STATERA is derived from the Latin word for “balance,” a concept that is integrated into every aspect of this lens set. The result of a three year collaboration between Old Fast Glass and Ancient Optics, the Statera primes were designed to create a cohesive set of anamorphic FF+ lenses that strike the perfect equilibrium between vintage character and modern performance.

Technically, the lenses are an amalgamation of vintage spherical glass and new, modern anamorphic optics. The design utilizes a traditional variable front diopter focus system and a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze ratio. This combination maximizes resolution while delivering the classic front anamorphic look, achieving excellent close focus distances while maintaining Full Frame coverage.

Inspired by legendary anamorphic glass from the 1970s and 1980s, such as Todd AO, Cineovison, Technovision, and Nippon Scope. STATERA lenses carry vintage DNA that renders subjects in a highly flattering manner. The optical system is engineered to minimize “mumps,” ensuring human faces remain natural and proportionate in close ups. Furthermore, these lenses avoid the extreme field curvature or soft corners typical of vintage anamorphics, allowing cinematographers to keep multiple subjects sharp across the frame with excellent edge to edge resolution and pleasing fall off.

The aesthetic includes organic bokeh that begins to swirl towards the edges with a distinct Petzval effect. Thanks to a 15-blade circular iris, the bokeh remains perfectly oval even when stopped down to T2.8. Classic single-layer coatings provide a gorgeous, organic flare character that avoids feeling modern or over-saturated.

Mechanically, the set features matching focus and iris gear positions for rapid lens changes and a silky 300-degree focus rotation. Notably, the designers dramatically improved upon the typical 3-foot close focus limit of vintage lenses. The 75mm focuses as closely as the Cooke Anamorphic 65mm Macro, Hawk Class-X 65mm Macro, and Xelmus Apollo 75mm, while the 135mm T2.9 offers closer focusing capabilities than almost any anamorphic lens in its class.