Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators

Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators

Canon has long been a trusted name in both photography and cinematography, but it’s been a while since we’ve highlighted any new releases from the brand. The last time we dove into their products, it was nearly two years ago, with the CN-E Flex Zoom lenses. Since then, Canon has been relatively quiet, especially as other brands have adapted to the mirrorless market. However, Canon recently launched the VCM L hybrid lenses, a series designed with promising features that could be particularly useful for video creators. The question is, how do they hold up for filmmaking, and more importantly, can they be Cine-Modded?

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ZEISS Otus ML: The Return of Legends, Now for the Mirrorless Generation

ZEISS Otus ML: The Return of Legends, Now for the Mirrorless Generation

After a five-year hiatus and a slew of rumors suggesting that ZEISS was bowing out of the still photography market, they’re back with a bang. Enter the Zeiss Otus ML line—a reimagining of the beloved Otus family that promises to shake up the mirrorless camera world. Today they are unveiling two focal lengths: 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4.

The Otus ML lenses are intended to push optics in this new generation of mirrorless cameras. The original Otus primes to this day remain at the pinnacle of optics so the question is: Can the new iterations compare? Buckle up, this is going to be a long one.

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Tokina Introduces Vista-C Primes

Tokina Introduces Vista-C Primes

Tokina has announced its latest addition to the Vista Prime lineup—the Vista-C. This new variant aims to deliver a more vintage-inspired aesthetic with controlled contrast, unique flare characteristics, and a slightly less uniform image while maintaining the high resolution and T1.5 speed that define the Vista series. But does this really introduce something entirely new, or is it simply a refined iteration of an already solid lens platform? Let’s take a closer look.

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The Thypoch Simera-C: Now In M-Mount

The Thypoch Simera-C: Now In M-Mount

Rarely does a lens series come along that stays in my mind for long. When a new cine lens entry hits the market, and there have been many this year, I’m always excited. A spark of excitement and that deep “Lens Geek” obsession sets in. I don’t want anyone to think I’m not interested in the other releases this year, but as time passes, one set in particular has managed to live rent free in my head. Enter the Thypoch Simera-C primes.

Released in October in E-mount variants, these primes made a surprising splash, and now with the release of M-mount versions, their impact is set to grow even more. We’ve already covered the Simera-C on our social media and posted an article about the newly released 21mm T1.5 earlier this month. But this M-mount release presents the perfect opportunity to revisit them — and maybe ease their hold on my mind

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Cooke Retires S4 Series After 20+ Years of Excellence

Cooke Retires S4 Series After 20+ Years of Excellence

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.

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Laowa Introduces 1.5x Full Frame Anamorphic Primes

Laowa Introduces 1.5x Full Frame Anamorphic Primes

Laowa has unveiled its Nanomorph 1.5x LF Anamorphic series, designed to cater to filmmakers seeking full-frame anamorphic lenses at a competitive price point. Promising professional-grade optical performance, the Nanomorph LF lineup introduces compact, lightweight lenses with a consistent 1.5x squeeze ratio and customizable flare options. Here’s a detailed look at what these lenses bring to the table.

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The Sirui 40mm T1.8 1.33x is Anamorphic AF

The Sirui 40mm T1.8 1.33x is Anamorphic AF

Over the past year, a fresh batch of exciting lenses has emerged, adding new flavors to the ever-evolving lens industry. While these releases have certainly stirred the pot, as the saying goes, the technique you use can make all the difference in the final dish. Now, Sirui enters the scene with their bold campaign for the 40mm T1.8 1.33x AF Anamorphic Prime, leaving us to wonder: Will this new ingredient enhance the overall recipe, or will it be a flavor that fades into the background?

Don’t worry there are no more references to food going forward.

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Snag A Close Up of the Laowa 60mm 1.5x Macro Anamorphic Prime

Snag A Close Up of the Laowa 60mm 1.5x Macro Anamorphic Prime

2024 is coming to a close, the holidays are around the corner and Laowa is the lens manufacturer that just keeps giving. Just in time for gift giving season the Laowa Nanomorph 60mm Macro Anamorphic is a perfect stocking-stuffer for the special Lens Geek in your life.

