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Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x

Angenieux_Optimo_Ultra_12x_24-290_DIMENSIONS-scaled

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Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x 24–290mm T2.8
Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x 26–320mm T3.5
Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x 36–435mm T4.2

Matching Items

Angénieux Optimo Ultra Compact Zooms

Full Frame LF/VV | Spherical

Angénieux Optimo Primes

Full Frame LF/VV | Spherical

Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x

Zoom - Spherical - Full Frame LF/VV

24-290mm
26-320mm
36-435mm

product details

The Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12X Zoom is a robust, versatile long-range lens with unmatched focal range and consistent optical character across three formats. With balanced contrast, sharpness, low distortion, and minimal breathing, it is suitable for high-end studio setups. Modularity makes it remarkably adaptable. Though physically demanding, its refined mechanical design nevertheless eases operation in challenging environments. Since its introduction, it has become a trusted workhorse for narrative filmmakers. Available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.

Focal Length
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Iris Blades
Image Circle

Era / Generation
Contrast & Tonal Character
Sharpness & Resolution
Focus Fall‑Off / Transition
Iris & Bokeh Quality
Flare & Highlight Behavior
Handling & Ergonomics
Build & Modifications
Cinematic Heritage & Credits

*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.

Matching Items

Angénieux Optimo Ultra Compact Zooms

Full Frame LF/VV | Spherical

Angénieux Optimo Primes

Full Frame LF/VV | Spherical

SHOTS TAKEN FROM

Technical Specs Table

T-Stop

Type

Format

Front Diameter

Lens Mount

Metadata

Close Focus (ft)

Close Focus (m)

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Length (in)

Length (mm)

Iris Blades

Image Circle

Front Filter

Rear Filter

Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)

Horizontal Angle of View (S35)

Focus Rotation

T2.8

Spherical

Super 35

162 mm

LPL, PL

–

1.20 m

27.70 lbs

12.56 kg

18.60"

472.44 mm

31.1 mm

–

321°

T3.1

Spherical

Ultra 35

162 mm

LPL, PL

–

4'1"

1.24 m

28.10 lbs

12.75 kg

18.90"

480.00 mm

34.6 mm

–

321°

T4.2

Spherical

Full Frame LF/VV

162 mm

LPL, PL

–

1.50 m

28.10 lbs

12.75 kg

20.60"

523.24 mm

46.3 mm

–

321°

Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x

Image Fidelity & Focus

The Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12X Zoom is designed to behave like a “variable prime,” offering pleasing imagery even wide open. Renowned for a balanced cinematic aesthetic, it offers solid resolution and moderate contrast across its zoom range without veering into overly clinical territory. It’s characterized by low distortion, minimal zoom ramping, and negligible focus breathing – all critical for smooth reframing and focus pulls. Aspherical elements help mitigate chromatic aberration.

Handling & Adaptability

While optically versatile, the Ultra 12X comes with substantial heft and size. In S35 mode, it weighs 27.7 lb (12.6 kg) and is 18.6″ (472mm) long. The FF/VV configuration pushes that to 28.1 lb (12.75 kg) at 20.6″ (523mm). Despite the bulk, the design incorporates ergonomic enhancements, including lightweight materials in moving parts, anti-abrasion coatings, improved airflow, and dust traps for durability. An impressively long 321° focus rotation and more than 70 focus marks enable precision operation, ideal for detailed focus work.

Flare & Bokeh

Coatings effectively control flare and ghosting. Background falloff is naturally smooth, and bokeh retains a creamy, rounded quality owing to the internal optics and T-stop design.

Image Circle

Angénieux’s patented IRO (Interchangeable Rear Optics) means the lens can be reconfigured for three sensor sizes: 31.1mm (S35), 34.6mm (U35), and 46.3mm (FF/VV) image circles. This modularity makes it compatible with a wide spectrum of cameras, from traditional Super 35 systems to modern large-format digital systems. In Super 35 (S35) mode, it covers 24-290mm at T2.8, a compact and bright long-zoom solution. Swapping the rear optics shifts it to Ultra 35 (U35), which covers 26-320mm at T3.1 with a slightly larger image circle. Finally, to support Full Frame/VistaVision (FF/VV), the kit extends to 36-435mm at T4.2, delivering a cinematic “variable prime” look across ultra-telephoto ranges.

Cinematic Heritage

The Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12X Zoom is the successor to Angénieux’s workhorse Optimo 24-290mm and 28-340mm zooms. It was introduced around 2017–2018 to bring a next-generation modular long-range zoom solution to the rising demand for large-format production. Used most notably on Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott and photographed by John Mathieson, BSC.