Lensworks has announced the launch of the NeoAO Version 2 anamorphic lens series, “an evolution of the company’s NeoAO 2x anamorphic lenses delivering significant improvements in close-focus performance, image sharpness, size, and weight”.
Inspired by legendary vintage anamorphic systems including original Cineovision, Kowa and original Todd-AO lenses, the NeoAO series was developed to “recreate the dimensionality, organic rendering, texture, and cinematic character associated with some of the most iconic anamorphic imagery ever captured”.
With Version 2, Lensworks has reportedly refined the mechanical and optical platform to better meet the demands of modern productions while maintaining the visual qualities that define the NeoAO look.
“NeoAO Version 2 was designed around a simple goal: preserve everything cinematographers loved about the original lenses while improving the areas that matter most in real-world production,” said Stephen Gelb, owner and chief lens designer at Lensworks.
“The result is a lighter, more compact lens series with dramatically improved close-focus capabilities and enhanced image performance, while retaining the unique personality and character that made the original NeoAO lenses so popular.”
One of the most significant advancements in the NeoAO Version 2 series is its extreme close-focus capability.
The new lenses are said to allow cinematographers to work substantially closer to subjects without the need for additional diopters, opening creative opportunities for intimate close-ups, detail photography, and expressive visual storytelling while maintaining the characteristic anamorphic rendering throughout the focus range.
In addition to improved close focus, NeoAO Version 2 delivers enhanced edge-to-edge sharpness and improved overall image consistency while reducing both physical size and weight.
The result is a lens series that is “equally at home in handheld, Steadicam, and modern gimbal system configurations”.
The initial NeoAO Version 2 lineup includes 40mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm lenses.
Upcoming focal lengths include: 35mm, 60mm, 85mm, 127mm, 45-90 zoom lens.
The NeoAO Version 2 lenses will be showcased at Cine Gear Expo, where attendees will have the opportunity to experience the lenses firsthand and evaluate their unique rendering characteristics, compact form factor, and exceptional close-focus performance.
For additional information, demonstrations, rental inquiries, or purchasing opportunities, contact Lensworks at [email protected] or via Instagram @lensworksrentals.
