagship lens. It can be built up to cover Super 35 and full-frame sensors. This is a very versatile lens, and it’s the weapon of choice for many productions.

Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra 12X Zoom
Angenieux OPTIMO Ultra 12X Zoom

This is the best-selling lens.

OPTIMO Primes

Description: The Full Frame Optimo Prime Series is a perfect match with the Optimo Ultra 12X, the new long-range zoom reference of the industry. The Optimo Prime series is part of Angénieux’s latest high-end lens collection and is ideal for demanding productions requiring native cinema design. 70 years after the first Angénieux prime series, the Optimo Prime Series is the result of decades of proven experience and know-how in high precision optics and mechanics. Each lens in the 12 piece series (from 18mm to 200mm) was designed to be incredibly compact and lightweight, most of them at a fast T1.8, with Optimo-class mechanics and feel that embodies the legendary Angénieux look. Based on cinematographer feedback, the series provides metadata (Cooke-I, LDS) and unique user features such as replaceable iris blade unit, internal glass optical element, and rear filter. Three types of sets are available for sale depending on budget and applications: Platinum set with 12 lenses (18,21,24,28,32,40,50,60,75,100,135 and 200 mm), Gold set with 9 lenses (18,21,28,32,40,50,75,100 and 135 mm) and Silver set with 6 lenses (21,28,40,50,75 and 135mm)

Angenieux OPTIMO Primes
Angenieux OPTIMO Primes

Special notes by Angenieux: 12 focal lengths. Full-frame. They are very different from the zooms. They are designed to be customized (by 3 points of customization) to deliver the desired specific look, and thus, the lens can deliver a range of looks, after a specific adaptation. There are 12 lenses of OPTIMO Primes. (from 18mm t 200mm). The customization is done by a lens technician in the prep process. The majority of the presentation (see above) deals with those adaptation options.

Angenieux OPTIMO Prime
Angenieux OPTIMO Prime

They are very different from the zooms. They are designed to be customized (by 3 points of customization) to deliver the desired specific look.

Did you get a chance to shoot with the all-mighty Angenieux Zoom? Why do you think the Anamorphic lineup was not mentioned in the presentation? 

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

1 Comment

  1. we need advanced digital film camera & lenses for IMAX Gaint Laser projection resolution screen which support to our Digital feature film that time takes 3 years production process worldwide.

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