Cooke Optics announces new anamorphic lenses for large format cameras. The first will be 50 mm, 2.3 T-stop with a 1.8 squeeze. Can’t wait for IBC 2018? read more below!

The strong word here is LF (=Large Format). The second strong word here is Anamorphic, which is linked to popular anamorphic characteristics including flare and oval bokeh. Stitch those two together and you get the superb and most artistic cinematic look.

It was defiantly a matter of time till Cooke goes into that game of full frame anamorphic and makes us filmmakers much more happy.

Read here in our in-depth article on the benefits of LF.

1.8 squeeze as the optimum for Full Frame

As stated by Les Zellan, Chairman, Cooke Optics: “As soon as we saw the enthusiastic reception for the S7/i Full Frame Plus lenses, we knew the next logical step was to give full frame an anamorphic option. After a great deal of research and discussion, we believe the 1.8 squeeze of the Anamorphic/i Full Frame Plus range gives the best results for full frame anamorphic. At 2x you would lose too many pixels, and at 1.6x (the correct ratio to use every pixel) you will not get enough of the anamorphic character. Our solution at 1.8x gives the image a greater anamorphic feel at the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 whilst capturing 90% of the pixels, therefore keeping this format well within industry resolution standards. However, because these are Full Frame Plus lenses designed to cover the full still frame of 24×36, you can choose to use 100% of the pixels which will result in an aspect ratio of 2.70:1.”

As soon as we saw the enthusiastic reception for the S7/i Full Frame Plus lenses, we knew the next logical step was to give full frame an anamorphic option

As mentioned in the press release, the image circle will cover a full 24×36 still size sensor, with a 1.8 squeeze. Like all Cooke lenses, the Anamorphic/i Full Frame Plus range will include /i Technology that collects detailed lens data for VFX and post-production teams.

T-stop: 2.3. 50 mm first

Lens range: 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 135mm and 180mm lenses, all featured T2.3 stop.

The 50mm will be the first in production, with the rest following over the next 12 months.

Info regard the 50 mm:

T-Stop Range: T2.3-T22

Angular Rotation of Iris Scale: 90°

Min. Marked Object Distance: 850 mm

Angular Rotation to MOD Endstop: 270°

Max. Diagonal Angle of View for Super 35 Format: 74.3°

Length from Front of Lens to Lens Mount: 203 mm

Max Front Diameter: 110 mm

Total Weight: 3.8 kg

More details at IBC 2018.

Price is not revealed yet, but it’s not going to be cheap.

Will you use Cook Anamorphic as a part of your lens arsenal when shooting with large format? Let us know your opinion about those new lenses.