Zeiss LWZ.3
Zeiss
Modern Zoom Configurable
Zeiss
Zeiss LWZ.3
The Whole Range, Two Kilos.
- Focal
- 21–100mm
- T-stop
- T2.9–T3.9
- Mount
- PL or EF
Modern Zoom
Angénieux
Angénieux Optimo 15-40mm
15 – 40mm zoom T2.6 PL
The wide end of the Optimo Lightweight trio, often called the finest compact wide zoom ever made.
At 1.92kg, the 15-40mm delivers prime-rivalling optical performance: zero ramping, negligible breathing, superb contrast and colour, with a 320° focus ring carrying over 50 witness marks. Identical centre of gravity across all three Optimo Lightweights allows instant lens swaps on Steadicam and gimbal rigs without rebalancing. The lens Steadicam operators and ACs reach for when the brief says “Angénieux quality, hand-holdable weight.”
Character profile
How this lens renders.
Soft highlights. Wide. Steadicam-light.
Five axes plotting how this set behaves wide-open vs a neutral modern reference. Larger area = more pronounced trait.
Talking points
Why DPs pick this set
-
Under 2kg with absolutely zero ramping: one of the lightest cinema zooms ever made
-
Shared centre of gravity with the 28-76 and 45-120: swap lenses, not your Steadicam balance
-
Close focus to 2' at the wide end: shoots in tight locations without diopters
Technical
Full specifications
- Focal
- 15–40mm T2.6 (f/2.4)
- Zoom Ratio
- 2.7×
- Close Focus
- 2' (0.6m)
- Coverage
- Super 35.
- Weight
- 1.92kg (4.2 lbs)
- Length
- 186mm
- Front ⌀
- 114mm
- Mount
- PL (interchangeable to Panavision, EF)
- Focus
- 320° rotation, 50+ witness marks, 0.8 MOD gears
Heritage
-
Origin
The Optimo Lightweight series from Angénieux (Saint-Héand, France) represents the pinnacle of compact cinema zoom design. The 15-40mm, 28-76mm, and 45-120mm share an identical centre of gravity and a 114mm front diameter, a deliberate engineering choice so Steadicam operators can swap lenses without rebalancing. Built for S35 with coverage expanding to 35mm diagonal with optional Optimo 1.4× and 2× extenders. Compatible with ASU servo unit for remote FIZ control. Temperature compensated from −20°C to +45°C.
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