About the Angénieux Optimo 56–152mm T4 2x Anamorphic Zoom Lens

For productions looking to achieve a true anamorphic look without constantly swapping primes, the Angénieux Optimo 56–152mm T4 2x Anamorphic Zoom is a serious piece of kit.

This Super 35 anamorphic zoom combines classic cinematic character with the flexibility and precision that modern sets demand, and it’s available to hire from Aimimage.

A True 2x Anamorphic Look

This lens delivers a genuine 2x squeeze, giving you the full anamorphic aesthetic, oval bokeh, natural horizontal flares, and that distinctive cinematic depth that audiences associate with feature films.

Unlike spherical zooms paired with front adapters, the Optimo 56–152mm is purpose-built as an anamorphic lens. The result is a more refined image with controlled distortion and consistent performance throughout the zoom range.

With a focal range of 56mm to 152mm, it covers key portrait and mid-to-telephoto framing, making it ideal for dialogue scenes, close-ups, and dramatic compression.

The Advantage of Anamorphic Zoom

One of the biggest strengths of this lens is efficiency. Anamorphic productions often rely heavily on prime lenses, which means frequent lens changes. The Optimo 56–152mm allows you to maintain that anamorphic character while gaining the speed and flexibility of a zoom.

That can be invaluable for:

• Fast-paced shooting schedules
• Steadicam or crane work
• Commercials with tight timeframes
• Narrative scenes requiring subtle reframing

The lens maintains a constant T4 aperture across the entire zoom range, ensuring consistent exposure and depth of field while operating.

Built to Angénieux Standards

As part of the legacy series from Angénieux, this lens carries the brand’s long-standing reputation for precision optics and mechanical reliability. Angénieux zooms have been trusted on major feature films and high-end productions for decades.

The 56–152mm is compact for an anamorphic zoom, making it practical for handheld, gimbal, and remote head setups where size and balance matter. Its robust cinema housing and consistent gear placement make it easy to integrate into professional workflows.

Who Is It For?

This lens is a strong choice for cinematographers who want:

• Authentic 2x anamorphic character
• A practical zoom solution for Super 35 sensors
• Consistent optical quality across focal lengths
• Efficient operation on high-end productions

It’s particularly well-suited to drama, commercials, music videos, and any project aiming for a premium cinematic look without sacrificing production speed.

Available to Hire at Aimimage

The Angénieux Optimo 56–152mm T4 2x Anamorphic Zoom is available now as part of our specialist lens hire range. Our team can advise on camera pairing, filtration, and support requirements to ensure the lens performs at its best on your shoot.If you’re planning an anamorphic production and want the flexibility of a zoom with the character of true 2x optics, this lens is well worth considering. Get in touch with us to check availability and discuss your upcoming project.