Cooke's premium digital anamorphic lens series featuring integrated /i metadata encoding for precise lens data acquisition. Maintains classic Cooke optical character with warm, creamy rendering while providing advanced digital integration for modern cinema cameras.
Definition
The Cooke Anamorphic/i is Cooke Optics' flagship series of anamorphic cinema lenses, combining decades of optical expertise with modern /i technology. These premium anamorphics deliver the warm, creamy Cooke character while offering integrated digital lens metadata for direct connection to current digital cinema cameras.
Key Features
Optical Characteristics
- Compression Ratio: 2x anamorphic compression
- Rendering Character: Warm, creamy, vintage-inspired aesthetic
- Flare Signature: Horizontal anamorphic flares with subtle orange/amber tones
- Bokeh Quality: Beautiful oval bokeh with soft, organic rendering
- Color Character: Typical Cooke warmth and color palette
Digital /i Technology
- Metadata Encoding: Integrated lens information encoding
- Camera Integration: Compatible with Arri Alexa, RED, and Sony cinema cameras
- Optical Data: Precise transmission of focal length, aperture, and focus distance
- Post-Production: Optimized VFX and color grading workflows
- Calibration: Automatic lens correction data for digital pipelines
Technical Specifications
- Focal Lengths: Various options (18mm, 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 135mm)
- T-Stops: T2.3 to T3.0 depending on focal length
- Mount Options: EF, PL, LPL
- Focus System: Mechanical or motorized
- Housing: Robust professional cinema construction
Optical Philosophy
Cooke designs its anamorphics with the principle of character over perfection. Instead of eliminating optical artifacts, Cooke cultivates and refines them:
- Conscious Softness: Slightly soft focus characteristic adds dimensionality
- Warm Rendition: Color rendition tends towards warmer, golden tones
- Flare Design: Flares contribute to the aesthetic rather than being minimized
- Bokeh Rendition: Oval bokeh shapes are pronounced and beautiful
Production Applications
Prestige Cinematography: Used on major studio features and high-end productions
Television Drama: Increasingly a standard choice for premium TV productions
Commercials/Branded Content: Delivers a premium look for luxury brands
Music Video Production: Creates a distinctive, recognizable aesthetic
International Cinema: Preferred anamorphic choice in European and international productions
Advantages
- Unrivaled Reputation: Cooke has been the standard in cinema for over 100 years
- Warm Aesthetic: Typical Cooke rendition is instantly recognizable
- Digital Integration: /i Technology bridges cinema and digital workflows
- Consistent Performance: Proven reliability in production
- Value Retention: Holds value exceptionally well due to high demand
- Future-Proof: Compatible with current and anticipated future camera systems
Disadvantages
- Price: One of the most expensive anamorphic options
- Availability: High demand can limit booking availability
- Complexity: /i Technology adds cost and potential maintenance overhead
- Learning Curve: Requires understanding of Cooke's specific rendering philosophy
/i Technology Workflow
- On-Set Capture: Lenses automatically transmit data to the camera
- Metadata Recording: Lens information is stored with the image data
- Post-Production: VFX departments receive precise optical data
- Color Grading: Lens characteristics inform creative decisions
- Digital Restoration: Optical corrections are applied accurately
Typical Production Costs
- Rental (Daily): $1,500–$2,500 per lens
- Set (Complete Range): $8,000–$15,000 per day
- Weekly Rate: Typically 3 to 4 times the daily rate
- Monthly Rate: Typically 8 to 10 times the daily rate
Legacy in Cinema
Cooke anamorphics have been used in numerous award-winning films:
- Numerous Academy Award-winning cinematographies
- Preferred choice for classic Hollywood cinematography
- Increasingly chosen for contemporary films seeking analog character
Maintenance and Care
- Regular Inspection: Professional cleaning between rentals recommended
- /i Calibration: Periodic recalibration of the metadata system
- Transport: Requires careful handling due to precision optics
- Storage: Climate-controlled storage protects optical elements
Comparison with Other Premium Anamorphics
| Lens | Character | Digital Integration | Price | Flare Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooke /i | Warm, creamy | /i Metadata | Very High | Amber, organic |
| Panavision | Neutral | Optional | Very High | Orange, strong |
| Zeiss Master Anamorphic | Clinical | No | High | Clean, minimal |
| Redstan | Vintage | No | High | Warm, pronounced |
Related terms
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Cooke Anamorphic/i"?