Cooke Expands Cinematic Lens Range with Nikon Z-Mount for AP3 and SP3 Primes
Cooke Optics, a leading manufacturer of high-end cinematic lenses, has announced a significant expansion of its product line, making its acclaimed AP3 and SP3 series cinema prime lenses available for Nikon Z-mount cameras. This strategic move broadens the accessibility of these premium optics to a wider range of cinematographers and videographers, complementing existing options for Sony E, L-Mount, Canon RF, and Leica M systems.
The SP3 series, first introduced in September 2023, represents a contemporary reinterpretation of Cooke's iconic Speed Panchro lenses. Initially featuring a set of five T2.4 aperture primes (25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm), the range has since grown with the addition of an 18mm T2.4 lens. These lenses are designed to deliver exceptional resolution while preserving the distinct rendering characteristics, flare behavior, and fall-off that define the revered 'Cooke Look'—a sought-after aesthetic among filmmakers for its unique contrast and color reproduction.
Tim Pugh, Chief Executive Officer of Cooke Optics, highlighted the evolving landscape of the imaging market in 2023, noting the convergence of "videography" and "cinematography." He emphasized that advancements in mid-market camera performance are blurring traditional boundaries, leading to an increased demand for sophisticated optical solutions. This "democratization" allows Cooke to offer professional-grade cinematic glass at accessible price points with flexible camera mounts, empowering more directors of photography to enhance their storytelling with superior image quality.
More recently, Cooke unveiled its AP3 lenses, a new collection of 1.5x anamorphic primes specifically engineered for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The initial offerings in this series include 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses, each boasting a fast T2.4 aperture, mirroring the SP3 series. The AP3 lenses are designed to maintain the beloved 'Cooke Look' while incorporating distinctive anamorphic qualities, such as characteristic oval bokeh and streaking flare effects.
While the AP3 lenses are primarily offered with a Sony E-mount, they feature interchangeable mounts, with Canon RF, L-Mount, and M options available from launch. The inclusion of the Nikon Z-mount now provides an exciting new avenue for users. These new Z-mount compatible lenses are expected to be a popular choice not only for Nikon's own Z-series cameras but also for Nikon's RED cameras, which are widely utilized by professionals across diverse cinematic productions. The SP3 lenses are priced at $4,500 each, with the 18mm variant slightly higher at $4,970, and sets ranging from $21,375 for a five-lens collection to $26,000 for a six-lens set. The AP3 lenses are available at $7,750 each, or a three-lens set with a case can be acquired for $22,250.
This expansion underscores Cooke Optics' commitment to providing cutting-edge tools that meet the evolving needs of the filmmaking community, allowing more creators to achieve their artistic vision with the distinctive and highly regarded 'Cooke Look'.