Lens test: Cooke SP3

The Cooke SP3 brings the iconic “Cooke Look” to a compact, full-frame design built for modern, lightweight cinema setups. In our test, we explore how this lens set performs at T2.4, T2.8, and T5.6, focusing on contrast, color, and detail across focal lengths.

Cooke has built its reputation on natural skin tones, smooth contrast, and a gentle roll-off that flatters every frame. The SP3 primes carry that same DNA into a compact design suitable for mirrorless and lightweight cinema cameras. The lenses cover a full-frame sensor with an image circle of 43.3 millimeters, ensuring consistent performance across modern formats.

The set includes the 25mm, 32mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm lenses. For each lens, we stock an E-mount and a L-mount. Each lens features dual non-linear focus scales in both imperial and metric units, with markings from infinity to the minimum object distanceThe lenses are equipped with a nine-leaf module iris assembly, providing a smooth and aesthetically pleasing bokeh.

The Test

Each focal length maintains the same visual signature, producing soft highlights, smooth edges, and pleasing transitions between light and shadow. At T2.4, the lenses deliver a gentle bloom, while stopping down to T2.8 or T5.6 increases sharpness without losing the natural texture.

The results of our test confirmed that these lenses deliver a cinematic image straight out of the camera, with consistent color, contrast, and character across all focal lengths. Their images are full of warmth and character that remains unmistakably Cooke. Keep in mind, we do consider these lenses more on the softer side, however, the images they produce are perfectly suitable for modern commercial productions.

The SP3 lenses are designed for versatility and portability. It pairs seamlessly with cameras such as the Sony FX3, FX6, or FX9 and fits comfortably on both compact and larger setups. The lenses bring the distinct Cooke aesthetic to productions that value efficiency without compromising on quality.

Interested in experiencing the Cooke SP3 firsthand?

The full set is available to test in our prep space!