Broadcast-grade zoom lens with 28-340mm range providing extensive zoom coverage for live television and news production.
Technical Details
The optical construction consists of 23 lens elements in 18 groups, with four elements made of fluorite glass. The minimum focusing distance is 1.2m continuously across the entire zoom range. The lens features three precise focus rings with a 300° rotation angle for the focus ring and 180° for the zoom ring. Internal focusing prevents any change in length when adjusting focus. The lens covers an image circle of 31.4mm and is equipped with a PL mount.
History & Development
Angenieux introduced the 28-340 in 2008 as a further development of the successful Optimo series. Pierre Angenieux founded the French company in 1935 but only established himself as a standard in Hollywood in the 1960s with the legendary 25-250mm zoom lenses. The 28-340 was created in response to increasing digitalization and was intended to optimally utilize the extended dynamic range of digital sensors. In 2015, a revised version with improved color correction for 4K productions followed.
Practical Use in Film
The 28-340 is particularly suitable for documentaries and run-and-gun productions where the extreme zoom range minimizes lens changes. Cinematographers appreciate the consistent image quality from wide-angle to telephoto, allowing for seamless zoom movements. In nature films, the 340mm focal length enables discreet animal shots from a distance. However, the high zoom factor requires solid tripod heads, as even minimal movements become highly visible at telephoto settings. Internal focusing prevents dust from entering through moving front elements.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Angenieux 24-290, the 28-340 offers extended telephoto reach with slightly reduced wide-angle coverage. Canon's CN20x50 achieves similar zoom factors but focuses on the telephoto range (50-1000mm). The Zeiss LWZ.3 21-100 covers a more practical range with higher aperture but does not reach the telephoto focal lengths of the Angenieux. For controlled studio environments, prime lenses from the Angenieux Master Prime series offer higher optical quality but require frequent lens changes. The 28-340 remains unrivaled for productions that require maximum flexibility with minimal equipment effort.