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
Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12X
Angénieux
Modern Zoom
Angénieux
Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12X
24 – 290mm zoom T2.8 PL
Successor to the legendary Optimo 24-290mm, the industry-standard long-range zoom since 2001.
Considered “variable primes” quality at open aperture: almost unheard of for a 12× zoom. Aspherical elements suppress colour fringing, and the 321° focus throw with 70+ engraved marks makes this a focus puller’s dream. Three-format IRO: swap rear optics in 10–15 minutes to cover S35, U35, or Full Frame. DP Melle van Essen NSC: “We were truly amazed by the 12x Ultra’s brilliant bokeh.”
Character profile
How this lens renders.
Prime-clean. Forgiving. Smooth focus.
Five axes plotting how this set behaves wide-open vs a neutral modern reference. Larger area = more pronounced trait.
Focal lengths
3 focal lengths in this set
- 24–290mm (S35) T2.8
- 26–320mm (U35) T3.1
- 36–435mm (FF/VV) T4.2
| Focal | T-Stop | Weight | Image ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–290mm (S35) | T2.8 | 12.6 kg | 31.1mm |
| 26–320mm (U35) | T3.1 | 12.75 kg | 34.6mm |
| 36–435mm (FF/VV) | T4.2 | 12.75 kg | 46.3mm |
Talking points
Why DPs pick this set
-
“Variable primes.” Optical performance at open aperture that rivals dedicated primes
-
321° focus throw with 70+ marks.
The most precise focus control of any cinema zoom
-
Three-format IRO: one lens body covers S35 (24-290mm), U35 (26-320mm), and FF (36-435mm)
-
Completely redesigned mechanics with reduced moving-component weight and improved dust sealing
-
The rental-house workhorse for features, TV series, live events, and concerts worldwide
Technical
Full specifications
- Zoom Ratio
- 12×
- Mount
- PL (LPL sold separately)
- Close Focus
- 4′/1.22m (S35) · 4′1″/1.24m (U35) · ~5′/1.5m (FF)* sources disagree
- Length
- 472mm* sources disagree
- Front Diameter
- 162mm
- Focus Rotation
- 321°: largest in the industry, 70+ focus marks* sources disagree
- Iris
- 9-blade, T2.8–T22
- IRO
- Yes: 3-format modular rear optics (S35 / U35 / FF/VV)
- Athermalization
- Passive, –20°C to +40°C* sources disagree
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
-
Origin
Successor to the Optimo 24-290mm (2001) and 28-340mm, the long-range zoom references of their era. Angénieux completely redesigned the mechanics for the Ultra 12X with reduced moving-component weight and improved dust sealing, while preserving the optical character that made the 24-290mm rental-house royalty.
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Filmography
Angénieux’s own credit list for the Ultra 12x names Gladiator II (Ridley Scott, DOP John Mathieson), Superman (James Gunn, DOP Henry Braham), Conclave, The Substance and Emilia Pérez, with Bridgerton, Narcos and The Queen’s Gambit on television and Roger Waters’ Us + Them on stage. DP Giannis Georgiou: “The flares had character without being overwhelming, contrast was well-balanced, and highlight roll-off felt organic. Skin tones were beautifully rendered.” The rental-house workhorse for features, TV series, live events, and concerts worldwide.
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Build
Modern manufacture, not rehouse. Three-format IRO modularity covers S35 (24-290mm), U35 (26-320mm), and Full Frame (36-435mm) from one lens body: swap rear optics in 10–15 minutes. 321° focus throw with 70+ engraved marks gives the most precise focus control of any cinema zoom.
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