Optimo 42-420 A2S Zoom

NAB 2018: Angénieux intros second long-range anamorphic model with spherical conversion.

Building on the design success of the previously available Optimo 44-440 A2S anamorphic long range lens, introduced in April of 2016, Angénieux has announced another model with similar advantages and range. Like the Optimo 44-440 A2S, their latest lens, the Optimo 42-420 A2S, has a modular lens design that allows swapping from anamorphic to spherical.

Angénieux’s IRO (Interchangeable Rear Optics) technology on the 44-440mm, for example, will convert booth zooms to an Angénieux 25-250 Optimo Style configuration. The Optimo 42-420 A2S will be onsite during the NAB conference this April 8-11 in Angénieux’s Booth C7920. With IRO technology also available in both the Optimo Ultra 12X and Type EZ zooms, several other recent models in the Angénieux lines will also be there for perusal.

Debuting last year alongside an Optimo Style 48-130mm, which covers 34.6mm diameter, the Optimo Ultra 12x is compatible with PL as well as Arri’s new LPL mounts. In addition to S35 at 31.1mm and U35 at 34.6mm diameters, the Ultra 12x can cover up to a 46.3mm image circle for use with full-frame cameras like the Sony Venice, Panavision Millennium DXL, Red Weapon with 8K Monstro sensor, Arri LF and Arri Alexa 65 at full-frame crop.

The Optimo Ultra 12x features a brand new optical and mechanical design that minimizes ramping, distortion, and breathing, while also enhancing mechanical stability and serviceability. Replacing both the Optimo 24-290 and Optimo 28-340 zooms, the Optimo Ultra 12x also has a better optical seal to reduce any dust intake. It can be used in a temperature range from -20°C to +40°C (-5°F to + 105°F), and comes with focus scale ring that can be switched from meters to feet.

Similarly, offering fast constant apertures, the Angénieux Type EZ series of lenses was developed in partnership with Band Pro Film & Digital Inc. and Jebsen Industrial in Hong-Kong. With full frame, Vista Vision, and Super 35 size coverage, the Type EZ line is currently comprised by two models priced for entry level markets. 

The Angénieux Type EZ-1 is a standard 3x zoom with 30-90mm (F1.9 / T2) range on Super 35 and 45-135mm (F2.8 / T3) for full frame at up to a 46mm diameter. The Type EZ-2 wide zoom has 2.7x coverage, providing 15-40mm (F1.9 / T2) and 22-60mm (F2.8 / T3) focal lengths, respectively.

The full metal casings in the Type EZ zooms have internal thermal drift compensation as well as internal focusing and zooming to maintain lens size across the zoom range. Wide rotation is provided on three control rings for focus, zoom, and T-stop. User swappable lens mounts come as PL, Canon EF and Sony E. Ideally suited for cine-style and ENG applications, the Type EZ series lenses also have MSU servo unit and removable servo grip for motorized zooming.

“Enabling customers to configure their lenses optimized for projects and/or cameras is truly a unique feature that is only available from Angénieux” explains Christophe Remontet, Managing Director, Angenieux Partnerships & Business Development, in the press release. Though the focal distance covered with the latest Optimo 42-420 A2S lens is nearly the same as the 44-440mm, Angénieux says that the zoom has differing imaging characteristics and even less distortion than the already highly regarded optical quality of the 44-440 A2S.

Follow Angénieux on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

American Cinematographer will be in Las Vegas on April 8-11 at the NAB Show in Booth C11530. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live updates.