Panavision anamorphic zoom lens from 1982 featuring 2x zoom range, 15-blade iris, and distinctive horizontal lens flares characteristic of its cylindrical front element.
Technical Details
The AWZ2 features a 15-blade iris and a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 meters. The lens construction consists of 18 lens elements in 14 groups, with several elements featuring anti-reflective coatings. The lens operates with a PL mount and is compatible with 35mm film as well as digital sensors. The characteristic horizontal lens flares are produced by the cylindrical front lens element. The focus ring has a rotation angle of 300 degrees, and the zoom ring has 90 degrees. The AWZ2 accepts 4.5" x 5.65" matte box filters.
History & Development
Panavision introduced the AWZ2 in 1982 as the successor to the original AWZ, to meet the increased demands for sharpness and contrast range. Development was led by Dan Sasaki and aimed to minimize the optical distortions of the first generation. In 1987, the lens received an update to its coating technology. From the 1990s onwards, the AWZ2 was gradually replaced by the Auto Panatar series, but remained in demand among many cinematographers due to its characteristic optical properties.
Practical Use in Film
The AWZ2 was used on productions such as "Lethal Weapon" (1987) and "Die Hard" (1988), where its focal length was ideal for action sequences in confined spaces. Cinematographers appreciate the consistent sharpness distribution across the entire zoom range and the moderate distortion at the image edges. The 2x zoom factor allows for quick framing adjustments without changing lenses. Disadvantages include its relatively high weight and limited light transmission at longer focal lengths, which may require additional lighting.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to modern anamorphic zooms like the Panavision T-Series, the AWZ2 offers a more characteristic, less "clean" look with more pronounced lens flares. The Cooke Anamorphic/i series achieves higher sharpness values, while the AWZ2 exhibits a warmer, more cinematic character. Today, the AWZ2 is mainly used for productions that consciously aim for the look of the 1980s or seek the specific optical character of vintage anamorphic optics.