Panavision Launches Ultra Panatar II Anamorphic Primes for Modern Filmmaking

These lenses stand out for their 1.3x anamorphic squeeze, ability to produce warm-colored flares, and compatibility with a 46mm image diagonal. They are designed to blend the nostalgic charm of vintage Panavision anamorphics with the necessities of contemporary filmmaking.

Key Features and Specifications

The Ultra Panatar II series is engineered to satisfy the rigorous demands of current film and digital productions. These lenses are recognized for their ability to replicate the classic Panavision anamorphic aesthetics, such as vertical lens breathing, natural edge softness, and distinctive warm flares. Panavision highlights their suitability for intricate visual effects and virtual production environments, attributing this to their precise distortion management and uniform resolution across the frame, all while accommodating a 46mm diagonal.

Available in a range of focal lengths:

• 35mm T2.8
• 40mm T2.8
• 50mm T2.8
• 65mm T2.8
• 85mm T2.8
• 100mm T2.8
• 135mm T2.8

These lenses vary in weight from 5.8 pounds (2.63 kilograms) to 6.5 pounds (2.94 kilograms) and feature a uniform front diameter of 126mm. Minimum focusing distances range from 24 inches (60.96 cm) for the shorter focal lengths to 42 inches (106.68 cm) for the 135mm lens.

Design and Usability

The Ultra Panatar II lenses are tailored to emulate the visual impact of traditional 2x-squeeze anamorphics while offering the flexibility of a 1.3x squeeze ratio. This design choice ensures that the lenses can adapt to various aspect ratios without compromising on resolution quality, making them an ideal choice for modern digital cinematography.

Availability and Compatibility

These lenses are exclusively available for rental, adding to Panavision’s comprehensive selection of anamorphic rental lenses. It is important to distinguish the Ultra Panatar II from the original Ultra Panatar lenses, which come in nine focal lengths ranging from 35mm to 300mm and are known for their elliptical bokeh designed to mimic higher compression ratios. The Ultra Panatars are compatible with any camera system that supports the Panavision System 65 mount, and they have been used in high-profile films like “The Power Of The Dog,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “The King,” and “Evil Dead Rise.”

News source: https://www.panavision.com/camera-and-optics/optics/product-detail/ultra-panatar-ii