Angenieux has announced a new range of Optimo prime lenses. The Angenieux Optimo Primes finally allow cinematographers to capture that signature Angenieux look in a complete 12 lens set that will match the companies range of zooms.
A long history of making zooms
Angenieux has a long history of making zooms. It was founded way back in 1935 by Pierre Angénieux. The word zoom comes from an aviation expression, meaning “quickly move closer”.
In 1956 Angenieux introduced the 17-68mm f/2.2, the first zoom with mechanical compensation that enabled precise focus while zooming. That lens was not only compact, but it became the base for the future development of longer zoom range lenses.
All modern zoom lenses produced in the world are based on Pierre Angénieux’s mechanical compensation design. That’s why Pierre Angénieux is often considered as the father of modern zoom lenses.
Why make prime lenses?
It’s not like Angenieux doesn’t have any experience making prime lenses. Way back in 1951 Angenieux built the 8.5 mm f/2.2 (T2.5), their first 35mm Cinema Lens.
The company has been the defacto standard for cine zooms, but up until now, they have never made a full set of cine primes, so why now?
That’s a good question, but my take away from this announcement would be that that it is a smart move for a company to create an entire ecosystem of glass that includes both zooms and primes.
As I mentioned earlier, Angenieux is the defacto standard for zooms in our industry, so it makes total sense to offer a complete 12 focal length prime set that intercuts seamlessly with the companies zooms.
Meet Optimo Prime
The Optimo Primes provide larger than full frame 46.5mm image circle coverage with all focal lengths featuring a 1.8 T-stop. The Optimo Primes have fully interchangeable mounts including LPL, XPL, PL, Canon EF, Nikon F and Panavision XL.
The lenses are said to capture the essence of classic Angenieux glass. This glass has been paired with the most advanced modern optical engineering to make a lens that is claimed to be unlike any other.
Engineered as smart lenses, Optimo Primes will support both Cooke/I and Arri LDS; and feature common gear size and position across the entire 12-lens set.
Focal lengths for Optimo Primes consist of:
- 18mm
- 21mm
- 24mm
- 28mm
- 32mm
- 40mm
- 50mm
- 60mm
- 75mm
- 100mm
- 135mm
- 200mm
The initial 6-lens production run is scheduled for delivery in Fall 2020. The complete 12-lens set will include 18mm, 32mm, and 100mm lenses will be delivering in Winter 2020. The 24mm, 60mm, and 200mm that complete the 12 lens set won’t be available till Spring 2021.
Pricing
The lenses will range in price from around $23,000 USD- $31,000 USD each depending o the focal length. This certainly puts them firmly out of the reach of most owner-operators. These lenses will primarily be rental only at these prices.
Sales and distribution of the new Optimo Prime lenses will be handled in the Americas by Band Pro, in Europe and Africa by Angenieux, and in Asia by Jebsen CineCast. Preorders in the Americas are available now on a first come, first-served basis by calling Band Pro at 1-888-BAND-PRO or by emailing [email protected].
