Description
The Phénix Zoom renders as tenaciously as Ancient Optics was during the rehousing process. An LF-covering compact workhorse of a zoom lens- the comfortable 28-76mm focal range, extremely useable T/2.7, common 110mm front, and well-spaced gear design make light of how truly complicated this lens is in design and how phenomenal the Iron Glass team’s design is.
Originally based on the Tokina/Angenieux 28-70 (which share the same optical design), the lens has been brought back to full spec. You can expect a sharp center with a gentle and slight falloff at the edges, expressive flares, a middling contrast and almost no chromatic aberration. The lens flares boldly, with warm red and amber wash, and red, amber, and green artifacts filling the frame. . Bokeh is sharp and textural, opting towards a look that’s more characterized and pronounced. A variety of primes could compliment if needed, and even on its own a nimble production could easily walk away thrilled.