The subjective optical signature of a lens — the sum of bokeh, flares, aberrations, contrast and color rendition.
Two lenses can have the same focal length and aperture and still look completely different. The "character" of a lens is the sum of all its optical properties: What does the bokeh look like? How does it react to backlight? How much contrast does it deliver? How does it render skin tones?
Clinical vs. Character
ARRI Master Primes and Zeiss Supreme are "clinical" — technically perfect, neutral, almost characterless. Canon K35 and Cooke Speed Panchro are "character lenses" — softer, warmer, with idiosyncrasies. Neither is better; they tell different stories.
Lens Choice as a Creative Decision
Lens choice is just as important as camera choice. An ARRI ALEXA 35 with Master Primes looks fundamentally different than the same camera with Canon K35. The lens determines the texture of the image.
Related terms
Quiz
1. Was beschreibt „Optischer Charakter" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Optischer Charakter"?