High-End Zoom Lenses – Cine & Photographic

The Fujinon MK-R 18-55mm T2.9 Cine Zoom Lens is a lightweight cine-style zoom lens for cameras with Super35-sized sensors, mirrorless cameras such as the Canon C70, and cinema cameras such as the RED KOMODO.

It features a mechanical design with three independent lens control rings: focus, iris, and zoom. Each ring incorporates a cine-style gear with a 0.8 MOD for interfacing with standard cine-style lens accessories.

The focus ring features 200° of rotation, which gives room for precise focus pulls, and the iris is clickless, enabling smooth iris pulls. The lens also incorporates a macro mode for close focusing capabilities.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF / Micro Four Thirds / Sony E

The Fujinon MK-R 50-135mm T2.9 Cine Zoom Lens is a lightweight cine-style zoom lens for cameras with a Super35-sized sensor, mirrorless cinema cameras such as the Canon C70, and cinema cameras such as the RED KOMODO.

It features a mechanical design with three independent lens control rings: focus, iris, and zoom. Each ring incorporates a cine-style gear with a 0.8 MOD for interfacing with standard cine-style lens accessories. The focus ring features 200° of rotation, which gives room for precise focus pulls, and the iris is clickless, enabling smooth iris pulls.

The lens also incorporates a macro mode for close focusing capabilities.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF / Micro Four Thirds / Sony E

The EZ-3 68-250mm & 45-165mm Cinema Zoom Kit from Angenieux consists of a compact PL-mount zoom lens plus both Super35 and FF/VistaVision rear lens-groups.

It enables you to use the zoom with a wide range of cine-style cameras. Simply swap out the rear group to use this versatile 3.7x ratio zoom with the format of your choice on a project-by-project basis. The ARRI PL mount can be changed for separately available Sony E or Canon EF mounts, further expanding the EZ-3 zoom's versatility.

• covers super35/FF sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL / Canon EF (optional / Sony E (optional)

The EZ-2 15-40mm Cinema Lens Pack from Angenieux includes the PL mount version of the 15 to 40mm EZ-2 zoom lens with both the Super35 and FF/VistaVision rear lens-groups.

The lens is fast, T2.0 in Super35 and T3.0 in full-frame/VistaVision. Swapping between the rear lens groups doesn't affect the physical length of the lens, minimum focus distance, or 2.7x zoom ratio.

However, the full-frame rear lens group does change the lens from a 15 to 40mm zoom that covers Super35 to a 22 to 60mm zoom that covers the full-frame/VistaVision aperture.

• covers super35 / FF sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL / Canon EF (otional) / Sony E (optional)

The EZ-1 30 to 90mm Cinema Lens Pack from Angenieux includes the PL mount version of of the 30 to 90mm EZ-1 zoom lens, with both the Super35 and FF/VistaVision rear lens-groups.

The lens is fast, T2.0 in Super35 and T3.0 in full-frame/VistaVision. Swapping between the rear lens groups doesn't affect the physical length of the lens, minimum focus distance, or 3x zoom ratio.

However, the full-frame rear lens group does change the lens from a 30 to 90mm zoom that covers Super35 to a 45 to 135mm zoom that covers the full-frame/VistaVision aperture.

• covers super35 / FF sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL / Canon EF (otional) / Sony E (optional)

The Venus Optics Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lens features focus scales marked in feet and has an interchangeable PL lens mount.

It is designed to deliver a vintage look in both color rendition and bokeh performance. The lens features a 4x zoom range, and it covers Super35 with a greater than 33mm image circle from 25 to 100mm. This enables the lens to be used with a wide variety of cameras and sensors, including those that define Super35 with a larger image circle such as the RED MONSTRO in 6K, GEMINI in 5K, and HELIUM in 8K.

The lens also covers the ARRI ALEXA Mini in 4K. The lens comes with a PL mount attached, which allows the lens to be used with a variety of digital cinema cameras.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL /Canon EF (included) / Sony E (included)

We have to say we enjoyed our time with this zoom and we think it is already finding a good spot in the market.

The price/performance ratio is certainly great as it can surely replace a lot of other lenses in everyday shooting scenarios due to its small size and weight, speed, zoom range, and look. Talking about the look it produces, we like how much it makes natural-looking, sharp images that look alike, with very little distortion and hardly any other image problems. The image looks cinematic and definitely like it’s coming from a much more expensive lens. Overall, we recommend the Laowa Ranger if you are looking for a cinema zoom that punches well above its weight, and doesn't break the bank.

