Optex Excellence Probe

Spherical - Super 35

product details

The Optex Excellence Probe lens was designed for extreme close-up cinematography in spaces inaccessible to conventional lenses. They are known for their unusual yet effective imaging qualities and the ability to match shots made conventionally. The system is built around a modular relay tube that supports multiple front lens attachments, offering focal lengths including 10mm, 14mm, 20mm, 28mm, and 40mm. The Optex Excellence Probe system covers Super 35 format, with a long, narrow barrel enabling operators to physically insert the lens into miniature sets, tight objects, and practical environments. 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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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

T5.6

Spherical

Super 35

–

6.20 lbs

2.81 kg

16.75"

425.45 mm

–

Optex Excellence Probe

Image Fidelity & Focus

Contrast is moderate, with a natural roll-off that prevents highlights from appearing harsh under macro lighting. Sharpness is concentrated in the central field, while edges display falloff that enhances subject isolation. Image fidelity is solid, though not at the level of modern master macro lenses – the look carries a slightly vintage softness. Focus behavior is unique. Depth of field is razor thin at close distances, allowing filmmakers to highlight specific surface textures or product details. Chromatic aberrations are visible at the extreme edges, especially in the wide focal lengths, but remain controlled in the mid-range.

Handling & Adaptability

The Excellence probe is mechanically complex, with long barrels measuring up to 400mm. Weight distribution is forward-biased, requiring careful rigging, but overall mass remains manageable compared to later probe systems. Narrow diameter means adaptability for shooting through miniature windows, product packaging, or practical environments like car interiors. Designed for PL-mount cameras.

Flare & Bokeh

Flare is minimal due to internal baffling, though bright point sources can produce thin streaks along the relay tube. The unusual bokeh is stretched and elliptical toward the frame edges, adding a surreal character to close-ups.

Image Circle

The image circle is optimized for Super 35, though coverage can extend to certain digital formats with slight vignetting.

Cinematic Heritage

Excellence Probes were developed in the 1990s by the UK-based optical house Optex during a boom in tabletop shooting for commercials. Their versatility in visual effects shooting subsequently became an important application. They are considered a pioneering development that helped expand cinematic language.