a blog by Matthew Duclos
Cooke Optics has announced native Nikon Z mount support for its SP3 spherical primes and AP3 anamorphic primes, further expanding the company’s mirrorless lens ecosystem.
Continue reading “Cooke Adds Z Mount to SP3 Primes”
Cooke Optics has officially announced the new AP3 anamorphic prime lenses, bringing the company’s anamorphic design philosophy into a significantly more compact and accessible format aimed squarely at modern mirrorless cinema workflows. Built around a lightweight interchangeable mount platform and clearly inspired by the success of the SP3 spherical primes, the AP3 series marks an important expansion for Cooke as the company continues moving beyond exclusively ultra-premium cinema optics.
Continue reading “Cooke Launches AP3 Anamorphic Primes”
At Duclos Lenses, we have always had an eye for glass that goes beyond the look. There’s always more than meets the eyes when it comes to optics and we have an eye for spotting potential. Some might say we are optics experts. Canon’s newly announced CINE SERVO 11-55mm T2.95-3.95 PL and RF is reminiscent of a broadcast lens, but this servo is ready to rock cinema. With wide coverage, great resolving power, and suite of professional luxuries, this lens opens the door for creatives who need versatility with little compromise.
Continue reading “Canon CINE SERVO 11-55mm T2.95 – Built for Broadcast, Ready for Cinema”
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.
Continue reading “Cooke Retires S4 Series After 20+ Years of Excellence”
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.
Continue reading “Cooke Optics Teases Upcoming 65 Format Primes”
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.
Continue reading “Cooke Adds 21mm T1.4 to S8/i Line”
Cooke is on a roll with their latest product rollouts and the new SP3 are no exception. Named after the classic Speed Panchro primes from Cooke, it’s safe to say this is the latest version of that concept. The”3″ in SP3 indicating it’s the third line to inherit what created nearly 75 years ago. The new set will consist of five prime lenses in an all-new super compact, lightweight housing aimed at mirrorless camera systems.
Continue reading “Cooke SP3 Primes: A New Line of Compact Cine Primes for Mirrorless Camera Systems”
Cooke recently announced their latest endeavour – the S8/i Full Frame Primes. These new lenses will be their flagship set of cinema primes with seven focal lengths available immediately and an additional nine in development bringing the set to 16 focal lengths once completed.
Continue reading “Cooke Begins Shipping S8/i Full Frame Primes”
Cooke Optics has announced the launch of two exciting additions to its expanding range of Full Frame lenses. Two new Varotal/i FF zoom lenses bring leading-edge modern design and materials to this historic line of zoom lenses that were first seen in 1971, while the extensive Panchro/i Classic FF range offers the beloved vintage Speed Panchro look for full frame sensors.
Continue reading “Cooke Announces New Varotal/i Full Frame Zooms & Panchro/i Classic”
Exciting news! Cooke Optics will be unveiling the latest Anamorphic/i Full Frame 85mm Macro lens at BSC Expo in just a couple of weeks.
Continue reading “Cooke Debuting Anamorphic/i FF+ 85mm Macro at BSC Expo”
Famed lens rehousing organization, True Lens Service, based in the UK has had great success re-purposing vintage cinema lenses for a modern, demanding production environment. Their mechanical design and craftsmanship is second to none which makes for some very desirable combinations of old glass in new housings. In order to keep their lenses working diligently and to support their customers who live and work in the U.S, TLS has chosen Duclos Lenses to manage the repair and maintenance of their lenses to the highest standards.
Continue reading “TLS Partners with Duclos Lenses to Support U.S. Customers”
As of April 1st 2019, ZGC is now Cooke Americas (and no it is not an April Fool’s joke). Nothing much will change apart from the name. Same great people, products, and authorized service. The switch is another part of Cooke’s ongoing commitment to worldwide service and support.
Continue reading “Cooke Lands in America”
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…”
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”
It’s no surprise that Cooke is joining the Full Frame revolution. They’ve cornered the market on stylized, romantic cinema glass and now they’re taking aim at the Vista Vision crowd to ensure the Cooke Look is carried over to just about any format out there. The new S7/i primes will cover an image circle up to 46.31mm which is slightly larger than standard Full Frame (hence the “PLUS” in the product name). Just ahead of NAB 2017, let’s take a look at the next big addition to the Vista Vision lens market from Cooke. Continue reading “S7/i Full Frame Plus: Cooke’s Answer to Vista Vision”