Summary
- Cooke has introduced six S4 FF/i cinema primes for full-frame cameras.
- The range spans 18–100mm with a shared maximum T2 aperture and PL or LPL mounts.
- The announced price is €13,000 per lens.
The Cooke S4 look has a new route into full-frame production. Announced on October 20, the S4 FF/i series comprises six T2.0 cinema primes with a new optical design that develops the character of the S4/i Super 35 range. The lenses are available in PL or LPL mount.
Short image samples from the new series:
Six focal lengths and closer framing
The range spans 18–100mm. Short minimum focusing distances make it easier to move from a wider composition to hands, faces and details within a scene before reaching for a dedicated close-up lens.
| Focal length | Minimum focus | Weight with PL |
|---|---|---|
| 18mm | 0.30 m | 1.80 kg |
| 25mm | 0.28 m | 1.65 kg |
| 35mm | 0.28 m | 1.70 kg |
| 50mm | 0.35 m | 1.45 kg |
| 75mm | 0.45 m | 1.60 kg |
| 100mm | 0.65 m | 1.65 kg |
Focusing distances are measured from the camera sensor. Every lens has a T2–T16 aperture range.
What stays consistent on the rig
All six share an 87mm front diameter, 270° focus rotation, 75° iris rotation and matching control positions, reducing accessory repositioning during lens changes. The five longer focal lengths accept 82mm screw-in filters; the 18mm has no filter thread and uses a matte box for that purpose.
The /i system transmits focus, iris and motion data, together with factory-calibrated shading and distortion maps. That information is useful when footage needs to be integrated with VFX or virtual production environments.
The image character
Cooke describes natural skin tones, subtle warmth and a slight bloom around highlights. Its stated aim for flare is to soften contrast while keeping the image readable. Nine curved iris blades replace the S4/i S35’s eight straight blades, helping out-of-focus highlights stay rounder as the aperture closes.
The older S4 look remains an active creative choice: Pau Monras paired Cooke S4 lenses with ALEXA 35 on After Elena, working with natural light and practical fixtures. The new range takes this lens family into a different sensor coverage class.
Price and availability
The series is available to order at an announced price of €13,000, £11,000 or $15,000 per lens for the respective markets. The announcement reviewed does not specify the tax basis of those figures.
What we think
For a crew, the appeal starts with how easily it can preserve the feel of an image while changing focal lengths. Close focus and shared mechanical features can solve everyday problems, particularly when there is little time to rebuild a setup.
At this price, we would start with a rental test using the actual production’s lights, faces and filters. A practical test with a light source in frame and a focus pull tells you more about a lens choice than a familiar name can promise. For gimbal work, lens weight also needs to be considered as part of the complete camera package.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a conversion of existing S4/i S35 lenses?
No. S4 FF/i is a new series with a new optical design for full frame. The announcement concerns neither an adapter nor a conversion service for older lenses.
Does the 87mm front diameter mean every lens takes an 87mm filter?
No. The external front diameter is a different measurement from the filter thread. That distinction determines whether a screw-in filter or matte box is needed.
