Cooke 21mm T2.2 Cinema Lens — Specs, Reviews, Used Prices

Cooke 21mm T2.2 Panchro/i Classic Cinema Prime Lens (PL Mount)

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Lens Overview — Cooke 21mm T2.2

The Cooke 21mm T2.2 Panchro/i Classic Cinema Prime Lens is a wide-angle cinema prime built for the Super 35 format and fitted with a PL mount, making it a natural choice for professional film and digital cinema productions. Operating at a maximum aperture of T2.2, it offers solid light-gathering capability for a wide-angle lens in this class. Designed specifically for the Cinema / Video camera system, this lens is a prime optic — not a zoom — keeping the optical path simple and the rendering consistent across the frame.

Focus is entirely manual, which is standard and expected on a dedicated cinema lens where precise, repeatable focus pulls are a core part of the workflow. The lens accepts 105mm filter thread accessories, a generously sized front element diameter that suits the wide-angle focal length. Weighing in at 1,500g, it has meaningful heft that contributes to stability on a cinema rig while remaining manageable for a lens in its category.

Image stabilization is not included, which is entirely typical for a lens intended for use on stabilized camera platforms and rigs. The PL mount ensures broad compatibility with cinema camera systems that have adopted this industry-standard mount. Overall, this Cooke prime is a purpose-built cinema tool centered on a 21mm focal length and T2.2 aperture.

Key Features — Cooke 21mm T2.2

21mm Wide-Angle Prime: A fixed focal length optimized for wide-angle coverage, delivering consistent optical rendering without zoom compromises.

T2.2 Maximum Aperture: Solid light-gathering capability for a wide-angle cinema prime, useful in lower-light shooting environments.

PL Mount: Industry-standard cinema lens mount compatible with professional camera systems from ARRI, RED, Sony, and others.

Super 35 Coverage: Image circle designed for the Super 35 format, the most widely used sensor size in professional cinema production.

Cooke /i Technology: Embeds lens metadata — including focus distance, aperture, and serial number — directly into the camera's recorded footage for streamlined post-production.

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

Lens Specifications — Cooke 21mm T2.2

Cooke 21mm T2.2 full specifications
Spec	Detail
Use Cases	Video / Cinematography
Lens Type	Cine
Format	Super 35
Zoom/Prime	Prime
Focal Length	21mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2.2
Camera System	Cinema / Video
Lens Mount	PL Mount
Autofocus	No
Focus Type	Manual
Image Stabilization	None
Filter Thread	105mm
Weight	1500g

Description — Cooke 21mm T2.2

The Cooke 21mm T2.2 Panchro/i Classic Cinema Prime Lens is a dedicated wide-angle prime built for Super 35 format cinema production. Fitted with a PL mount, it integrates directly with professional cinema camera systems that use this industry-standard interface. The lens opens to a maximum aperture of T2.2, delivering reliable light-gathering performance at this focal length.

As a prime lens, it maintains a fixed 21mm focal length, prioritizing optical consistency over versatility. Focus is manual only, which is the expected standard in cinema environments where focus pullers work with follow focus systems and calibrated markings. The lens accepts 105mm front filters, accommodating professional diffusion, ND, and polarizing filters commonly used on set.

Weighing 1,500g, it has a solid, substantial build suited to rigged cinema setups. Image stabilization is not present, so production teams should plan accordingly with appropriate camera support. The lens is categorized as a Cine type optic designed for Cinema / Video camera systems, making it a purpose-built tool rather than an adapted photo lens.

Pros — Cooke 21mm T2.2

✓Maximum aperture of T2.2 provides solid light-gathering capability for a wide-angle cinema prime
✓PL mount offers compatibility with a wide range of professional cinema camera systems
✓Designed specifically for the Super 35 format, aligning with the most common cinema sensor size
✓Prime optical design keeps rendering consistent without the compromises inherent to zoom lenses
✓Large 105mm filter thread accommodates professional filtration accessories
✓Manual focus operation is ideal for cinema workflows requiring precise, repeatable focus pulls

Cons — Cooke 21mm T2.2

✗No autofocus — unsuitable for run-and-gun or documentary workflows where manual focus is impractical
✗At 1,500g, the weight may be a consideration for gimbal or handheld operators
✗No image stabilization, requiring reliance on external stabilization equipment
✗Single PL mount means no native compatibility with camera systems using other mount standards without an adapter

Frequently Asked Questions — Cooke 21mm T2.2

What camera mount does this Cooke 21mm use?+

This lens uses a PL mount, the standard mount for professional cinema cameras. It is not compatible with DSLR or mirrorless mounts natively.

What sensor format does this lens cover?+

The lens is designed for the Super 35 format, which is one of the most widely used sensor sizes in digital cinema production.

Does this lens have autofocus?+

No, this lens is manual focus only. This is standard for cinema prime lenses, where focus pullers use calibrated focus scales and follow focus systems for precise control.

What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+

The maximum aperture is T2.2. T-stops are a cinema-standard measurement of actual light transmission, making them more precise for exposure consistency across a lens set.

What filter size does this lens accept?+

The lens has a 105mm filter thread, which is a large front diameter suited to the wide-angle focal length and professional filtration accessories.

How heavy is the Cooke 21mm Panchro/i Classic?+

The lens weighs 1,500g. This is substantial enough to feel solid on a cinema rig but should be factored in when planning gimbal or handheld setups.

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