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Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm Lens

The Angenieux 21-56mm is a 21–56mm f/2.9 cinema lens designed for PL Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm Lens

Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm Lens

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Lens Overview — Angenieux 21-56mm

The Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm is a cinema zoom lens built for the demands of professional film and video production. Covering a focal length range of 21mm to 56mm, it falls within the standard zoom range and is designed specifically for Super 35 sensor coverage, making it well-suited to a wide array of digital cinema camera platforms using the PL Mount standard. The lens operates as a manual focus zoom — there is no autofocus — which aligns with the workflow expectations of professional cinema production where precise, repeatable focus control is paramount.

One of its defining characteristics is a maximum aperture of T2.9, providing consistent light transmission across the zoom range, a critical requirement when matching exposure and depth of field in scenes that involve zooming or lens changes. Weighing in at 2.81kg, the lens sits in a relatively manageable weight class for a cinema zoom of this caliber, which can matter significantly when rigging on gimbals, cranes, or shoulder rigs over long shooting days. With no image stabilization on board, shooters will rely on rig-based stabilization solutions.

The PL Mount connection is the industry-standard interface for cinema lenses, ensuring broad compatibility across professional cinema camera bodies.

Key Features — Angenieux 21-56mm

21-56mm Zoom Range: Covers wide to standard focal lengths in a single lens, reducing the need for lens swaps during production.

Constant T2.9 Aperture: Maintains consistent light transmission and exposure across the full zoom range, simplifying matching between shots.

Super 35 Coverage: Designed for Super 35 sensor format, compatible with the most widely used digital cinema camera platforms.

PL Mount: Industry-standard cinema lens mount offering broad compatibility with professional cameras from ARRI, RED, and others.

Manual Focus Design: Smooth, precise focus control built for the repeatable focus pulls required in professional cinema workflows.

Optimo Series Optics: Part of Angenieux's Optimo lineup, known for consistent color rendition and optical performance suited to high-end film and episodic production.

Lens Specifications — Angenieux 21-56mm

Angenieux 21-56mm full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesVideo / Cinematography
Lens TypeCine
FormatSuper 35
Zoom/PrimeZoom
Focal Length21–56mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.9
Camera SystemCinema / Video
Lens MountPL Mount
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Weight2.81kg

Description — Angenieux 21-56mm

The Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm is a professional cinema zoom lens offering a 21mm to 56mm focal length range, classified within the standard zoom range. It is built around a PL Mount interface, the industry-standard connection for professional cinema lenses, and is designed to cover the Super 35 sensor format. The lens delivers a constant maximum aperture of T2.9 across its entire zoom range, ensuring predictable and consistent light transmission whether shooting at the wide end or the long end.

Focus is entirely manual, in keeping with the precision demands of professional cinema focus pulling. The lens operates with no image stabilization, so camera movement control is handled externally. At 2.81kg, it balances capability and portability for a cinema zoom lens designed for rigorous production environments.

The zoom type design offers versatility across the focal range in a single lens, making it a practical choice for productions requiring coverage from wide-angle through standard focal lengths on Super 35 sensor cameras.

Pros — Angenieux 21-56mm

  • ✓Constant maximum aperture of T2.9 across the full 21–56mm zoom range ensures consistent exposure throughout
  • ✓Super 35 lens format coverage suits the most widely used sensor size in digital cinema production
  • ✓PL Mount interface provides broad compatibility with professional cinema camera platforms

Cons — Angenieux 21-56mm

  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring external stabilization solutions for handheld or moving camera work
  • ✗No autofocus capability, which may limit versatility in run-and-gun or documentary-style productions
  • ✗No filter thread size specified, which may complicate use of front-mounted filtration accessories

Videos — Angenieux 21-56mm

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Frequently Asked Questions — Angenieux 21-56mm

What sensor format does the Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm cover?+
This lens is designed for Super 35 sensor coverage. It is not specified for larger sensor formats, so users should verify compatibility if shooting on cameras with sensors beyond the Super 35 standard.
What mount does this lens use?+
The Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm uses a PL Mount, which is the standard cinema lens mount used across a wide range of professional digital cinema cameras.
Does this lens have autofocus or image stabilization?+
No. The lens is manual focus only with no autofocus capability, and image stabilization is listed as None. Cinema productions typically address stabilization through rig-based or camera-based solutions.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The lens has a maximum aperture of T2.9. This is a T-stop rating, which measures actual light transmission rather than the geometric f-stop, and it remains constant across the zoom range.
How much does the Angenieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm weigh?+
The lens weighs 2.81kg. For a cinema zoom lens intended for professional production use, this places it in a relatively compact and manageable weight class.
Is this lens suitable for both film and digital cinema cameras?+
The lens uses a PL Mount and is categorized under Cinema / Video camera systems, making it compatible with PL-mount digital cinema cameras covering the Super 35 format. Compatibility with specific film cameras should be verified based on the camera's PL mount implementation.

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