The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II”

A Legendary Look Revived

By Marwan El Mozayen (Text); Hermann Groeneveld (Photography) / SilvergrainClassics

For fans of vintage optics and classic rendering, Light Lens Lab has been making waves in the world of photography. Initially known for their high-quality reproductions of Leica lenses, the Chinese manufacturer has now ventured into replicating other legendary designs. Their latest release, the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II”, brings back the distinctive Cooke Look at a fraction of the price of an original. But what makes this lens special? Let’s take a deep dive.

A Cooke Design for the Modern Era

The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” is based on the famous Cooke Speed Panchro, a classic cinema lens originally designed in the 1920s-30s. The original Cooke Speed Panchros were widely used in Hollywood and were responsible for the look of films like Casablanca, Green Room, and The Sound of Music.

Cooke Optics has since evolved, introducing a modern successor, the SP3. However, original SP II lenses are rare and expensive, often selling for around $4,500 per piece, or in complete sets of five for over $21,000. In contrast, Light Lens Lab offers its faithful reproduction for just over $800 – making this classic look more accessible to modern photographers.

Build Quality & Handling

Light Lens Lab has earned a strong reputation for using high-quality materials, and the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” is no exception. Here’s what stands out:

High-quality lanthanum glass, closely matching the optical properties of the original Cooke lens.
Classic design with a beautifully crafted metal body.
M-mount compatibility, making it a great match for Leica rangefinders.
Focusing tabs, just like the original, for precise handling. These tabs can be replaced with a small pin (included) or removed entirely.
Soft aperture clicks, providing a smooth adjustment experience.
A built-in skylight filter, which can be unscrewed if needed.
A form-fitting lens hood, adding to its vintage aesthetic. However, the hood obscures the red aperture marking unless mounted carefully.

One downside: while the aperture mechanism is impressively smooth, the focus ring can feel slightly stiff, particularly in fine adjustments, making precise focusing challenging compared to Leica lenses.

Optical Performance – That “Cooke Look”

What truly sets the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” apart is its signature rendering. It may not be the sharpest lens by modern standards, but that’s not the point—this lens excels in character and atmosphere.

Smooth yet sharp rendering: It delivers good sharpness without looking clinical.
Distinctive bokeh: The 10-blade aperture produces a beautiful, soft background blur. While it has some soap bubble characteristics, it is far more subtle than lenses like the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan.
Vintage glow: The lens produces a cinematic softness with excellent micro-contrast, contributing to that warm, organic Cooke Look.

A Niche but Valuable Addition

This is not a lens for everyone. It does not aim to compete with ultra-modern, high-resolution optics, nor does it deliver the sharpness and contrast expected in high-end digital photography. However, for those who appreciate the character of vintage lenses, this could be a perfect choice.

With a 75mm version reportedly in development, Light Lens Lab continues to bring rare optics back to life. If you love the aesthetic of classic cinema and want a lens that stands out from the crowd, the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” is a compelling option.

Final Thoughts

For photographers looking for a distinctive rendering reminiscent of classic Hollywood films, the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” offers an affordable way to experience the legendary Cooke Look. While it has minor quirks in focusing, its build quality, design, and optical character make it a worthy addition to any collection.

Would you embrace this cinematic aesthetic in your photography? Stay tuned as we continue to explore this lens in-depth in upcoming articles!

Comments on The Photographs

The photographs of the Djangology gypsy jazz formation were taken at the Jazz Studio Nürnberg in December 2024. The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “SP II” was used on a Leica M6, with a CineStill film BW XX.

Musicians

Hyun-Bin Park (g)

Roland Wondra (g)

Alexander Fuchs (b)

Uwe Hitschfel (dr)

Lars Groeneveld (cl)