GL Optics: German lens manufacturer specializing in rehousing vintage focal lengths and custom optics for cinema productions.
Technical Details
The GL Optics Vario lenses cover focal length ranges of 15-40mm, 28-85mm, and 85-300mm with a constant T2.8 aperture. The in-house prime lenses range from 12mm to 200mm with maximum apertures between T1.4 and T2.8. All cine lenses feature standardized 0.8 module gears for follow focus systems, uniform 95mm front diameters, and PL mount connections. The focus and zoom rings offer 270° and 180° rotation angles respectively. GL Optics exclusively uses mechanical iris systems with 9-15 aperture blades for smooth bokeh characteristics.
History & Development
Founded in 2008 by Gerd Löbl, GL Optics initially began with the repair and maintenance of broadcast lenses. In 2012, the first in-house development occurred with the Vario series, followed in 2015 by the first prime lenses. In 2018, the company expanded its portfolio to include large format lenses for Alexa LF and RED Monstro. Collaboration with renowned DoPs led to the development of the "Signature Prime" series in 2020, featuring characteristic optical properties. Today, GL Optics employs 35 people and supplies over 60 countries worldwide.
Practical Application in Film
GL Optics lenses have been used in German productions such as "Parfum" (2018), "Hagen" (2020), and international projects like "The Crown" (Season 4). The Vario lenses are particularly suitable for documentaries and run-and-gun situations, while the primes are preferred for narrative projects with controlled lighting conditions. A typical workflow involves pre-calibration of all lenses in a series for identical color reproduction and sharpness behavior. The compact design allows for use on gimbals and Steadicams.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to established manufacturers like Zeiss, ARRI, or Cooke, GL Optics positions itself in the mid-price segment with German manufacturing quality. While Cooke is known for warm, organic image characteristics, GL Optics lenses deliver a more neutral, technically precise rendering. Compared to cheaper Chinese manufacturers, GL Optics offers local service and shorter repair times. The lenses compete directly with Sigma Cine, DZOFilm, and Canon Cinema series, but offer more individualized customization options and smaller production batches for special requirements.