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Cooke Optics

Cooke Varotal/i FF 30-95mm

30 – 95mm zoom T2.9 PL

The standard/mid-range zoom of the Varotal/i FF trio.

The full-frame equivalent of the classic Cooke Varo-Panchro 20-60mm T3.1, heralded as having “optical performance comparable to prime lenses.” Remarkably, it’s the same size and weight as its S35 predecessor despite covering a much larger image circle. Every focus mark is individually calibrated and engraved on both sides. Same Cooke DNA: smooth skin tones, controlled flare, low spherical aberration, and the unmistakable warmth and dimensionality of the Cooke Look.

Character profile

How this lens renders.

Cooke warmth. Standard. Dimensional.

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

  1. Same size and weight as the S35 predecessor, despite covering a much larger FF image circle

  2. Cam-style focus mechanism with individually calibrated and engraved marks on both sides

  3. Matched in resolution, colour, and fall-off to the S7/i and S8/i cinema prime ranges

  4. Uniform ergonomics: same barrel length and front diameter as the 85-215mm companion

Technical

Full specifications

Focal Range
30–95mm T2.9 (constant)
Image Circle
46.3mm (Full Frame)
Mount
PL or LPL*
Close Focus
4′ / 1.2m*
Weight
4 kg / 8.8 lbs
Barrel Length
10″
Front Diameter
114mm
Filter Thread
M112.5
Focus Rotation
280°
Iris
9-blade (matched to S7/i and S8/i)
Gear Pitch
M0.8 (industry standard)

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

  1. Origin

    The 30-95mm launched in November 2021 alongside its 85-215mm sibling, as the standard zoom of Cooke’s first full-frame Varotal/i FF pair. The 19-40mm made it a trio in November 2022. It recalls the Cooke Varo-Panchro 20-60mm T3.1 (1981), a Super 35 zoom heralded as having “optical performance comparable to prime lenses.”

  2. Filmography

    Adopted across high-end narrative and commercial work since launch. Cooke Chief Optics Advisor Iain Neil described the Varotal/i line’s rendering as “clean, symmetrical and consistent bokeh… a filmic look.”

  3. Build

    Remarkably, the FF 30-95mm is the same size and weight as its S35 predecessor despite covering a much larger image circle. Cam-style focus mechanism with individually calibrated witness marks engraved on both sides. Matched to Cooke S7/i and S8/i primes for resolution, colour, and fall-off: zooms and primes intercut without colour-grading. Retail ~$53,900.

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