Cooke S8/i FF Lenses – A Harmonious Blend of Aesthetics, Ergonomics, and Durability

27.05.2025

Cooke Optics is a legendary British company specializing in the production of high-quality film lenses. It is one of the most respected and recognized brands in the world of professional cinematography.

In the realm of filmmaking, choosing the right lens can significantly impact the final visual outcome of a production. In this context, the Cooke S8/i FF lenses from Cooke Optics represent a new standard, offering an unprecedented combination of excellent optics, ergonomic design, and advanced technology while maintaining their original character.

Key Specifications:

– Full Frame Lenses

– Mount: PL

– Aperture: T1.4-T22

– Field of View: 99° (for 18mm) to 19° (for 135mm)

– Minimum Focus Distance: 600m for 18mm to 1200mm for 135mm

– Front Diameter: 104mm (except 18mm – 136mm)

– Weight: Varies by focal length, approximately 2.1 – 3.4kg

The Cooke S8/i FF lenses are available in a wide range of focal lengths, making them a versatile tool for filmmakers. In our rental, the set includes lenses: 18/25/32/40/50/75/100/135mm, and it is the only set available in Poland.

The Cooke S8/i FF has gained recognition not only for its optical quality but also for the differences compared to its predecessor – the Cooke S7/i FF. The S7/i FF series was long the number one choice for operators valuing the classic “Cooke Look” – a warm, soft image with a cinematic aesthetic. However, the arrival of the S8/i FF marks a new chapter – more modern, brighter, and more versatile.

Brightness – The Advantage of S8/i

The S8/i offers an aperture of T1.4, making it one of the brightest full-frame series on the market. This provides greater freedom to work in low light and better control over depth of field. In comparison, the S7/i at T2.0 is significantly less impressive.

Contrast and Sharpness – More Organic Precision

While both series offer the classic “Cooke Look,” the S8/i FF has been redesigned with modern demands in mind. It places a greater emphasis on contrast, resulting in an image with clearer structure and a greater sense of realism – without digital sharpness. The effect? A clean image that is simultaneously natural and organic.

Construction – Lighter, More Modern

The S8/i also represents a step forward in ergonomics – the lenses are lighter and more compact than the S7/i FF, which is crucial when working with gimbals, steadicams, or drones. This is an important change for modern shooting setups.

Technical Data and Workflow

Both series utilize Cooke /i technology (metadata transmission to the camera), but the S8/i does so in a way that is more optimized for the current needs of 4K/6K/8K production. The Cooke S8i/FF lenses are an excellent choice for filmmakers seeking the highest quality image, versatility, and modern technological solutions, with a design that harmoniously combines aesthetics, ergonomics, and durability. Their comparison with the S7i/FF series shows that Cooke Optics prioritizes innovations that can significantly enhance the quality of film productions. With these lenses, every film project will gain the new quality and professionalism it deserves.

We warmly invite you to our studio for testing!

Contact:

🙋🏻‍♂️Piotr Kępisty

📧: piotr@heliograf.net

📳: +48 726 414 003