High-speed lens series by Panavision with apertures up to T1.4, enabling low-light shooting with shallow depth of field.
Technical Details
The series comprises eight focal lengths: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 55mm, 75mm, and 85mm, all with a constant T1.4 aperture. The optical design is based on a modified Gauss construction with 6-8 lens elements depending on the focal length. The minimum focus distance ranges from 45-60cm, depending on the focal length. A special feature is the spherical aberration at wide-open aperture, which creates a characteristic "glow" effect around bright light sources. The filter thread diameter is uniformly 95mm, and the housing weighs between 2.8 and 4.2 kg.
History & Development
Panavision developed the Super Speeds starting in 1969 under the direction of Tak Miyagishima in response to the demand for faster lenses for available light shooting. First production use was in 1971 for "The French Connection." Production ended in 1980 with approximately 200 complete sets. In 2010, Panavision introduced the "Super Speed Rehoused" – the original optics in modern PL-mount housings. Since 2019, Panavision has been producing limited reissues of the original construction.
Practical Use in Film
Stanley Kubrick used the Super Speeds for the famous candlelight scenes in "Barry Lyndon" (1975), combined with special f/0.7 NASA lenses. Michael Ballhaus used them in "Goodfellas" (1990) for the low-light sequences in the Copacabana. The characteristic spherical aberration at T1.4 creates a soft, dreamy look with pronounced lens flares. Modern productions like "Her" (2013) or "Moonlight" (2016) use the rehoused versions for their organic, intimate image style. The workflow requires precise focus pulling, as the depth of field at T1.4 is extremely shallow.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike modern T1.3 lenses such as the Leica Summilux-C, the Super Speeds exhibit significantly more optical "personality" through aberrations and vignetting. Zeiss Super Speeds (T1.3) offer similar light sensitivity but a more neutral rendering. Modern alternatives include Sigma Cine High Speed (T1.5) or the Cooke S7/i (T2.0). The Super Speeds are chosen when the characteristic vintage look is desired, while modern alternatives are preferred for technically demanding productions or 4K/8K shooting.