Cooke Launches AP3 FF Anamorphic Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

In a significant move for filmmakers, Cooke has unveiled its latest offering, the AP3 FF series of 1.5x anamorphic lenses tailored for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This new line, which debuted today, includes three prime lenses—35mm, 50mm, and 85mm—each featuring a fast T2.4 aperture. This release expands Cooke’s renowned legacy in cinema optics and addresses the rising demand for high-quality, lightweight lenses in modern filmmaking.

Premium Optical Performance

Cooke has established a reputation for exceptional lens quality, and the AP3 FF series aims to uphold that standard. The lenses promise a controlled anamorphic character alongside the clarity filmmakers need. Each lens is crafted to deliver a consistent aesthetic, focusing on natural optical rendering.

The AP3 FF lenses are designed to be lightweight and compact, ideal for handheld shooting. Weighing between 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms (2.6 to 3.1 pounds), they feature a unified 87mm front diameter and a length ranging from 142mm to nearly 159mm (5.6 to 6.7 inches). This design enhances portability and supports efficient workflows with unified 0.8 MOD gears, 79 degrees of iris ring rotation, and 160 degrees of focus ring rotation.

Anamorphic Characteristics

Cooke highlights the significance of anamorphic characteristics in its new lenses. The AP3 series is engineered to produce long, horizontal flare patterns that are synonymous with anamorphic optics. These flares are noted for their depth and complexity, maintaining consistency across all three lens options. While focus breathing is not completely eliminated, it can be utilized as a creative tool during shooting.

The bokeh produced by the AP3 lenses is also impressive, with Cooke claiming that out-of-focus elements are rendered with a painterly quality. Sample footage showcases this aesthetic, ensuring that visual transitions remain natural and organic throughout the frame. Cooke asserts that the lenses excel in areas where sharpness is essential while remaining expressive in softer regions—a balance sought by many filmmakers.

Pricing and Availability

True to Cooke's premium brand image, the AP3 FF 1.5x Anamorphic lenses come with a notable price tag. Each lens is priced at $7,750, while a bundled purchase of all three lenses is available for $22,250, offering a savings of $1,000. These prices reinforce Cooke's reputation as a high-end lens manufacturer, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship that professionals expect from the brand.

Initially, the AP3 FF lenses are offered with a Sony E-mount, but Cooke provides interchangeable mounts for RF, L, and M systems as complimentary accessories, enhancing compatibility with various camera systems.

Conclusion

With the launch of the AP3 FF series, Cooke continues to meet the needs of serious filmmakers who prioritize optical quality and versatility in their tools. The combination of compact design, premium optical performance, and the unique characteristics of anamorphic formats makes these lenses a significant addition to the market. As filmmakers increasingly adopt mirrorless systems, the AP3 FF lenses are poised to meet the demands of modern cinema.