Panavision's newest 1.3x anamorphic primes (2024), developed for large format and Super 35. Combines vintage aesthetics with modern sharpness for VFX workflows.
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.
| 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
The Ultra Panatar II lenses are designed for a classic Panavision look with modern requirements:
| Film | Year | Camera | DP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked | 2024 | Panavision DXL2 | Alice Brooks, ASC |
| Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 2024 | Panavision | – |
| The Order | 2024 | Panavision | – |
| 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 |
The 1.3x squeeze is a compromise between aesthetics and practicality:
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.
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.
Die Ultra Panatar II geben mir das Beste aus beiden Welten: den klassischen Panavision-Anamorphic-Look mit warmem Flare und organischem Bokeh, aber mit der Schärfe und Konsistenz, die moderne VFX-Pipelines verlangen. T2.8 durch die Bank macht sie low-light-tauglich.
Diese Linsen wurden für Wicked entwickelt – und man sieht warum. Der 1.3x Squeeze ist subtiler als 2x, gibt dem Bild aber trotzdem diese anamorphische Magie. Perfekt für Musicals und Fantasy, wo ich Spektakel will, ohne die Gesichter zu verzerren.
Ultra Panatar II sind Premium-Rental, aber sie vereinfachen die Post-Production erheblich. Die VFX-Kompatibilität spart uns Tage in der Pipeline. Für große Produktionen mit umfangreichen Visual Effects sind sie fast schon kosteneffizient.
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