The Cooke Varotal 18-100mm T3 Zoom Lens is a legendary vintage cinema zoom, widely recognised for its exceptional optical quality and distinct “Cooke Look.” It features a constant T3 aperture throughout its versatile range. This lens delivers warm, organic colour rendition, beautiful flaring characteristics, 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, offering a broad focal range in a single, reliable optical package for Super 35mm sensors.
Overview
- Legendary vintage cinema zoom lens
- Constant T3 aperture across the zoom range
- Delivers the classic “Cooke Look” (warm, organic, pleasing)
- Beautiful flaring characteristics
- Robust cine mechanics for professional use
- Ideal for Super 35mm cameras
- Wide 18-100mm focal range
- A staple in high-end feature films and commercials
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close focus | Front Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-100mm | T3 | 73cm | 2’4″ | 150mm | 6.24 Kg |
The Iconic “Cooke Look” in a Zoom
This lens provides the beloved, organic, and flattering “Cooke Look” (characterised by warm tones, beautiful skin rendition, and pleasing bokeh) within a versatile zoom package. This eliminates the need for frequent lens changes while still delivering that sought-after cinematic aesthetic.
Consistent Exposure & Depth of Field
The constant T3 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 visual continuity throughout your dynamic shots.
Extremely Versatile Range
The 18-100mm focal length covers a vast majority of shots, from wide establishing scenes to telephoto close-ups. This makes it a highly adaptable “workhorse” for many productions, reducing downtime for lens swaps.
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. While they can be heavy, their build quality is exceptional and reliable.
Beautiful Characterful Flaring
Known for producing attractive, organic lens flares when light hits the front element, which adds to its distinctive cinematic character. Utilise this to your advantage by strategically incorporating light sources in your frame for added visual interest.
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.