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optex CINEMA LENSES
The Angénieux brand has defined cinematic zoom lenses since its founding by Pierre Angénieux in Saint-Héand, France in 1935. A pioneer in optical design, the company revolutionized filmmaking in 1956 with the first modern 10x zoom, the 25–250mm, establishing a legacy of innovation that continues today. Angénieux lenses have earned multiple Academy Awards and are celebrated for their organic rendering, smooth mechanics, and versatility on set. Building on this heritage, Angénieux now offers a complete ecosystem of premium optics, from the Optimo Ultra 12x and Type EZ series to the celebrated Optimo Anamorphic zooms and the Optimo Prime series—their first entry into high-end primes, designed to complement the iconic zooms with a unified look. Blending tradition with cutting-edge design, Angénieux remains one of the most trusted names in cinema optics.
What are Optex Cinema Lenses Known For?
Optex, originally established in the United Kingdom, is best known in the cinema world for its innovative specialty optics. Among its most respected contributions is the Optex Excellence Probe, a periscope-style lens system designed for extreme close-ups, dramatic perspectives, and shots in spaces inaccessible to conventional lenses. The Excellence Probe allows cinematographers to explore unique angles while maintaining sharpness, depth of field, and optical consistency across the frame. Built with professional housings and PL mounts, it delivers the durability and precision required for demanding production environments. Though Optex is no longer active as a major lens manufacturer, the Excellence Probe remains a valued specialty tool, offering filmmakers distinctive creative possibilities that standard lenses cannot achieve.