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Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms

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Cooke Varotal 18–100mm T3.0
Cooke Varotal 20–60mm T3.1
Cooke Varotal 20–100mm T3.1
Cooke Varotal 25–250mm T3.7

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Cooke Speed Panchro

Super 35 | Spherical

Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms

Zoom - Spherical - Super 35

18-100mm
20-60mm
20-100mm
25-250mm

product details

Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms bridge the technical rigor of modern zoom optics and the soulful rendering of classic Cookes. They were designed in the 1980s to provide filmmakers with versatility and speed, while preserving the emotional, humanistic qualities that have defined the “Cooke Look” for over a century. Their unique balance of sharpness, warmth and texture continues to be sought out by cinematographers seeking a distinctive aesthetic. Available in 18-100mm, 20-60mm, 20-100mm and 25-250mm models, these zooms provide broad focal coverage and are sought after for their nostalgic rendering. 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.

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Cooke Speed Panchro

Super 35 | Spherical

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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

T3.0

Spherical

Super 35

150 mm

–

2'4"

0.71 m

13.00 lbs

5.90 kg

14.00"

355.60 mm

–

T3.1

Spherical

Super 35

121 mm

–

2'4"

0.71 m

6.20 lbs

2.81 kg

9.00"

228.60 mm

–

T3.1

Spherical

Super 35

150 mm

–

2'4"

0.71 m

13.50 lbs

6.12 kg

14.00"

355.60 mm

–

T3.7

Spherical

Super 35

152 mm

–

5'6"

1.68 m

18.00 lbs

8.16 kg

15.00"

381.00 mm

–

Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms

Image Fidelity & Focus

Varotal zooms carry lower contrast than modern Cooke primes or zooms. Blacks are not crushed but gently lifted, making images feel less harsh, rendering a filmic quality that has the effect of softening sharp, electronic edges, creating an organic feel. Wide open, the Varotal zooms are not razor-sharp by modern standards. They deliver solid central sharpness with some softness toward the edges, especially at wide focal lengths. Stopped down, performance improves, but the lenses never become overly clinical, with enough resolution for cinematic clarity, but without the hard bite of modern optics. Focus transitions are smooth and gradual, with subjects gently emerging from or slipping into softness. Falloff is not abrupt; instead, it enhances the perception of depth in a natural, filmic way.

Handling & Adaptability

The 18–100mm weighs around 5.5 kg (12 lbs), while the 25–250mm is even heavier, closer to 8–9 kg (18–20 lbs). Both lenses require solid studio support and are not practical for handheld or lightweight rigs. These lenses have remarkable breathing performance, with no noticeable breathing on the wide end, and extremely little on the long end. These lenses pair spectacularly with either TLS Speed Panchros or Cooke Panchro Classics S35/FF. Rent a IBE 2x Extender and use the entire range of the 20-100mm on LF and Full Frame.

Flare & Bokeh

Bright sources produce warm, amber-to-golden veiling glare and multi-spot reflections, depending on the angle. Instead of neutralizing flares, as later coatings would, these lenses embrace them, producing expressive effects that feel analog and emotive. Bokeh is textured and natural, reflecting the optical limitations and iris design of their era. Out-of-focus highlights often take on a slight geometric shape, with soft edges and subtle outlining. At longer focal lengths, bokeh becomes creamier, producing a pleasant separation of subject and background.

Image Circle

Varotal Vintage Zooms were designed for Super 35mm coverage. The 18–100mm and 25–250mm cover the format fully, with no vignetting across most of their range. They are not intended for full-frame or large-format sensors, though some cinematographers have experimented with partial coverage on digital LF cameras for creative vignetting. Expander or extender options by companies such as Optica Magnus, IBE, Tokina, and others allow the ability to use the zooms to cover larger formats.

Cinematic Heritage

Released in the 1970s, during a period when cinema was undergoing a dramatic shift in technology and style, Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms marked Cooke’s entry into the professional cine zoom market. Used on films like “Barry Lyndon,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “The Shining”, “Ray” and countless others.

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Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms

Cooke Speed Panchro

Cooke Varotal Vintage Zooms

Zoom - Spherical - Super 35

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