Building on its established expertise in rehousing cine lenses, TLS introduces the Angénieux 45–90mm T3.5, a carefully re‑engineered classic that marries modern cine mechanics with one of the most respected vintage zoom designs in cinema history. This project reflects a continued evolution in TLS lens engineering, applying contemporary standards to a timeless optical design.
Introduced in 1969, the Angénieux 45–90mm f/2.8 was the first zoom lens designed for the Leicaflex SLR. Developed by the Paris‑based optical innovator renowned for retrofocus design, the lens quickly gained recognition for its robust construction and expressive image character.
Featuring 15 elements in 12 groups within an all‑metal barrel, the lens combined durability with versatility. A two‑touch zoom and focus design and a close‑focus distance of approximately 1 metre made it practical for a wide range of shooting styles, while remaining compact for its class.
At the heart of this lens is its unmistakable visual language. The 45–90mm focal range transitions seamlessly from natural mid‑shots to intimate portrait framing, making it a versatile storytelling tool. Wide open, the lens delivers a soft, painterly rendering with gentle fall‑off and subtle halation that flatters skin tones and enhances atmosphere. Stopped down, it sharpens with improved control while preserving its signature warmth and organic feel.
What defines the lens is the celebrated “Angénieux look”—delicate contrast, smooth focus roll‑off, and pleasing colour reproduction. Highlights bloom gracefully, bokeh remains soft and rounded, and images retain a natural sense of depth that feels cinematic rather than clinical. This balance of technical performance and expressive character has made the 45–90mm a long‑standing favourite among cinematographers seeking emotion and texture in their imagery.
Rehoused by TLS to meet contemporary production standards, the lens delivers full‑frame coverage while preserving the original optical character in its entirety. A parfocal zoom design ensures consistent focus throughout the zoom range, with no visible focus shift and minimal focus breathing for natural focus transitions.
A newly engineered precision cam‑driven focus system provides smooth, accurate, and repeatable control, bringing modern reliability to a classic optic. Retaining a 95mm front diameter, the lens remains compact and mattebox‑friendly, integrating effortlessly into today’s camera rigs without compromising balance or usability.
More than a rehousing project, the TLS Angénieux 45–90mm T3.5 represents an ongoing commitment to pushing vintage cine zooms forward for modern filmmaking. It is a lens that honours its heritage while embracing contemporary production demands, a true cinematographer’s tool, rich in history, character, and creative possibility.








| Focal Length (mm) | Angenieux 45-90mm | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | PL | ||||||
| T-Stop | 3.5 | ||||||
| Min. Object Distance typ. | 3'4" | ||||||
| Ø Image Circle Across Focal Length (mm) | 45mm | 90mm | |||||
| Ø Image Circle Across T-stop | 3.5 | 5.6 | 22 | 3.5 | 5.6 | 22 | |
| Ø Image Circle - Close Focus (mm) | 45 | 45 | 43 | 48 | 48 | 48 | |
| Ø Image Circle - Infinity (mm) | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | |
| Front Diameter (mm) | 95 | ||||||
| Total Length* (mm) | 139 | ||||||
| Total Length* (inches) | 5 1/" | ||||||
| Weight** (kg) | 1.6 | ||||||
| Weight** (lbs) | 3 1/2 | ||||||
*Total approximate length is measured from the flange to the front of lens
** Weight subject to change with further developments
TBC - To be confirmed