Angenieux EZ-1 Zoom Lens is Finally Ready – EZ-2 to Follow Shortly

by Olaf von VossApril 26^th, 2017

We caught up with Band Pro’s Jeff Cree to chat about the much-anticipated Angenieux EZ-1 and EZ-2 zoom lenses announced back in late 2016. These lenses are capable of converting from one mount to another in seconds and they even can cover different sensor sizes natively. Sounds confusing (yet interesting)? Read on!

the EZ-2 in FF mode

The Angenieux EZ-1 and EZ-2 zoom lenses

At first glance, it may not be so easy to really grasp the full potential of these zooms: they are a set of two cine zoom lenses, with the EZ-1 at 45-135mm T3, and the EZ-2 at 22-60mm T3. So far so good. But get this: the EZ-1 is also a 30-90 T2 zoom and the EZ-2 can actually be a 15-40mm T2. Wait,what?

The reason behind this is fairly easy (or… EZ!): by using a custom-made, user-exchangeable optical rear element, the lens can either cover a full frame image circle at T3 or a Super 35 sensor at T2, withe the optical element serving as a kind of Speed Booster. Pretty neat!

The customization potential of the zooms doesn’t stop there, though. You can easily swap mounts from PL to EF or E-mount. Minimal focus breathing and the absence of light loss throughout the zoom range of both lenses complete the feature set.

I originally covered the EZ series by Angenieux a while back, but since it’s kind of confusing to keep track of all these customizable features, here’s a quick recap:

Specifications of the EZ Series:

EZ-1 FF mode

• 45-135mm T3 / f2.8, image coverage up to 46mm diagonal
• Lightweight (2,050g / 4.5 pounds)

EZ-1 s35 mode

• 30-90mm T2 / f1.9, image coverage up to 30mm diagonal
• Extremely fast T2 across zoom range with no ramping
• Lightweight (2,150g / 4.7 pounds)

EZ-2 in FF mode

• 22-60mm T3 / f2.8, image coverage up to 46mm diagonal
• Lightweight (2,070g / 4.6 pounds)
• Extremely wide coverage with minimal distortion

EZ-2 in s35 mode

• 15-40mm T2 / f1.9, image coverage up to 30mm diagonal
• Extremely fast T2 across zoom range with no ramping
• Lightweight (2,120g / 4.6 pounds)
• Extremely wide coverage with minimal distortion

Also, all EZ zoom lens share the following features:

• Internal focusing and zooming: lens size remains constant throughout the zoom and focus range.
• Traditional Angenieux look: colorimetry matches those of Optimo & OPTIMO STYLE series.
• Short MOD 0.6m / 2 feet
• In-lens thermal compensation significantly reduces temperature drift.
• Precise and ergonomic focus ring with scale rotation of 300 degrees
• Luminescent FTZ markings, easy reading in dark
• Available with PL lens mount, easy conversion to EF or E mount by users
• Front diameter 114mm, matte boxes compatible with those used on OPTIMO & OPTIMO STYLE compact zooms
• Detachable ENG style zoom grip available from MOVCAM

The EZ-1 in s35 mode

What’s new is that the grip attachment with zoom rocker is actually included when you buy these lenses. The grip allows you to control the lenses in a wide range of different setups: wirelessly with a MOVCAM remote, wired using third party products thanks to a standard 20-pin connector, or locally via the grip itself. It’s your choice, but the lens will be at your service setup you decide to go with.

Pricing and Availability

The Angenieux EZ-1 zoom lens is shipping now, with production of the EZ-2 zoom expected to start in August. We’re looking at an estimated price of $25,400 for both lenses including the grip attachment and the different mounts. Just for comparison: a Fujinon ZK19-90mm T2.9 Cabrio zoom lens will set you back $29,800. Of course, how the EZ series of lenses holds up against the Cabrio is yet to be seen.

Head over to angenieux.com for further information.