News

Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF: A Portrait Lens with Cinematic Potential?

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF: A Portrait Lens with Cinematic Potential?
Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF: A Portrait Lens with Cinematic Potential?

Sirui, a company known for its affordable yet innovative optics, has ventured into the autofocus (AF) market with its first full-frame autofocus lens—the Aurora 85mm f/1.4. Priced under $500, this lens is clearly aimed at budget-conscious portrait photographers, offering a combination of wide aperture, eye autofocus, and portability. However, its specifications and features raise the question: could it also have some potential in cinematography, particularly for low-budget or hybrid shooters?

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Cooke, Lenses, News, Product Announcement

Cooke Optics Teases Upcoming 65 Format Primes

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on 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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Lenses, News, PL, Product Announcement, Zeiss

The Light Shines On New Zeiss Supreme Zoom Radiance

by Frank RamirezLeave a Comment on 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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News

Zeiss Releases Software Updates for CinCraft

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Zeiss Releases Software Updates for CinCraft
Zeiss Releases Software Updates for CinCraft

Zeiss has just unveiled significant updates to its CinCraft suite, rolling out CinCraft Scenario 2.1 and CinCraft Export 2.0. For users immersed in the demands of virtual production and VFX-heavy workflows, these enhancements will appeal to professionals in the field of control in camera tracking, lens calibration, and post-production alignment. Let’s break down what each update brings, particularly focusing on Scenario 2.1’s new manual spherical lens calibration.

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News, Product Announcement

Schneider Introduces Classic ND Filters: A Modern Solution

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Schneider Introduces Classic ND Filters: A Modern Solution
Schneider Introduces Classic ND Filters: A Modern Solution

Schneider has launched the Classic ND filter line, built to address some key needs in today’s digital cinema landscape. Available in the widely-used 4×5.650” size, the Classic ND filters are made with high-grade, multi-coated water white precision optical glass. Schneider claims this new lineup offers accurate color rendering across densities, effective IR pollution control, and a durable anti-reflection coating.

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Lenses, News, Nikon, Product Announcement

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

by Matthew Duclos4 Comments on 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, Lenses, LPL, News

ARRI Introduces Ensō Primes

by Matthew Duclos1 Comment on 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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Arri, Events, News

Explore ARRI’s New Ensō Prime Lenses at Burbank Event

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on 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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News

Laowa Launches Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 Full Frame Cine Zoom

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Laowa Launches Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 Full Frame Cine Zoom
Laowa Launches Ranger 16-30mm T2.9 Full Frame Cine Zoom

Venus Optics—or as most of us know them, Laowa—has announced the upcoming global launch of its latest cine lens, the Laowa Ranger 16-30mm T2.9, scheduled for October 22, 2024. This new addition to Laowa’s Ranger Full Frame series offers cinematographers a lightweight, wide-angle option designed for professional use in nature documentaries, automotive shoots, and tight-space environments.

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News

DCS 2024 Cine Lens Day Registration Open!

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on DCS 2024 Cine Lens Day Registration Open!
DCS 2024 Cine Lens Day Registration Open!

Hey everyone! It’s that time again, and I couldn’t be more excited to announce DCS 2024 Cine Lens Day! Get ready for a day packed with lens talk, cutting-edge gear, and some serious networking. If you’re a fan of cinema optics (who isn’t?), you’ll want to mark Saturday, November 9th on your calendar. This event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, so let’s dive into the details.

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Leica, Lenses, News, PL, Product Announcement, TLS

TLS Brings Premium Leica R Rehousing Home

by Matthew Duclos2 Comments on TLS Brings Premium Leica R Rehousing Home
TLS Brings Premium Leica R Rehousing Home

The ever-popular Leica R primes have been modified and rehoused by many companies for several years but none so elegantly as Leicester, UK-based outfit, TLS. While a Leica R re-housing by TLS has been available for quite some time, this is the first time that TLS is offering a solution direct to customers without a middle-man. But what makes the Leica R lenses and the TLS housing such a great pairing? Let’s explore!

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Canon EF, Laowa, Lenses, News, PL, Product Announcement

Laowa Proteus Flex Series: Next-Level Anamorphic Flexibility

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Laowa Proteus Flex Series: Next-Level Anamorphic Flexibility
Laowa Proteus Flex Series: Next-Level Anamorphic Flexibility

Laowa has unveiled their latest anamorphic offering, the Proteus Flex Series, which introduces a new level of flexibility with interchangeable flare modules. As I sat down to write about this new series, I took a trip through The Cine Lens Archive to see what I had written about the original Proteus lenses. To my surprise, I never published anything on that launch—so I’m making sure not to miss the opportunity this time. The Proteus Flex series offers a unique combination of modular design and high-end performance, and it’s certainly a step forward for cinematographers seeking versatile anamorphic tools.

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Lenses, News, Opinion, Product Announcement, Sigma

Is the SIGMA 28-45mm Concept the Future of Cinema Lenses?

by Matthew Duclos2 Comments on Is the SIGMA 28-45mm Concept the Future of Cinema Lenses?
Is the SIGMA 28-45mm Concept the Future of Cinema Lenses?

Sigma’s 28-45mm T2 autofocus cine lens raises important questions about the future of cinema lenses, particularly in a world where traditional, manual-control zoom lenses have been the gold standard for decades. The introduction of autofocus in cinema lenses challenges a long-held belief: that manual control by a skilled focus puller is irreplaceable, especially in high-end narrative filmmaking.

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Cooke, Lenses, News

Cooke Adds 21mm T1.4 to S8/i Line

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Cooke Adds 21mm T1.4 to S8/i Line
Cooke Adds 21mm T1.4 to S8/i Line

Cooke Optics has just expanded their acclaimed S8/i Full Frame (FF) lens range with the addition of the highly anticipated 21mm T1.4. This new focal length extends the versatility of the S8/i line, enabling cinematographers to capture stunning wide-angle shots while maintaining the signature look that Cooke is known for.

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News

First Look: Cooke SP3 18mm T2.4

by Frank RamirezLeave a Comment on First Look: Cooke SP3 18mm T2.4
First Look: Cooke SP3 18mm T2.4

The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived: the Cooke SP3 18mm T2.4 is now available, bringing fresh energy to your filmmaking adventures.

Almost a year after releasing the original 5-lens SP3 set, Cooke has introduced this much-anticipated focal length. While hints about the 18mm have been floating around, it’s exciting to see Cooke deliver exactly what their fans have been asking for. Their responsiveness to customer requests is something we truly appreciate.

So, let’s explore what makes the Cooke SP3 18mm T2.4 a standout addition to the SP3 series.

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