We enjoyed our time with the Laowa Ranger zoom lens and we think it is already a great lens in this segment!

The price/performance ratio is great as it can surely replace a lot of other lenses in everyday shooting scenarios due to its small size and weight, speed, zoom range, and look. It's a great companion to its 28-75mm brother/sister lens! Talking about the look it produces, we like how much it makes natural-looking, sharp images that look alike, with very little distortion and hardly any other image problems. The image looks cinematic and definitely like it’s coming from a much more expensive lens.

Overall, we recommend the Laowa Ranger zoom lenses if you are looking for cinema zooms that punch well above their weight, and don't break the bank.

If you’re after a versatile combo of cinema zooms, with a distinct, warm, and organic look that fits so well in this day and age, the DZOFILM Catta zooms will serve you very well. We wouldn’t want to miss their look anymore.

The Catta lenses are not perfect – if you want no chromatic aberration, and total maximum sharpness all the way through your focal ranges – you will have to invest quite a bit more money to get a set of Zeiss Compact Zooms or something even more high-end. 

A parfocal cine lens, the DZO 10-24mm T2.9 MFT Lens from DZOFilm is designed to maintain focus as you zoom in or out.

Although parfocal lenses can have some small focus changes, the amount is minimal and you can keep overall focus consistency throughout the zoom range. In addition to this, the lens has near-zero breathing, ensuring consistency in framing, and it provides rounded highlights thanks to a 12-blade iris.

True to its cine design, it has a focus rotation of 270° and offers 26 focus marks along the range. Also, back focus adjustment of 19.2mm in small increments allows you to efficiently switch this lens between different MFT-mount cameras. The lens has a durable all-metal housing.

• covers MFT sensors
• Available Mounts: MFT

A parfocal cine lens, the DZO 20-70mm T2.9 MFT Lens from DZOFilm is designed to maintain focus as you zoom in or out.

Although parfocal lenses can have some small focus changes, the amount is minimal and you can keep overall focus consistency throughout the zoom range. In addition to this, the lens has near-zero breathing, ensuring consistency in framing, and it provides rounded highlights thanks to a 12-blade iris.

True to its cine design, it has a focus rotation of 270° and offers 26 focus marks along the range. Also, back focus adjustment of 19.2mm in small increments allows you to efficiently switch this lens between different MFT-mount cameras. The lens has a durable all-metal housing.

• covers MFT sensors
• Available Mounts: MFT

This bundle of the Pictor 20-55mm and 50-125mm T2.8 Super35 Zoom Lens from DZO consists of two lenses with a standard black finish, making them less likely to be seen in on-set reflections.

The lenses provide coverage of an extended zoom range with a relatively fast maximum aperture. Both cover Super35 sensors and have similar lengths, weight, lens gear positions, and front outer diameter, making for fast lens swaps. Each lens comes standard with a PL mount and includes a Canon EF Mount, for compatibility with a wide range of digital cinema cameras.

The lenses hold focus throughout the focal length range and feature matching 16-blade irises for producing round out-of-focus highlights. This bundle includes a durable protective case for transport and storage. Please Note: According to the manufacturer, when converted to EF mount this lens is not compatible with DSLR cameras that have an EF mount. However, it is compatible with mirrorless cameras that have an EF mount, including Blackmagic Design cameras.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL / Canon EF (included)

The ZEISS Lightweight Zoom LWZ.3 Lens in EF-Mount with focus markings in feet features a 21-100mm zoom range, making it a one-size-fits-all alternative for budget-constrained productions.

The lens is optimized for digital cinematography whether on a DSLR or cinema camera, and will cover image sensors sizes up to Super 35mm.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: Sony E / Canon EF / MFT / Nikon F / ARRI PL

We like the flexibility this lens offers in terms of focal length and the possibility of using it on some full-frame cameras. It’s really useful to be able to use a Super 35 lens on larger sensor cameras.

The bokeh is very pleasant and on top of that, it has a special aesthetic image quality to it, because the lens is not that sharp.

Last but not least, the lens mount can be swapped DIY, but Tokina recommends a lens service facility to perform the swap so they can properly shim/collimate the lens so the focal marks are accurate.

Depending on your filming needs and budget, this lens can certainly appeal to small production houses and independent filmmakers, too.

This bundle of the Sigma 18-35mm and Sigma 50-100mm T2 Cine High-Speed Zoom Lenses, both with a Canon EF mount, features focus scales marked in feet and provides an image circle that covers Super35-sized sensors.

