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 28-76mm
28 – 76mm zoom T2.6 PL
The mid-range heart of the Optimo Lightweight trio.
The 28-76mm covers the focal lengths where most cinematographers live (wide enough for medium shots, long enough for close-ups) at a constant T2.6 in a 1.92kg package. Like its siblings, optical performance rivals dedicated primes: exceptional contrast, beautiful bokeh, resolution that holds on 6K and 8K sensors. Same 186mm barrel and weight as the 15-40, shared centre of gravity across the range: swap lenses on a Steadicam rig in seconds without rebalancing.
Character profile
How this lens renders.
Soft highlights. Standard. Prime-matched.
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
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The Steadicam operator’s desert-island zoom: covers 28-76mm at prime-matching T2.6
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Identical weight (1.92kg) and dimensions to the 15-40: true drop-in lens swaps on rigs
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Compatible with Optimo 1.4× and 2× extenders for extended reach when needed
Technical
Full specifications
- Focal
- 28–76mm T2.6 (f/2.4)
- Zoom Ratio
- 2.7×
- Close Focus
- 2' (0.6m)
- Coverage
- Super 35.
- Weight
- 1.92kg (4.2 lbs)* sources disagree
- Length
- 186mm
- Front ⌀
- 114mm
- Mount
- PL (interchangeable to Panavision, EF)
Some figures here are marked *. Our sources disagree on those, so we're checking them against the lenses themselves. Ask us and we'll measure it for you.
Heritage
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Origin
The 28-76mm followed the 15-40mm into the Optimo Lightweight line in 2007, and many consider it the lens that defined the modern compact cinema zoom category. Alongside the 15-40mm and 45-120mm, it forms a matched trio where every lens shares the same centre of gravity and 114mm front diameter, an Angénieux innovation that changed how Steadicam operators work. The three-zoom set covers 15–120mm at T2.6–T2.8 in under 6kg total. Temperature compensated, compatible with Optimo extenders, and available in PL, Panavision, and EF mounts.
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