Zoom lens 25–250mm, T2.8–3.2. Wide to tight in one barrel. Fast autofocus, built for abuse. The workhorse for docs and broadcast — one lens, entire shoot, no excuses.
Technical Details
The lens features 22 elements in 16 groups, a front element diameter of 134mm, and a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 meters. The zoom ring requires a 270-degree rotation for the full focal length range, while the focus ring covers 300 degrees. The optical system compensates for breathing effects and maintains consistent sharpness during zooming. Versions are available for PL mount and Arri bayonet, as well as a later HR variant with improved coatings for digital sensors.
History & Development
Pierre Angénieux first developed the 25-250mm in 1964 in response to the French New Wave's need for more flexible lenses. The design was based on his revolutionary 12-120mm from 1959. From 1974, the improved HR (High Resolution) version was introduced, which was produced until the early 2000s. Angénieux ceased production in 2008, focusing on modern zoom systems for digital cameras.
Practical Use in Film
Cinematographers appreciate the 25-250mm for documentaries and handheld shots, as it covers wide-angle to telephoto without lens changes. Directors like Claude Lelouch used it extensively in "A Man and a Woman" (1966) for spontaneous zoom-ins. The lens defined the characteristic look of many 1970s thrillers, such as in "All the President's Men" (1976), where it was used for discreet surveillance scenes. The smooth zoom transition allows for even focal length changes during shooting, which often appears jerky with modern lenses.
Comparison & Alternatives
The Angenieux 25-250mm competed directly with the Canon K35 25-120mm, but offered a greater focal length range with slightly poorer light transmission. Modern alternatives like the Angenieux Optimo 24-290mm achieve similar ranges with a constant T2.8 aperture, but cost three times as much. Vintage examples of the 25-250mm today fetch prices between 15,000 and 25,000 Euros and are specifically used for retro productions or as characteristic "film look" lenses. The Cooke 25-250mm offers comparable performance with warmer bokeh.