Angenieux Optimo Prime series of 8 fixed focal length lenses (21–200mm), T1.8 aperture up to 75mm, characteristic 9-blade bokeh, and consistent color rendering across all focal lengths.
Technical Details
Focal Lengths
| 21 | 25 | 32 | 40 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1.8 | T1.8 | T1.8 | T1.8 | T1.8 | T1.8 | T2.8 | T2.8 |
| 0.60m | 0.60m | 0.60m | 0.60m | 0.60m | 0.75m | 1.00m | 1.50m |
| 1.72kg | 1.78kg | 1.92kg | 2.15kg | 2.42kg | 2.68kg | 3.18kg | 3.92kg |
| 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| 81° | 71° | 56° | 45° | 36° | 24° | 18° | 9° |
| ◀━━━━▶ | ◀━━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━━▶ | ◀━▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ | ◀▶ |
PL/i · 95mm Front · 300° Focus Travel · LDS · Full Frame
History & Development
Angenieux introduced the Optimo Prime series at NAB in 2016, responding to the growing demand for high-quality prime lenses in the digital age. Development took four years, building on the company's 60 years of experience with cine lenses. In 2018, Angenieux expanded the series with the longer focal lengths of 100mm and 200mm. The lenses were developed in parallel with the Optimo Ultra 12x zooms and share some optical technologies.
Practical Use in Film
The Optimo Primes were used on productions such as "Blade Runner 2049" (Roger Deakins), "The Shape of Water" (Dan Laustsen), and "First Man" (Linus Sandgren). Cinematographers appreciate the consistent color rendition across focal lengths and the characteristic bokeh from the 9-blade iris. The lenses are particularly well-suited for ARRI Alexa, RED, and Sony Venice cameras. The uniform T1.8 stop across focal lengths up to 75mm allows for seamless cuts without exposure adjustments.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to Zeiss Supreme Primes, Angenieux lenses offer a warmer look with less digital sharpness. Cooke S7/i Primes deliver the classic "Cooke Look" with characteristic skin tones, while the Optimo Primes render more neutrally. The Leica Summilux-C series is more compact but does not achieve the same light intensity as the French competitor. Sigma Cine Primes are considered a budget alternative, but offer less micro-contrast and color saturation. Canon CN-E Primes compete in terms of price but have lower light intensity and less consistent optical characteristics.