PETZVAL 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.
The Petzval lens design, first introduced in 1840 by mathematician Joseph Petzval, is one of the most iconic in optical history. Defined by its swirling bokeh, dramatic edge falloff, and painterly rendering, the Petzval created a visual style unlike any other. In the cinema world, the first professional adaptation came with the TLS Petzvals, which transformed the classic design into robust PL-mounted housings suitable for modern productions. Building on that legacy, Ancient Optics rehoused the Lomography Petzvalux, bringing another interpretation of the Petzval’s distinctive character into professional use with consistent mechanics and durable construction. Together, these lenses carry a 19th-century invention into the present day, offering cinematographers one of the most historic and artistic aesthetics available in cinema optics.