High-quality anamorphic front attachment lens by Isco featuring improved optics and reduced chromatic aberrations.
Technical Details
The Isco Ultra Star has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 meters and is suitable for focal lengths between 32mm and 80mm on Super35 sensors. The optical design is based on a 4-element configuration with special coating to minimize stray light. The weight varies between 650g (67mm version) and 850g (82mm version). Unlike modern anamorphic lenses, the Ultra Star absolutely requires a spherical carrier lens and must be synchronized via separate focus gears, as the front and rear elements have different focus curves.
History & Development
Isco Optic produced the Ultra Star from 1962 until the 1980s as a cost-effective alternative to the high-priced Panavision and Bausch & Lomb systems. Originally designed for the European 16mm market, it quickly found application in low-budget productions and documentaries. In the 2000s, the system experienced a renaissance through independent filmmakers who appreciated its characteristic vintage look. Today, well-maintained Ultra Star units are sought-after collector's items, as production ceased decades ago.
Practical Use in Film
The Ultra Star produces a distinctly warmer, less perfect look than modern anamorphic systems and exhibits strong chromatic aberrations at the image edges, especially at wide apertures. Derek Cianfrance used modified Ultra Star lenses for "Blue Valentine" (2010) to enhance the intimate, imperfect atmosphere. The manual dual-focus workflow requires experienced focus pullers, as both lenses must be tracked simultaneously. At wide-angle settings below 40mm, characteristic distortions arise that are specifically used for surreal sequences.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to modern anamorphic lenses such as the Cooke Anamorphic/i or ARRI Master Anamorphic, the Ultra Star does not offer consistent sharpness across the entire image field. While Zeiss Supreme Primes or Sigma Cine Zooms are technically superior, they lack the organic character of the Isco system. Modern alternatives with a similar vintage character include SLR Magic Anamorphot or the more affordable Moment Anamorphic adapters, which, however, do not achieve the optical complexity of the Ultra Star.