Opica Elite Lightweight Zoom 25-80

[Mark Pugh]

Has anyone used or bought this lens?
Any specific comments/ comparisons about it's quality?

[Steve Gal]

I have the Optika Vario Optar 25-80 T3.4 and it is OK. Lightweight for handheld or steadicam use. I was told the lens was used in Gladiator for some of the fight scenes but I cannot confirm that. The front section moves about an inch when focusing.

[Mark Pugh]

How does it breathe?
Is the vario optar an older version of this one:
http://www.slowmotioninc.com/sales/zoom_lenses.htm

[Steve Gal]

Oh it breathes, it breathes........ Not like an Angenieux 28-76.

[Nick Gardner]

Just for the record, Slow Motion wants $18k for that lens, and the manufacturer sells it for 9k euros............

Nick

[Michael Lindsay]

There is somebody on this board that has just taken delivery of this lens.. I will point him to this thread and see if he is wants to post...

The very little that I know:

It is very small and sharp (from 2 accounts given to me.)

Dealing with Optica is a tad trick as they do not speak English. They have massive orders for most lenses and some will not ship till after September.

Also their prices have just gone up..

I personally have spent money with a Russian translator to end up with no lenses...:sad:

PM me if you want further details.

Michael

[Steve Gal]

How does it breathe?
Is the vario optar an older version of this one:
http://www.slowmotioninc.com/sales/zoom_lenses.htm

I cannot tell you if it is the same lens. I would say it is but the markings are a little different than that picture which is a little hard to see.