Cooke Optics has announced the launch of the S8/i Full Frame (FF) series of seven lenses for full-frame production with an all-spherical design and T1.4 throughout, these currently include 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm focal lengths. The S8/i can be defined as the improved version of the S7/i, as Cooke says the S8/i are “Faster, Lighter, and Smarter” (…and pricier), Details are below.

Cooke S8/i

As stated by Cooke: “The S8/i are a cutting edge, state-of-the-art high-speed full-frame lenses motivated by feedback from cinematographers wanting to create more realistic and film-like images with spherical lenses for digital motion capture. An evolution of the Cooke Look, S8/i produces breathtakingly beautiful images with an almost organic feel and a clean bokeh”.

Preserving the organic texture

In Cooke’s deck, Chairman Kees van Oostrum states: “The introduction of digital sensors, took away the more organic look of film”. Hence, modern cinematographers are eager to preserve the celluloid texture and thus choose lenses that help them achieve that.  Thus, Cooke has focussed on optimizing the contrast performance for the S8/i. “Good resolution is, of course, vital with a modern lens. Crucially, human perception of resolution is tied to contrast, so an observer will perceive a sharp image due to the synergy and balance of both” says Cooke by explaining the concept behind the S8/i.

S8/i characteristics

Under the body, S8/i is an all-spherical design that produces a near telecentric output of the light rays which is efficient for sensors. It is characterized by smooth, spherical bokeh and minimal color fringing, enabling cinematographers to create sensitive and emotional images with a high degree of dimensionality. Cooke defines the S8/i as a “faster, lighter and smarter” lens.

Here’re the highlights of the S8/i: 

• T1.4 for FF: With a maximum aperture of T1.4 across the focal range, the new S8/i FF lenses are amongst the very fastest produced lenses for larger than full-frame capture. They also offer greater control over depth of field and flare characteristics, whilst still providing excellent low light performance without graining.
• Structure: Compact and light, agile and easy to use, the new S8/i FF lenses have been created for a wide variety of situations and today’s compact cameras. Being lighter, however, has not compromised strength, durability, or exceptional image quality.
• “Smarter”: The S8/i were designed from the ground up to incorporate Cooke’s very latest intelligent /i technology, the new S8/i FF lenses include:
  • /i data focus and iris position
  •  /i motion inertial data
  • /i maps factory calibrated shading and distortion data

For full specifications, explore the slide below:

Price and availability

The S8/i FF series is now available to order in the following focal lengths: 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm. The price circulates around $35,000 per lens. For purchasing options refer to the Product List at the end of the article. 

Wrapping up

The S8/i seems like an interesting move by Cooke. As there’s the S7/i that are dedicated to large sensors as well. However, the new series is much faster (T1.4) compared to the S7/i (T2.0), although you pay a lot more for that extra stops. For instance, an S8/i 50mm T1.4 will cost you $34,650 compared to the same focal length in the S7/i series which costs $25,200. Nevertheless, these extra stops do make a difference when you need them. BTW, a further nine lenses will join the range from late 2022. Regarding the ‘Cooke Look’ of the S8/i, explore it in the video below. 

What are your insights about the S8/i? Would you use them in your production?  

Product List

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

• Cooke S8/i Full Frame Plus T1.4 Prime Lenses
  • BUY on B&H