Cooke AP3 1.5x Anamorphic: Specs, Price & Mounts
Cooke Optics has officially released its new AP3 series of 1.5x anamorphic prime lenses, designed to cover full-frame image sensors. This announcement, made around May 20, 2026, introduces a more compact anamorphic option with the signature "Cooke Look" for modern mirrorless and cinema cameras. Initially, the series comprises three focal lengths: 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, all featuring a T2.4 maximum aperture.
Each AP3 lens is priced at $7,750 USD, or a three-lens set (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) can be acquired for $22,250 USD. The lenses are currently available for order through major retailers.
Key Specifications
The Cooke AP3 series delivers a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze, providing a 2.6:1 aspect ratio when paired with 16:9 sensors, or 2.25:1 in a 3:2 Open Gate configuration. This 1.5x squeeze is a common approach in contemporary anamorphic lens design, balancing image characteristics and sensor coverage for full-frame cameras.
Notable specifications for the AP3 series include:
- Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to resolve across full-frame sensors.
Cooke states that the AP3 lenses are color-balanced and color-matched, designed to share optical characteristics and coatings with their S35 2x anamorphic and full-frame 1.8x anamorphic lenses, as well as the SP3 series. This consistency aims to facilitate mixing and matching of lens sets on a single production.
Pricing and Availability
As mentioned, the Cooke AP3 lenses are no longer "TBA" for pricing or availability. Each individual lens is available for $7,750 USD, or the introductory three-lens set (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) can be purchased for $22,250 USD. Orders are currently being accepted by authorized dealers.
Comparing these new offerings, the AP3s sit in a different market segment than more budget-oriented 1.5x anamorphics like the SIRUI IronStar or DZOFILM Arcana, which retail for approximately $1,000-$1,100 per lens. The AP3s are positioned as a premium solution, reflecting Cooke's established brand and optical pedigree.
Competitive Context
This release follows Cooke's earlier SP3 prime lenses, which introduced a more accessible entry point to the "Cooke Look" for mirrorless systems. The AP3s continue this philosophy, bringing anamorphic capabilities into a more compact and user-friendly form factor for full-frame mirrorless cameras, which have become increasingly dominant in various production types.
The trend towards 1.5x squeeze anamorphic lenses is notable across the industry, with manufacturers like DZOFILM Arcana, SIRUI, and Blazar Talon all offering options in this squeeze ratio. The 1.5x provides a less extreme stretched bokeh and flare compared to 2x anamorphics, while still delivering a cinematic widescreen aspect ratio without critical loss of resolution on 16:9 sensors.
While the AP3 lenses are specifically built for mirrorless mounts, their universal 0.8 MOD gears and ability to interchange mounts indicate a design for professional cinema workflows, even when paired with smaller camera bodies. This user-interchangeable mount system, including Sony E, Canon RF, L-Mount, and M-Mount options, broadens their appeal to a wide range of camera users, from owner-operators to rental houses servicing diverse body types.
Who It's For
The Cooke AP3 lenses are tailored for filmmakers seeking the distinctive anamorphic aesthetic and renowned Cooke optical performance, but within a more lightweight and agile package suitable for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This includes:
- Independent filmmakers and owner-operators who prioritize optical quality and cinematic characteristics on smaller camera platforms.
Expert Take
Having spent years as a DIT and camera tech across various productions, I've seen countless lenses come and go, with Cooke always maintaining a distinct presence. The AP3 announcement is significant because it directly addresses the growing full-frame mirrorless market with a premium anamorphic offering. The relatively compact size for full-frame anamorphics, combined with the user-interchangeable mounts, makes these lenses incredibly versatile for modern shooting environments.
The T2.4 aperture is solid for anamorphic work, offering good light transmission and depth of field control. The standardized 0.8 MOD gears and uniform front diameter are critical for efficiency on set, ensuring quick lens changes without re-rigging accessories, a practical consideration often overlooked in initial product announcements.
One aspect that stands out is the 1.5x squeeze. While 2x anamorphics deliver the most pronounced elliptical bokeh and streak flares, the 1.5x offers a softer, more manageable alternative that often works better with the aspect ratios of today's full-frame sensors without excessive cropping. It's a pragmatic choice that still delivers a clear anamorphic personality.
The pricing at $7,750 per lens positions these firmly in the professional cinema lens category, above entry-level anamorphics but below many other full-frame anamorphic options like Cooke's own Anamorphic/i FF. This seems to be a strategic move to capture market share within the higher-tier independent and commercial sectors that value optical quality and brand legacy over pure affordability.
For those running modern full-frame cameras like a Sony VENICE 2 or an FX9, or even a Canon C300 Mark III or R5 C, these lenses offer a high-quality, streamlined anamorphic workflow. The multi-mount system also future-proofs the investment to some extent, allowing adaptation to different camera bodies as they come to market. As for the "Cooke Look," it's notoriously difficult to quantify but universally recognized, a gentle contrast, natural skin tones, and a pleasing fall-off. These AP3s are poised to deliver that aesthetic in a package that's more nimble than traditional cinema anamorphics.
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