Spherical prime lens series by Cooke Optics in PL mount with /i-Technology metadata; signature warm Cooke aesthetic.
The Cooke S4/i is a series of spherical prime lenses from the British manufacturer Cooke Optics of Leicester. Since its introduction, it has been one of the most widely used lens series worldwide in feature film and advertising, and is prototypically associated with the so-called "Cooke Look" – a warm, flattering character with a soft roll-off and controlled, pleasing bokeh.
The abbreviation "S4" stands for the fourth generation of the Cooke Speed Panchro tradition, and the /i suffix denotes the integrated /i Technology for electronic transmission of lens metadata. The series was awarded an Academy Scientific and Technical Award in 2013.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Spherical Primes |
| Image Circle / Format | Super 35 |
| Aperture | T2 (Exception: 300 mm at T2.8) |
| Focal Lengths | 12 mm to 300 mm (Set of 18 focal lengths) |
| Mount | PL Mount with /i Technology contacts |
| Manufacturer | Cooke Optics, Leicester (UK) |
All focal lengths in the series are color-matched, ensuring a consistent color and contrast impression when changing focal lengths. The lenses are designed for maximum performance at wide apertures, with control of flare, distortion, and spherical aberration.
Via the electronic contacts on the PL mount, the S4/i lenses transmit lens data in real-time to compatible cameras and recording systems. This includes, among other things, focus distance, aperture, focal length, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, and the lens's serial number. This metadata facilitates matching of settings, VFX work, and post-production.
The S4/i is standard rental equipment at rental houses and is used for feature films, high-quality series, and commercials. Cinematographers often choose them for their characteristic, rather soft and warm rendering, as well as the consistent color matching across the entire set. Cooke ceased production of the S4 and S4/i series on January 1, 2025; the manufacturer positions the Cooke S8/i series as its successor.
Als Kameramann schätze ich die S4/i-Objektive für ihren unverwechselbaren Look und die präzise Mechanik - die Fokusringe laufen butterweich und die Schärfeverlagerung ist absolut gleichmäßig. Der warme, cinematische Look verleiht jeder Aufnahme sofort Kinoqualität, und die durchgängige T2.0-Blende gibt mir auch bei schwierigen Lichtverhältnissen die nötige Flexibilität.
Die Cooke S4/i unterstützen meine visuelle Erzählweise perfekt - sie schaffen eine emotionale Verbindung zum Zuschauer durch ihre natürliche, warme Bildwiedergabe. Besonders bei Nahaufnahmen von Schauspielern entfalten sie ihre Stärke und helfen dabei, die gewünschte Stimmung zu transportieren, ohne technisch aufzufallen.
Cooke S4/i-Objektive sind eine solide Investition für gehobene Produktionen - sie rechtfertigen ihren Mietpreis durch die Zeitersparnis in der Post-Production dank der /i-Technologie. Ihr Ruf in der Branche öffnet Türen bei internationalen Koproduktionen und Vertriebspartnern, die diese Qualitätsstandards erwarten.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Cooke S4/i"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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