Angénieux Oval Iris: The Secret Behind a Cinematic Anamorphic Look Without the Hassle

Creating a cinematic look is one of the main goals in modern cinema. Among the visual elements that define this style, oval bokeh and controlled highlights are especially important. Traditionally, these characteristics are linked to anamorphic lenses, which also come with technical constraints.

Angénieux Oval Iris was developed to offer a different approach. It is a patented technology that allows filmmakers to achieve an anamorphic-style aesthetic while working with modern spherical lenses. By focusing on the design of the iris itself, Angénieux introduces a new way to shape bokeh and image character without changing the lens optics.

What Is Angénieux Oval Iris?

Angénieux Oval Iris is a unique, patented mechanical iris created by Angénieux for the Optimo Primes Series. Its purpose is to generate a true oval bokeh, similar to what anamorphic lenses produce, while keeping the optical performance of a spherical lens.

The key element is its elliptical, vertical diaphragm, which stays consistent across all focal lengths and at any T-stop. This consistency is essential in cinema, where visual continuity between shots matters.

Why Oval Bokeh Matters in Cinema

In cinema, bokeh is more than background blur. It helps guide the viewer’s eye and adds emotional depth to an image. Oval bokeh has long been associated with high-end anamorphic lenses because it gives highlights a distinctive, cinematic shape.

With Angénieux Oval Iris, filmmakers can achieve this look without using anamorphic optics. This is especially valuable when working with modern cameras of cine, where flexibility, speed, and reliability are critical on set.

Designed for the Optimo Primes Series

Angénieux Oval Iris is specifically designed for the Optimo Primes Series. These lenses are known for their modern look, lightweight construction, and consistency across the range.

By combining the Oval Iris with Optimo Primes, cinematographers can match spherical and anamorphic-style shots within the same sequence. This makes sequence matching easier and avoids noticeable visual differences between shots.

A Patented and Precise Mechanical Design

The Angénieux Oval Iris uses a patented mechanical system with 16 blades of different shapes. The design includes a fixed body, a mobile ring, and a command ring equipped with a control pin to operate the blades.

This structure ensures precision and repeatability. The lens can be dismantled and reassembled safely without any optical adjustment. For professionals working in cinema, this reliability is essential.

Anamorphic Flares and Creative Control

Angénieux Oval Iris can be combined with Angénieux’s IOP (Integrated Optical Palette) system. When used with rear Blue Streak filters, it allows filmmakers to create classic anamorphic-style blue flares from direct bright light sources.

The IOP system also supports internal filters and interchangeable irises. This gives filmmakers more creative control while maintaining consistent results across all lenses in the set.

Who Is Angénieux Oval Iris For?

Angénieux Oval Iris is designed for cinematographers who want:

• A cinematic anamorphic-style look

• The simplicity of spherical lenses

• Consistent results across multiple lenses

• Greater creative flexibility without optical compromises

It offers a practical solution for professionals working with lenses, cine, cameras of cine, and the Optimo Primes Series.

Final Thoughts

Angénieux Oval Iris is a technical solution built for real cinema workflows. By reshaping the iris instead of the optics, Angénieux provides a way to achieve a cinematic aesthetic while keeping the advantages of modern spherical lenses.

For filmmakers looking to expand their visual language without adding complexity, Angénieux Oval Iris represents a powerful and elegant tool.