Introduced back in 2001, the Angenieux Optimo 24-290 has been the go-to long-range zoom for many high-end productions. Now more than a decade later, the next-generation Optimo Ultra 12x looks to become its successor with a completely new modular design, robust ergonomics and improved optics.
Equipped with Angenieux’s IRO (Interchangeable Rear Optics) technology, the Optimo Ultra 12x allows you to change out the rear group and rings to match different sensor sizes. It can be configured for S35, U35 and FF/VV. This modular design is fantastic for filmmakers as it adds versatility to your workflow with just one lens.
Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x U35Credit: Angenieux
Out of the box, the Optimo Ultra 12x is set up for S35, which covers image circles up to 31.1mm at a max aperture of T2.8. The standard S35 kit also comes with the U35 configuration, which includes the rear group, iris, zoom and focus barrel covering image circles up to 34.6mm at a max aperture of T3.1. The only additional cost (and definitely worth considering) is the FF/VV kit that's sold separately, covering 46.3mm at T4.2.
To switch to a new format, it's as simple as unscrewing the rear and changing out the zoom, focus and iris and replacing it with the new rear. Each setup has a serial number on the components to avoid confusion.
Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x FF/VVCredit: Angenieux
S35 is ideal for all Super35 cameras while the U35 is perfect for RED Helium 8K, RED Dragon 6K and ARRI Open Gate mode, leaving the full frame version for the Panavision's Millennium DXL, RED 8K VV and Sony's VENICE. While the ARRI Alexa 65 has a larger sensor (54.12mm x 25.58mm), you can opt to to use its full frame sensor crop.
In the release, Angenieux is touting that there's no ramping and minimal breathing on the 12x zoom. Also, the lens has been reduced in weight and has improved stability and serviceability with low distortion and efficient aspherical elements to minimize color fringing. An ergonomic focus ring with scale rotation of 321 degrees has over 70 focus marks that are available in feet or metric. The focus marking rings are user changeable.
For the time being, it's only available PL-mount, but we're sure we'll see more options in the future. With a price tag of $84,000, for the standard S35+U35 kit and $99,000 for the S35+U35+FF/VV kit, the Optimo Ultra 12x will likely be a rental piece for most filmmakers. Availability starts August 2018.
Tech Specs:
Format S35
- Focal length: 24-290mm
- Aperture: T2.8-22
- Image circle: 31.1mm
- Iris blades: 9
- Front diameter: 192mm
- Length: 18.6" (472mm)
- MOD: 4" (1.22m)
- Weight 22.7lb (12.6kg)
Format U35
- Focal length: 26-320mm
- Aperture: T3.1-22
- Image circle: 34.6mm
- Iris blades: 9
- Front diameter: 192mm
- Length: 18.9" (481mm)
- MOD: 4.1" (1.24m)
- Weight 28.1lb (12.75kg)
Format FF/VV
- Focal length: 36-435mm
- Aperture: T4.2-22
- Image circle: 46.3mm
- Iris blades: 9
- Front diameter: 192mm
- Length: 20.6" (523mm)
- MOD: ~5" (~1.35m)
- Weight 28.1lb (12.75kg)
Featured image: Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x S35. Credit: Angenieux.
Source: Angenieux
