Panavision, a well-known name for providing cameras and lenses for high-end films, has just expanded its rental-only glass lineup with a new anamorphic option. The new Panavision Ultra Panatar II lens family comes in seven focal lengths and features a 1.3x squeeze, warm flare, and large-format sensor coverage.

“A vintage Panavision anamorphic feel with vertical breathing, organic falloff, and a warm-hued flare”, according to the company.

The new Ultra Panatar II series includes seven focal lengths: 35, 40, 50, 65, 85, 100, and 135mm, all with the same maximum aperture of T2.8. The lenses, which have a big image circle of 46mm, are designed for large-format cinematography and can be an excellent match for cameras such as the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF.

Although these lenses feature a 1.3x squeeze factor, Panavision believes they have the same feel as 2x anamorphic glass. Apparently, the decision to use a 1.3x squeeze was influenced by the necessities of modern productions and the demand for deliverables with varying aspect ratios.

The lenses appear to be well-balanced in terms of contrast and sharpness, with distortion under control.

The majority of lenses can focus as near as 61cm/24″, with the exception of the 85mm (91.4cm), 100mm (76.2cm), and 135mm (106.7cm). Their weight ranges from 2.6 to 3 kg, and their length ranges from 16.6 to 18.9 cm. All lenses have a front diameter of 126mm.