DZOFilm Introduces Arcana Primes – A Hybrid Approach to Anamorphic

DZOFilm Introduces Arcana Primes – A Hybrid Approach to Anamorphic

DZOFilm’s new Arcana series enters an increasingly crowded anamorphic market with a familiar promise: deliver cinematic character without the traditional tradeoffs. Compact, lightweight, and relatively affordable, Arcana positions itself as a practical alternative to larger, more demanding anamorphic systems. The real question is not what it claims to do, but how much of the anamorphic experience it actually preserves in the process.

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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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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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PAVO Primes – a New Line of 2x Anamorphics from DZOFilm

PAVO Primes – a New Line of 2x Anamorphics from DZOFilm

DZOFilm is finally, formally announcing their Pavo Primes – 2x anamorphic cinema lenses that aim to further democratize the world of anamorphic filmmaking. While these lenses don’t introduce any groundbreaking features per se, they bring a sense of reliability and consistency that’s precious in a professional production environment. The set will consist of a 28mm, 32mm, 40mm, 55mm, and 75mm at launch and a 100mm to come later this year. The 28mm through 75mm will all be T2.1 while the 100mm will be a respectable T2.4. Let’s take a look at more details.

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Vazen Creates Native Anamorphic Prime for Micro 4/3

Vazen Creates Native Anamorphic Prime for Micro 4/3

If you’ve ever browsed forums or joined a Facebook group for budget anamorphic lenses, there’s two things you’ll find in an abundance; Micro 4/3 cameras, and Frankenstein rigs held together with adapters and gaff tape. But now there’s a cure for one of those… The Vazen 1.8x Anamorphic Prime Lens.

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Something New Is Cooke-ing…

Something New Is Cooke-ing…

Cooke is keeping up with the trend by adding large format anamorphic lenses to its esteemed lineup.
After enthusiastic reception for the Cooke S7/i’s, this is certainly the right step forward.
First focal lengths to come will be 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm, followed by 32mm, 135mm, and 180mm – all T2.3 with 110mm fronts. Continue reading “Something New Is Cooke-ing…”

Angenieux 42-420mm AS2: An Updated Anamoprhic Zoom

Angenieux 42-420mm AS2: An Updated Anamoprhic Zoom

Just ahead of NAB, Angenieux has announced a revised version of it’s 44-440mm Optimo AS2. The new lens is a 42-420mm T4.5. It retains the same physical dimensions and base optical design as the 44-440mm which was released back in 2016 – but features a few key updates.  Continue reading “Angenieux 42-420mm AS2: An Updated Anamoprhic Zoom”

The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test

The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test

Yep. We did it again. Last year the folks at ShareGrid, Old Fast Glass, a brilliant, talented crew, and myself came together to test a wide variety of vintage lenses to give the cinematography world a sort of sampling, flight, if you will, of the various vintage lenses and what sort of characteristics you can expect with when using them. It’s been shared thousands of times and utilized in who knows how many pre-production meetings to determine the visual aesthetics as it pertains to lenses for a specific project.

So what’s next… ANAMORPHIC! The subject that baffles so many with a shroud of mystery. Optics designed to provide a wider field of view when bound by a specific format, fashioned by unsung geniuses from around the world – some a shining beacon of optical engineering superiority, and others a trophy of intentional flaw for the sake of introducing artifacts and characteristics that, to the average viewer, carries a subconscious nostalgia, lending honesty and legitimacy. But most importantly… They’re beautiful! Continue reading “The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test”

Angenieux Reveals New Anamorphic Zoom Ahead of NAB

Angenieux Reveals New Anamorphic Zoom Ahead of NAB

It was only a matter of time before Angenieux anamorphasized it’s 25-250mm Optimo Style and here it is. A 44-440mm T4.5 2X anamorphic zoom. This lens rounds out the rest of Angenieux’s anamorphic line-up which consists of a wide 30-72mm T4, and the mid-range 56-152mm T4. Let’s take a look at some of the finer details of this brand new anamorphic telephoto  zoom. Continue reading “Angenieux Reveals New Anamorphic Zoom Ahead of NAB”

Cooke Unveils Details of New Anamorphic Zoom

CookeBack in April, at NAB, Cooke teased us all with a silhouette of a new zoom lens – the first zoom from the manufacturer since the workhorse 18-100mm, or if you recall the 15-40mm CXX from 2004… Then at Cine Gear earlier this year Cooke gave us a few more hints including the fact that the lens will be anamorphic.  Continue reading “Cooke Unveils Details of New Anamorphic Zoom”

Arri Shows You How To Install Their Flare Set For Master Anamorphics

ma_flare_sets_det_1Arri published a new video to their YouTube channel in which Zeiss Service Trainer & Technician goes through the step-by-step process of removing the factory front and rear element and replacing them with the new uncoated flare set. The purpose of the flare set is just that, to increase the flares and imperfections, or “character” of the Arri Master Anamorphics. Continue reading “Arri Shows You How To Install Their Flare Set For Master Anamorphics”

With Success of Mini Primes, Veydra Lays Out Plans

Veydra-4-lensThe Veydra Mini Primes were widely debated when they launched their Kickstarter campaign. Cautiously optimistic cinematographers who had been waiting for a pro-level Micro 4/3 cinema lens contributed, and exceeded the modest Kickstarter goal of $50,000 with a whopping $272,000 final pledge. After the first batches of the Mini Primes began arriving at the door steps of generous early adopters, those that didn’t contribute to the Kickstarter were… well, kicking themselves. The Veydra Mini Primes have continued to be the most professional, cinematic choice for Micro 4/3 motion picture projects. So now what…? Clearly Veydra is no one-trick-pony as they’ve just announced several new projects ahead of NAB 2015: Continue reading “With Success of Mini Primes, Veydra Lays Out Plans”