Panavision's newest 1.3x anamorphic primes (2024), developed for large format and Super 35. Combines vintage aesthetics with modern sharpness for VFX workflows.
What is the Ultra Panatar II?
The Ultra Panatar II are Panavision's latest anamorphic prime lenses, introduced in 2024 for the company's 70th anniversary. They build on the success of the original Ultra Panatars (developed for the Avengers films) and offer a 1.3x squeeze with modern optical performance.
The first prototypes were built in 2022 and were used by Alice Brooks, ASC for Wicked – one of the most visually ambitious films in recent years.
Technical Specifications
| Focal Length | Aperture | Weight | Front Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm | T2.8 | 2.63 kg | 126mm |
| 40mm | T2.8 | 2.67 kg | 126mm |
| 50mm | T2.8 | 2.71 kg | 126mm |
| 65mm | T2.8 | 2.78 kg | 126mm |
| 85mm | T2.8 | 2.85 kg | 126mm |
| 100mm | T2.8 | 2.89 kg | 126mm |
| 135mm | T2.8 | 2.94 kg | 126mm |
Image Circle: 46mm diagonal (Super 35 and Large Format)
Squeeze: 1.3x
Minimum Focus Distance: Varies by focal length
Characteristics
The Ultra Panatar II lenses are designed for a classic Panavision look with modern requirements:
- Warm Flares – golden hue, not blue streaks
- Vertical Breathing – subtle but characteristic
- Organic Falloff – smooth transition to blur
- VFX-Friendly – consistent optical properties for tracking
- T2.8 – consistently fast aperture
Notable Films
| Film | Year | Camera | DP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked | 2024 | Panavision DXL2 | Alice Brooks, ASC |
| Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 2024 | Panavision | – |
| The Order | 2024 | Panavision | – |
Ultra Panatar vs. Ultra Panatar II
| Feature | Ultra Panatar | Ultra Panatar II |
|---|---|---|
| Developed | 2018 (for Avengers) | 2024 |
| Squeeze | 1.3x | 1.3x |
| Focal Lengths | Custom Set | 7 Primes (35-135mm) |
| Aperture | Varies | T2.8 throughout |
| Weight | Heavier | Optimized |
| VFX Performance | Good | Excellent |
Why 1.3x Squeeze?
The 1.3x squeeze is a compromise between aesthetics and practicality:
- Less Distortion than 2x – more flattering for faces
- Wider Field of View at the same focal length
- VFX-Friendly – easier de-squeeze in post
- Large Format Compatible – 46mm image circle
For productions like Wicked that require extensive VFX work, this squeeze is ideal: enough anamorphic character for the look, but not so extreme that it hinders the pipeline.
Availability
Like all Panavision lenses, the Ultra Panatar II are exclusively available for rent. As they were introduced in 2024, availability is still limited – early booking with Panavision is essential.