Angénieux 24-290mm Optimo Ultra 12x

The long-range Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom is the successor to the Optimo 24-290 and Optimo 28-340. This 12x with a zoom range of 24-435mm (depending on configuration) is suited to high-end cinema productions, commercials, TV production, and music videos. It offers improved performance, optical stability, and serviceability.

Thanks to IRO Technology, this lens can be configured in (3) different versions with dedicated sets of rear optical groups and variable scales, with coverage for (3) image circles:

• S35 (Ø 31.1mm) – Super 35 coverage
• U35 (Ø 34.6mm)
• FF/VV (Ø 46.3mm) – Full Frame / VistaVision coverage

An experienced technician can swap out the standard Super 35 components on the Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom to enable the U35 image circle coverage. Or you can swap out the U35 or S35 components to create your Full Frame / VistaVision (FF/VV) image circle coverage. ** 

** NOTE: AbelCine offers technical services for those who require an experienced technician. Please contact your AbelCine Salesperson for further details.

New Optical Design

The new optical design of the Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom includes standard Super 35 coverage with the included U35 Kit. This kit also includes the ability to use FF/VV Full Frame / VistaVision coverage. Swapping to any of these (3) configurations will update zoom range, aperture/iris, image circle, and weight.

Here is a comparison for your reference:

• FF/VV 36-435mm: T4.2, 46/3mm image circle (Full Frame / VistaVision coverage), 28.1 lb (12.75 kg)
• S35 24-290mm: T2.8, 31.1mm image circle (Super 35 coverage), 27.7 lb (12.6 kg)
• U35 26-320mm: T3.1, 34.6mm image circle, 28.1 lb (12.75 kg)

Angenieux states that the Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom offers an appealing cinematic look with well-controlled optical performance at each focal length and focus distance. They accomplish this with a good balance between contrast and resolution.

The lens includes low distortion, no ramping, and minimal breathing. It features a 9-bladed iris with consistent front diameter of 162mm and a maximum T22 aperture. Efficient use of aspherical elements in this lens delivers minimal color fringing. The 12x Zoom offers a very short MOD of 4'1" (1.22m) in S35 and U35, plus lower or equal to 1.5m / 5' in FF/VV.

New Mechanical Design

Angenieux completely redesigned their mechanics when building the Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom as compared to the 24-290 and 28-340. They state there are improvements in mechanical stability and the serviceability of the lens. They reduced the weight of moving components. They also reduced dust inhale with improved air flow and added dust traps. They also applied a dedicated anti-abrasion coating on mechanical components.

The ergonomic focus ring is precise with its scale rotation of 321 degrees. Angenieux states that is the largest in the industry and over 70 focus marks.

The 12x Zoom offers user changeable focus marking rings (focusing scales available in feet or metric). It is adapted to extreme shooting environments (passive athermalisation from -4 to 104°F (-20 to 40°C).