Discover a comprehensive resource that bridges the past and future of cinema lenses
The Cine Lens Manual is the industry’s go-to reference for understanding how lenses shape visual storytelling. It offers an in‑depth look at over 200 years of optics, practical specifications, and real‑world film applications.
In the foreword, acclaimed cinematographer Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS writes: "This book is a truly important text. It contains an extraordinary breadth of information about cinema lenses, from their history to the creative choices we make on set. It helped me narrow down my own choices in a world of endless options."
The manual is the culmination of a multi‑year collaboration between Jay Holben, independent director and producer behind American Cinematographer magazine and ShareGrid’s lens reviews, and Christopher Probst, ASC, editor and cinematographer on series like Mindhunter and high‑profile music videos for artists such as Eminem, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.
What’s Inside?
The book is organized into nine chapters that cover every facet of cinematographic lenses—from basic principles to maintenance:
- Chapter 1 – Defining the Lens: The Basics
- Chapter 2 – Defining the Lens: Optical Concepts
- Chapter 3 – Crafting the Lens: Optical Designs in Action
- Chapter 4 – Crafting the Lens: Mechanical Designs
- Chapter 5 – Capturing the Lens: History and Evolution of Cinematographic Formats
- Chapter 6 – Utilizing the Lens: Origins and Evolution of Cine‑Lens Designs
- Chapter 7 – Modifying the Lens: Customizations and Alterations
- Chapter 8 – Evaluating the Lens: Testing and Qualifying Lenses
- Chapter 9 – Maintaining the Lens: Service and Care
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re new to the craft or a seasoned DP, the manual demystifies everything from prime and zoom lenses to adapted, broadcast, and medium‑format gear. It includes:
- Clear explanations of lens types and their optical characteristics.
- Film case studies—e.g., The Wrestler’s 12 mm Arri/Zeiss Ultra‑16 Prime or Psycho’s 50 mm Baltar—to illustrate how specific lenses influence a movie’s look.
- Historical overviews of iconic lenses, such as Panavision Primo Zooms (1988) used in 75 % of Casino and Arri Signature Primes (2018) chosen by Roger Deakins for 1917.
- Practical guidance on lens rehousing, tuning, and testing to ensure you can evaluate gear accurately.
The text is written in a conversational tone that stays true to the technical depth readers expect, yet remains accessible for those who may not be fluent in advanced optics jargon.
Where to Order
The manual is priced at $175, with a total of roughly $200 USD when including shipping. While that may seem steep, it compares favorably to the cost of a typical college textbook and offers unparalleled, actionable knowledge.
Purchase directly from cinelensmanual.com, or find limited copies at the American Cinematographer store and B&H Photo Video.
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