The news that Cooke Optics is ceasing production of the S4/i prime lenses is, for many in the cinematography world, like saying goodbye to an old friend. For over two decades, the S4 series has been a benchmark of optical excellence and mechanical precision. Its contribution to the art of visual storytelling—and its role in defining what we now universally recognize as the “Cooke Look”—can’t be overstated.
Introduced in 1998, the S4 lenses represented a pivotal moment in Cooke’s storied history. They were the first major product line to emerge after Les Zellan revitalized the brand and established a new facility in Leicester, England. The S4 primes took the enduring warmth and character of Cooke optics and married it to cutting-edge engineering, making them the gold standard for professional cinematographers worldwide.
The Tech Behind the Art
What made the S4 lenses so iconic wasn’t just their aesthetic appeal—it was their technical ingenuity. At a time when lenses were still finding their footing in the digital revolution, Cooke delivered optics that excelled on both film and digital platforms. The introduction of Cooke’s /i Technology in 2005 was another game-changer. By embedding metadata capture directly into the lenses, Cooke enabled productions to achieve unparalleled precision in VFX-heavy workflows, marking the S4/i primes as forward-thinking tools for cinematographers who wanted both artistic flexibility and technical precision.
A Cinematic Workhorse
With a comprehensive lineup of 18 focal lengths, ranging from the ultra-wide 12mm to the long-reach 300mm, the S4/i primes could handle any challenge thrown their way. Whether it was the sweeping vistas of the American Southwest in Breaking Bad, the dimly lit medieval interiors of Game of Thrones, or the whimsical precision of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, these lenses were at the heart of some of the most iconic visuals of the past two decades.
Their impact was so profound that in 2013, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized Cooke with an Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards for “their continuing innovation in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced camera lenses that have helped define the look of motion pictures over the last century.” That little gold statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of the S4/i primes.
Focus Cam Legacy
The cam-driven focus system of the Cooke S4/i primes, adapted from mechanisms traditionally used in the zoom sections of complex cinema lenses, was a groundbreaking innovation for primes. This design allowed for non-linear focus movement, dedicating more rotational travel to the close-focus range for precise control while enabling faster transitions at longer distances. Borrowed from high-end zooms, the cam system ensured smooth, reliable performance and exceptional focus accuracy, all while being robust and easy to service—features that made the S4/i a favorite for rental houses and operators alike. Its influence can still be seen today, as many modern and rehoused cinema lenses adopt similar cam mechanisms for their focus systems, continuing the legacy of Cooke’s forward-thinking engineering.
Saying Goodbye
Though Cooke will honor current orders and continue supporting the series with spare parts for up to seven years, production officially ceases on January 1, 2025. While this marks the end of the road for new S4/i primes, their legacy is secure. The countless films and series shot with these lenses will continue to inspire, and their timeless optical design will remain a reference point for lens enthusiasts and cinematographers alike.
As Cooke looks to the future with newer lines like the SP3, S8/i FF, and more, it’s worth remembering that the DNA of the S4/i primes lives on in every lens Cooke makes. For those of us who’ve shot with them, the S4/i primes were more than just tools—they were collaborators, helping us tell stories in a way that only Cooke can.
What’s your most memorable experience with the S4/i primes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.