Angenieux 24-290 zoom lens with constant T2.8 aperture and 19-element design, featuring optical stabilization for cinema cameras.
Technical Details
The lens features a 19-element, 14-group construction, utilizing aspherical elements to minimize aberrations. It has a front diameter of 136mm with an M127x1 filter thread. The close-focus distance is 1.5m across the entire zoom range. The lens is equipped with standardized 0.8 pitch gears for follow-focus systems and offers PL and LPL mount variants. Optical stabilization (Optimo Style) reduces vibration by up to 2.5 stops.
History & Development
Angenieux introduced the 24-290 in 2018 as an evolution of their proven Optimo series. Development took four years, aiming to achieve the extreme zoom range without compromising optical quality. The LPL mount version for large-format sensors followed in 2020. The lens builds upon Angenieux's 100 years of experience in manufacturing broadcast and cinema optics.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematography teams appreciate the 24-290 for documentaries and event coverage where lens changes are impossible or impractical. In "1917" (2019), the extreme zoom range enabled seamless transitions between wide shots and close-ups within the long, continuous takes. Wildlife documentaries utilize the combination of wide-angle and extreme telephoto focal lengths for undisturbed animal shots. The constant T2.8 aperture significantly simplifies exposure control during zooms.
Comparison & Alternatives
Competing zoom lenses like the Canon CN20x50 achieve higher zoom factors but do not cover the wide-angle range. The Fujinon 18-85 offers a more practical zoom range for standard productions at a significantly lower weight (2.9 kg). For maximum image quality, prime lenses such as the Angenieux Optimo Prime series remain superior but require frequent lens changes. The 24-290 positions itself as a compromise between flexibility and optical performance for demanding single-lens productions.