Cooke Optics, a long-time motion picture lens manufacturer, is entering the prosumer video market for the first time with the SP3 prime lens family for full-frame mirrorless cameras, with mount options for E-Mount, RF-mount, L-mount, and M-mount cameras. The Cooke SP3 prime lens set will be available in five focal lengths and will have a consistent T2.4 aperture across all five lenses. Furthermore, all SP3 lenses have a nearly same design and shape, allowing for quick and simple interchangeability.

Tim Pugh, Chief Executive Officer, Cooke Optics, said, “The imaging market has long been viewed as ‘videography’ and ‘cinematography’, with their associated differences particularly evident in budgets and hardware. However, these boundaries are now blurring with vast improvements in the quality of ‘mid-market’ camera performance and consequently the creative optical possibilities and ambitions in this area are widening. This ‘democratisation’ means that we can now offer truly cinematic glass to the traditional pro-video market at an accessible price point and with flexibility of camera mounts, enabling more DOP’s to enhance the narrative of their stories.”

The Cooke SP3 full-frame prime lens series is based on the Cooke Speed Panchro, one of the most influential lenses in film history, with a new optical and mechanical design optimized for mirrorless cameras. It provides exceptional definition and resolution while exhibiting fall-off towards the frame’s edge, which is a key factor in the famous cinematic look achieved by the legendary Speed Panchro lenses, as well as the trademark dimensionality and contrast performance that renders faces with remarkable skin tone and character, known as The Cooke Look®. The SP3s also have specialized cinematic optical coatings to prevent excessive flare.

The SP3 series includes focal lengths of 25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm. Lenses come standard with an E-Mount, and RF-Mounts will be available soon. Early buyers can acquire a free set of RF mounts by following the instructions on the packaging. L-Mount is now available as an accessory part, while M-Mount will be accessible in early 2024. The SP3s are Cooke’s lightest lenses, weighing between 500g/1.10lbs and 690g/1.52lbs including lens mount, making them suitable for use on lighter weight gimbals and drones; its sturdy construction and mechanics will also handle the rigors of fast-paced shooting settings. The tiny, ergonomic form factor allows for cinematic grade shooting even in cramped or difficult-to-reach areas. They include a dual focus scale, and the focus and iris mechanics are aligned across the set to allow for quick lens swaps while keeping the focus and iris motor settings stable.