Caldwell Chameleon lenses offer a retro anamorphic look with a 1.79x squeeze for today’s digital sensors, combined with modern mechanics—essentially modern optics with a retro look. This listing is for a set of 6 x Caldwell Chameleon SC Anamorphic Prime lenses (T2.0), including the following focal lengths:

• 32mm
• 40mm
• 50mm
• 60mm
• 75mm
• 100mm

The Caldwell Chameleons are designed to cover full-frame sensors and offer traditional optical aberrations and flare characteristics unique to front anamorphic lenses. These lenses employ a Stokes focus system, which creates a unique focusing experience compared to many other anamorphic primes. The aesthetic result is the compression of the subject in the vertical plane only, creating an artistic “attention pull” without a “zoom” effect. This system helps maintain a constant anamorphic compression across the entire field of view, reducing the “mumps syndrome” that occurs in many other anamorphic lens designs. The complete set can also be converted to Super 35 coverage for cinematographers hoping to capture more edge aberration and optical character on smaller formats.

• 1.79x Squeeze Ratio: Perfect balance of anamorphic look and maximal use of sensor area.
• Full Frame and Super 35 Coverage: Flexible for both formats, capable of high resolution.
• Stokes Focus System: Maintains constant anamorphic compression, reducing “mumps syndrome.”
• Retro Optical Characteristics: Traditional aberrations and flares with modern optics.
• Artistic Aesthetic: Compression in the vertical plane only, creating a unique look without a “zoom” effect.
• Convertible to Super 35: For capturing more edge aberration and optical character on smaller formats.

The Caldwell Chameleons offer a flexible 1.79x squeeze for both Super 35 and Full Frame / Vista Vision formats. They possess distinctive aberrations expected from anamorphic lenses but with a subtle elegance. The flare characteristic is reminiscent of classic anamorphic lenses, showing restraint and being readily controllable. Having two series with different image circles allows the cinematographer to embrace character and edge aberrations or opt for a cleaner, more restrained image depending on the shot or project.

KEY FEATURES