The Cooke Varotal 25-250mm T3.9 Zoom Lens is a celebrated vintage cinema telephoto zoom, renowned for its extensive reach and the unmistakable “Cooke Look.” It features a constant T3.9 aperture throughout its versatile range. This lens delivers warm, organic colour rendition, characteristic flaring, and a pleasing, classic cinematic aesthetic. With robust cine mechanics and smooth, precise operation, it’s a staple in high-end productions seeking that unmistakable Cooke character for capturing distant subjects or dynamic sequences on Super 35mm sensors.
Overview
- Legendary vintage cinema telephoto zoom lens
- Constant T3.9 aperture across the zoom range
- Delivers the classic “Cooke Look” (warm, organic, pleasing)
- Characteristic flaring and smooth bokeh
- Robust cine mechanics for professional use
- Ideal for Super 35mm cameras
- Extensive 25-250mm focal range
- A staple in high-end feature films and commercials
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close focus | Front Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-250mm | T3.9 | 150cm | 4’9″ | 121mm |
Extensive Telephoto Reach
The 25-250mm focal length provides immense versatility, allowing for a wide range of shots from comfortable medium wide to significant telephoto. This makes it a highly adaptable lens for various cinematic scenarios, including sports, wildlife, or events where subjects are distant.
The Iconic “Cooke Look”
This lens delivers the beloved, organic, and flattering “Cooke Look” (characterised by warm tones, beautiful skin rendition, and pleasing bokeh) within a versatile zoom package. Even at its telephoto extremes, you’ll retain that sought-after cinematic aesthetic.
Consistent Exposure & Depth of Field
The constant T3.9 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range is crucial for maintaining stable exposure and depth of field during a take. This simplifies lighting and camera settings, ensuring consistency even across a broad zoom.
Robust Vintage Cine Construction
Built to the highest standards of vintage cinema optics, these lenses are incredibly durable and designed for the rigors of professional film production. Given its size, it can be heavy and will often require solid support like a robust tripod or remote head for stable operation.
Characterful Flaring
Known for producing attractive, organic lens flares when light hits the front element, which adds to its distinctive cinematic character and visual interest. Consider how to strategically use these flares to enhance your shots.
Trusted by Professionals
This lens has been used on countless high-profile feature films and commercials, proving its reliability and ability to deliver a timeless cinematic aesthetic that resonates with top cinematographers.