The Nanormorph 60mm fits in so well with the rest of the line up and truly makes me wonder why it took so long for a macro addition like this to be added. Let’s dive in and get a close up look.

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NiSi Announces Athena Tuned – Now With Character!

NiSi Announces Athena Tuned – Now With Character!

NiSi, a manufacturer of high-quality filters and lenses, has recently unveiled a limited-edition series of prime lenses, the Athena Tuned. These lenses are a unique twist on the popular Athena series, offering a more vintage-inspired aesthetic.

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TLS Introduces Zeiss Contax Rehousing

TLS Introduces Zeiss Contax Rehousing

The Zeiss Contax lenses, first introduced in the 1970s, have earned a reputation as some of the most desirable vintage optics for modern filmmakers. Designed for still photography, their renowned T* coatings and sophisticated optical design have garnered a loyal following among those seeking a distinct, organic image quality. Often referred to as the “full-frame Super Speeds,” these lenses marry pleasing sharpness with a unique character that sets them apart from today’s clinical modern glass. Now, with a new rehousing by True Lens Services (TLS), these legendary lenses are ready to take their place in the world of professional cinema.

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Cooke Optics Teases Upcoming 65 Format Primes

Cooke Optics Teases Upcoming 65 Format Primes

Cooke Optics has re-entered the large-format cinema scene in a big way, launching the Panchro 65/i series, specifically crafted for true 65mm digital sensors. The series harks back to Cooke’s early commitment to large format in the 1950s, when it produced lenses for both VistaVision and 65mm film formats, seen in films like Vertigo (1958) and To Catch a Thief (1955). Now, with 65mm imaging back on the digital radar, Cooke’s Panchro 65/i aims to bring the magic of its classic Speed Panchros to today’s larger format.

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The Light Shines On New Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance

The Light Shines On New Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance

ZEISS is ending 2024 with a last minute surprise announcement. Introducing the Supreme Zoom Radiance trio. This new set includes: 15-30mm, 28-80mm, and 70-200mm all at T2.9. The new ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses feature the same T* blue coating as the popular Supreme Prime Radiance, delivering consistent flares and a warm color rendition. They are interesting additions to the cinema family complimenting the already unique Supreme Radiance Primes. Let’s take a look at the new Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses and see if they have enough shine to get your attention.

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Nikon Announces New 24-135mm f/4… Cine Lens?

Nikon Announces New 24-135mm f/4… Cine Lens?

Nikon’s upcoming NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ (Power Zoom) lens is aimed squarely at the filmmaking community, marking another step in the company’s ongoing efforts to cater to video professionals. While Nikon has long been a key player in the world of photography, this lens represents their latest attempt to break into the cinema lens market. However, a closer look reveals a mix of promise and potential areas for improvement.

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ARRI Introduces Ensō Primes

ARRI Introduces Ensō Primes

ARRI has introduced the Ensō Prime series, a collection of large-format cinema lenses tailored for high-end digital productions. These lenses are built to deliver outstanding optical performance while offering flexibility in design and creative control for cinematographers. With focal lengths ranging from 10.5mm to 250mm, the Ensō Primes cover a wide range of shot requirements, making them a versatile addition to any production. The core set, which includes 18mm, 24mm, 32mm, 47mm, 75mm, and 105mm lenses, all feature T2.1 apertures and LPL mounts for compatibility with ARRI’s LDS-2 and Cooke /i lens metadata systems.

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Explore ARRI’s New Ensō Prime Lenses at Burbank Event

Explore ARRI’s New Ensō Prime Lenses at Burbank Event

On Wednesday, October 30th, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, ARRI is hosting an open house at their Burbank location to showcase their brand-new Ensō Prime Lenses. This hands-on event will be a must-attend for cinematographers and filmmakers looking to get their hands on these new optics from Arri.

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