Overview
The Type EZ Series is a range of cinema zoom lenses from the French manufacturer Angénieux. The first model, the EZ-1, debuted at IBC 2016; the EZ-2 followed shortly after. Later, the series was expanded with the telephoto model EZ-3, which was introduced at IBC 2023. The series is positioned as an accessible entry into the Angénieux zoom program in terms of price and weight, targeting owner-operators, documentary, and commercial productions.
The central feature is the IRO Technology (Interchangeable Rear Optics): the rear lens group can be swapped by the user, allowing the same lens to be reconfigured between a Super-35 image circle (up to approx. 30 mm image diagonal) and a Full-Frame/VistaVision image circle (up to approx. 46 mm image diagonal). When changing, the focal length range and T-stop change, while the physical length, zoom ratio, and minimum focus distance remain the same.
Technical Specifications
Focal lengths and aperture depending on model and image circle configuration:
| Model | Super-35 | Full-Frame / VistaVision |
|---|
| EZ-1 | 30–90 mm, T2.0 | 45–135 mm, T3.0 |
| EZ-2 | 15–40 mm, T2.0 | 22–60 mm, T3.0 |
| EZ-3 | 45–165 mm, T2.3–3.0 | 68–250 mm, T3.5–4.5 |
Common specifications of the series:
- Front Diameter: 114 mm (compatible with standard rod-supported matte boxes)
- Gears: Cine standard module for focus, aperture, and zoom (compatible with follow focus and lens motors)
- Mount: PL as standard; interchangeable mounts for EF, E, and RF mounts, among others
- Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.6 m
- Weight: around 2 kg for EZ-1 and EZ-2; the EZ-3, as a telephoto zoom, is slightly heavier at approx. 2.6 kg
The lenses are designed with temperature compensation, which is intended to reduce the need for recalibration with changing ambient temperatures.
On-Set Usage
The EZ series is typically used where a flexible, lightweight zoom with consistent operating ergonomics (same front diameter, same gear positions) is required. By self-swapping the rear optics group, the same set can be adapted for Super-35 or Full-Frame sensors depending on the project, without needing to send the lens for service. The three models together cover a wide focal length range from wide-angle (EZ-2) through the standard range (EZ-1) to telephoto (EZ-3).