Each lens features a maximum T-stop of 2, and the aperture does not ramp over the zoom range. They share common lens gear positions, which makes for rapid lens changes.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: ARRI PL / Canon EF / Sony E

Characterized by a revamped optical design, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM from Canon is a workhorse wide-angle zoom and member of the well-regarded L-series of lenses.

Featuring a series of specialized elements, this lens utilizes a trio of aspherical elements and two ultra-low dispersion glass elements to control a variety of aberrations for high sharpness and clarity.

Both SWC and ASC coatings have also been applied to the elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color accuracy.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF

Spanning a popular and versatile range of focal lengths, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a Canon L-series zoom commonly thought of as the workhorse of lenses.

Ranging from wide-angle to portrait length, this lens is also distinguished by its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture to benefit working in difficult lighting conditions and to afford greater control over depth of field. The lens is also characterized by its sophisticated optical design, which includes one Super UD element and two UD elements, which reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to realize a high degree of color accuracy and clarity.

Three aspherical elements are also featured, and minimize distortion and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness. Additionally, a Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to control flare and ghosting for high contrast and neutral color fidelity.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF

One of the most versatile lenses available, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM from Canon is an L-series telephoto zoom distinguished by its bright design and advanced optics.

Ideal for a variety of subjects ranging from portraiture to sports, the fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects. The optical layout makes use of one fluorite element and five UD elements to suppress chromatic aberrations and color fringing in order to realize a high degree of clarity throughout the zoom range.

An Air Sphere Coating is also featured, and works to reduce flare and ghosting for greater color fidelity and contrast in all conditions.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon EF

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM from Canon is also characterized by its bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture.

This bright design enables working in available light conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field. The range of wide focal lengths suits working in a variety of situations, from landscape to documentary shooting, and this zoom is complemented by an advanced optical design that greatly reduces color fringing and distortion for high clarity and sharpness.

An Air-Sphere coating has also been applied to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in bright conditions.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF

Poised to be the new workhorse zoom, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a versatile wide-angle to portrait-length lens characterized by its bright, advanced, and intuitive design.

The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture suits working in difficult lighting conditions and also enables greater control over depth of field. The optical design incorporates a series of aspherical and Ultra-Low Dispersion elements, which greatly reduce a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range in order to produce sharp and clear imagery.

An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF

Offering versatility and long reach in a notably sleek form factor, the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a flexible telephoto zoom characterized by its bright design and advanced optics.

The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture suits working in difficult lighting conditions and also enables greater control over depth of field. A sophisticated optical design comprises a series of specialized elements, which help to suppress a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range for well-controlled imagery.

An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting when working in strong lighting conditions.

• covers full-frame sensors
• Available Mounts: Canon RF

An ultra-wide zoom characterized by a bright and advanced optical design, the XF 8-16mm f/2.8 R LM WRfrom FUJIFILM is a 12-24mm-equivalent lens featuring a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for consistent performance throughout the zoom range.

The optical layout comprises six extra-low dispersion elements, including three Super ED elements, which help to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and color accuracy. Four aspherical elements are also used to suppress distortion, curvature of field, and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness. Also, a Nano-GI coating helps to control ghosting and flare for enhanced contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.

Complementing the optics is a refined linear motor, which affords quick and quiet autofocus performance, and the lens body is weather-sealed in 11 distinct places to support working in trying environmental conditions.

This weather-resistant zoom lens is a flagship "XF standard zoom lens" with a focal length equivalent to 24mm* to 84mm*, and a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the range.

This flexible workhorse of a lens has been serving us very well for the last few years and we won't hesitate to recommend it.

• covers super35 sensors
• Available Mounts: FUJI X

A telephoto zoom designed for use in trying conditions, the FUJIFILM XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR is a weather-sealed lens spanning the popular 76-213mm equivalent focal length range and featuring a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.

Built for FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless digital cameras, this fast zoom further distinguishes itself with a sophisticated design, highly effective optical image stabilization system, and a Triple Linear Motor AF system for refined focusing performance.

In regards to the optical design, this lens incorporates five extra-low dispersion elements and one Super ED element, which reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for increased clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, a Nano-GI coating has also been applied to elements to alter the refractive index between elements, to minimize surface reflections, and to prevent lens flare and ghosting.

Additionally a rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when working with selective focus techniques.