Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82mm

As is critical for any cinema zoom lens, the Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82mm lens is parfocal. It is sharp on center, with subtle fall-off towards the corners. The lens has surprisingly low chromatic aberration for such an old lens, and has minimal focus breathing. The old single layer coatings deliver lower contrast images, and gorgeous, bold lens flares, and bokeh has a unique texture to it, delivering results that make this lens a perfect match for some of our oldest lenses.

In 1959 Dr. Frank G Back of Zoomar Corporation of New York saw his Zoomar lens design released in suitable mounts for SLR cameras. The new lens was a revelation – continuously variable focal lengths, all in one simple action, and a constant f/2.8 aperture, something previously beyond the available technology. Manufactured by Voigtlander in West Germany, the Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82mm was revolutionary. It is not overly heavy as many modern lenses have tended to become heavier and bulkier in many cases. However, the traditional construction is very sturdy, considering its three solid metal rods that hold the zooming mechanism rock solid.