Century Optics manufactures optical converters (0.3x–3.0x) for broadcast cameras that modify focal length without lens changes—widely used in documentary and ENG production.
Technical Details
Century converters operate as afocal optical systems with magnification factors ranging from 0.3x to 3.0x. For example, the popular 0.6x WA wide-angle converter reduces the focal length of a 50mm lens to an effective 30mm. The 2x teleconverters double the focal length with a light loss of one f-stop. All converters feature multi-layer coating to minimize reflections and consist of 6-12 lens elements in 4-8 groups, depending on the model.
History & Development
Century Precision Optics was founded in 1976 by Ira Tiffen in Van Nuys, California. In 1985, it was acquired by Schneider Optics, giving the company access to German precision optics. The breakthrough came in 1990 with the first broadcast-ready 0.7x HD converter for Sony cameras. In 2005, Century was acquired by The Tiffen Company and has operated as Century Precision Optics ever since.
Practical Application in Film
Century converters are primarily used in documentary productions and ENG shoots where quick focal length changes are required without lens swaps. Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic" (2000) utilized Century 0.6x wide-angle converters for handheld sequences. For "28 Days Later" (2002), Anthony Dod Mantle used Century converters on Canon XL1 cameras for extreme wide-angle perspectives. The advantage lies in the continuous availability of all camera settings, while the disadvantage is a slight reduction in image quality due to additional glass elements.
Comparison & Alternatives
Century competes with Optex, Cavision, and Schneider-Kreuznach in the converter market. While Century focuses on broadcast cameras, Metabones offers electronic adapters with similar functionality for mirrorless systems. Modern zoom lenses with larger focal length ranges reduce the need for converters, but they remain indispensable for prime lenses or subsequent focal length extensions. Century's anamorphic adapters enable a Cinemascope look on standard lenses.