Panavision and Angénieux debut optics for expanding 65mm camera ecosystem
Panavision unveiled its Primo 65 series, a set of 12 spherical prime lenses, and Angénieux introduced its EZ65 series, both offering large-format lenses for 65mm sensors. These new lens lines are reengineered versions of existing popular ranges, designed to meet the growing demand for high-resolution productions and cinematic characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- Panavision Primo 65 series features 12 spherical primes ranging from 21mm T2 to 225mm T2.5, using the proprietary SP70 mount.
- Angénieux EZ65 series introduces two large-format zooms: the EZ-2 (27–72mm) and EZ-3 (82–300mm), both utilizing LPL mounts.
- The Primo 65 lenses include a new 65ZW 20-36mm T4 wide zoom to complement the prime set.
- Design features like common 112.8mm front diameters and consistent ring spacing on the Primos are intended to accelerate on-set lens changes.
Why It Matters
The introduction of dedicated 65mm glass signals a maturing high-end production tier as streamers demand more 'cinematic' visual differentiation. By porting familiar 35mm optics to the 65mm format, Panavision and Angénieux are reducing the technical friction for cinematographers transitioning to larger sensors. This expansion supports the launch of new large-format hardware like the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K and Sony Rialto 65, cementing the format's role in premium content creation. Watch for whether these rental-only optics become the standard for 2027 flagship series on platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Additional Context
The 65mm format is experiencing a rapid hardware expansion, with several high-performance cameras entering the market between 2024 and 2026. Per FDTimes in June 2026, Sony recently developed the Rialto 65, a 9.6K sensor extension system for the Venice 2 that enables a 1.4x larger format production. This accompanies the release of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, which has already been utilized by cinematographers on new series such as the HBO comedy 'Rooster,' according to FDTimes reporting.
Simultaneously, ARRI has expanded its 65mm footprint beyond the established Alexa 65 system. In early 2026, technical analysts noted the emergence of the ARRI Alexa 265, a more compact large-format system designed to offer 65mm image quality in a mobile form factor. This trend is driven by major streaming platforms' continued reliance on large-format 'certified' cameras; per EFD Studios in 2025, the Alexa 65 remains a 'gold standard' for Netflix original productions and high-budget feature films like 'The Revenant.'
Other lens manufacturers are also crowding into the space to compete with Panavision. According to YouTube coverage and industry reports from Cine Gear Expo 2026, Atlas Lens Co. is now shipping its Kaizen series, a $89,000 set of 1.5x anamorphic lenses designed specifically for large-format sensors like the Fujifilm GFX Eterna and Sony Venice 2. Additionally, Zeiss introduced the Panoptes 65 prime series, further illustrating that the premium production ecosystem is shifting away from standard full-frame sensors toward the larger 65mm diagonal for flagship content.
Read full article at redsharknews.com
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