Thales Angenieux is exhibiting a full line of broadcast, film and video lenses at this year’s NAB, including the most recent additions from the company’s Academy Award winning design team. Featured at this year’s display is the Optimo DP 16-42mm Rouge wide angle large format digital zoom lens which complements the company’s highly acclaimed Optimo DP 30-80mm Rouge lens. Also highlighted are the 19 x 7.3 AIF Series General Purpose ENG/EFP Lenses and the Digital 26 x 7.8 AIF Series Tele Super Zoom ENG/EFP Lenses.
“Our expanded line of digital lenses offers cinematographers, broadcasters and video professionals an enhanced selection of flexible and affordable production options,” said Chris Beauparlant, VP, U.S. Sales and Marketing, Thales Angenieux. “In this new digital era, we believe that Angenieux’s superior optics and lens designs present a distinct advantage to the overall production community.”
Making its North American debut, the new large format Optimo DP 16-42mm Rouge lens is on display alongside the Optimo DP 30-80mm Rouge lens. Engineered to deliver superior functionality and ergonomics, the new Optimo DP 16-42mm Rouge lens features a wide angle position of 16mm (75.4 degrees), a fast aperture of T2.8, calibrated focus marks and no ramping or breathing. In addition, the lightweight (4.2 pounds) PL mount lens features a unique mechanical design for precise zoom and focus. The highly acclaimed Optimo DP 30-80 mm lens features a focal length of 30-80mm (2.7x zoom) and delivers the image coverage of full S35 (31.1mm diagonal) in a lightweight and compact design that weighs only 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg).
Angenieux’s Digital 26x ENG/EFP Lens features a focal range of 7.8mm to 203mm (5.6mm to 406mm with a 2x extender) and an aperture of f/1.8 for the HR version, and f/2.2 for the HD version. The lenses’ high quality optics are ideal for today’s high-resolution digital and HDTV cameras, and its light weight and compact size make it ideal for panoramic like wide shots not possible with conventional ENG lenses.
With precision optics and a focal range of 7.3mm to 139mm, the Angenieux 19 x 7.3 AIF Series complements today’s high resolution digital video cameras. Weighing only 4 pounds with 2x extender, and 3.7 pounds in the HD-E version, the lens’ 19X zoom range allows close-up images with optimized definition and clarity.
Also on display in the Angenieux booth is a ground-breaking imaging technique from Binocle, France’s innovative leader in stereoscopic film shooting and post production technology that will allow full 3D stereoscopic shooting without objectionable side effects such as visual stress. Engineers at Binocle have developed a technique which allows camera motion to be accurately controlled with the use of computers and digital image correction. The solution combines perfectly paired optics with full motion control, along with advanced algorithms designed to alleviate viewing stress.
Thales Angenieux is also showcasing its line of Optimo 35mm lenses here at NAB 2009. The company’s engineering team received the Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in February, 2009 for the mechanical design of the compact and light-weight Angenieux 15-40mm and 28-76mm Optimo Lenses.