Summary
- Ancient Optics introduced the Statera 90-180mm T3.2
- The lens combines vintage spherical glass with modern anamorphic optics
- It offers a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze ratio
- It covers full-frame sensors
- It weighs approximately 8.2 kilograms
- It is available to rent through Old Fast Glass
Ancient Optics has introduced the Statera 90-180mm T3.2, a new anamorphic zoom lens that combines vintage spherical optics with a modern anamorphic design.
The new lens joins the Statera series and follows seven anamorphic prime lenses developed through a three-year collaboration between Ancient Optics and Old Fast Glass.
Its significance lies in the unusual combination of older optical character with modern cinema engineering, at a time when anamorphic lenses and vintage rendering remain two of the strongest trends in filmmaking.
Vintage character with a modern anamorphic structure
The Statera series is based on a distinctive approach: it uses vintage spherical lenses as its foundation and combines them with a modern anamorphic optical system at the front.
The goal is to achieve an image that balances clarity, optical performance, and the more organic character cinematographers often seek from older glass.
According to the companies, hundreds of lenses from the 1950s through the 1980s were tested for the series. The exact taking lenses being used are not disclosed, as they are part of the identity of the line.
1.5x anamorphic squeeze and front-anamorphic look
The Statera 90-180mm T3.2 uses a modern front-mounted anamorphic system with a variable front diopter focusing system and a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze ratio.
This choice aims to deliver a classic front-anamorphic look, the aesthetic associated with front-mounted anamorphic lenses, but with more controlled and modern operation.
The new zoom version follows the same philosophy as the Statera prime lenses, which were designed as a family of FF+ anamorphic lenses with vintage character and professional construction.
Large, heavy, and not intended for handheld use
The Statera 90-180mm T3.2 is significantly heavier than the prime lenses in the series. It weighs 8.2 kilograms, while the heaviest Statera prime weighs 4.67 kilograms.
In practical terms, this means the new zoom is not intended for simple handheld use. It requires a serious cinema rig, strong support, or a shoulder-mounted setup capable of handling its weight and size.
The lens features a custom silver metal housing with classic design references, built by GL Optics.
Full-frame coverage and its place in the Statera line
Most lenses in the Statera family cover full-frame sensors, with some even covering larger formats. The new 90-180mm T3.2 covers full-frame but is not one of the lenses in the series that cover larger sensors.
The move from primes to a zoom lens shows that Ancient Optics and Old Fast Glass want to expand Statera into a more complete family of anamorphic options for cinema productions.
Old Fast Glass has indicated that the 90-180mm T3.2 is only the beginning for the series’ anamorphic zoom lenses.
Availability
The Statera lenses, including the new 90-180mm T3.2, are high-end custom-built cinema lenses and are not available through traditional sales channels.
They are available to rent through Old Fast Glass, with no public rental price announced.
What we think
The Statera 90-180mm T3.2 is not a lens for every production, but it clearly shows where the premium side of cinema optics is moving: more character, a more specialized image, and tools aimed at productions with a specific visual point of view. Its heavy weight limits its use, but the idea of a vintage-based anamorphic zoom is clearly interesting for serious cinematographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Statera 90-180mm T3.2?
It is an anamorphic cinema zoom lens from Ancient Optics, designed in collaboration with Old Fast Glass.
What anamorphic squeeze does it offer?
The lens offers a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze ratio.
Does it cover full-frame sensors?
Yes, the Statera 90-180mm T3.2 covers full-frame sensors.
How much does it weigh?
It weighs approximately 8.2 kilograms.
Is it available for purchase?
Not through traditional sales channels. It is available to rent through Old Fast Glass.
