The Cooke S4/i lenses have proven to be one of the industry’s leading optics systems. With the “i” technology, DoPs, camera operators and focus pullers are provided with lens information including focusing distance, depth-of-field, aperture, hyperfocal distance and other useful data, all of which can prove invaluable to post houses dealing with important visual effects shots.

Besides the operation factors of the lens, the qualities of the S4 optics have been applauded globally for its sharp yet subtle look that renders a smooth picture with high contrast. With a true T2 aperture, the S4s provide beautiful flare control, distortion management and a lack of spherical aberration. We highly recommend these lenses.

In keeping with the optical tradition that many DoPs have come to love, Cooke has added to its product range with the affordable Panchro lenses. Although a stop slower than the S4s (T2.8) the Panchros provide a full set of high-quality optics at an affordable price. These lenses are lighter but still offer the same optical quality, resolution and reliability as the S4/i lenses. The Panchros provide “i” technology as well and will perfectly colour match with other Cooke lenses.

The Arri Ultra Primes have the widest focal range of any prime lens set, sporting an 8mm extreme wide. The Ultras are lightweight lenses that provide an excellent image quality at a relatively affordable rate. Most of the lenses throughout the range also have a T1.9 aperture. If you choose to shoot some footage on the high speed Arri Master Primes then the Ultras will certainly compliment them optically.

The Red Pro Prime set has an aperture of T1.8 and, therefore, falls in to the Cooke S4 and Arri Ultra market range. There is no doubt that the Red Digital Cinema Company has outdone themselves with their camera but could they provide the same quality in their optics? The Red Pro Primes have shown to be a very popular choice for many productions with tremendous levels of sharpness and detail from end to end. The Red Pro Primes are solidly built for plenty of location shooting and suit the RED camera perfectly. For the considerably cheaper rental price it would be silly not to consider these lenses.

One of the best options if you’re on a tight budget is the RED zoom. The quality of both these lenses is fantastic and they offer complete coverage of the most commonly used focal range. Build quality is very solid and sharpness and detail are excellent.

This is arguably one of the best zooms out on the market today. It offers such an amazing focal range with a T2.8 aperture through the entire range. There is no ramping or breathing with this lens and the colour reproduction is only matched by its impressive contrast.

Beware though that this lens weighs 11kgs (24lbs) and only the Incredible Hulk could operate this handheld. If you have queries as to what equipment this lens can go on then do not hesitate to give us a call.