Cooke Optics has announced Nikon Z-mount support for its SP3 spherical and AP3 1.5x anamorphic mirrorless cinema lenses. The new mount is user-interchangeable and is being introduced through a licensing agreement with Nikon.
Cooke Expands SP3 and AP3 Mount Options
Cooke Optics has announced Nikon Z-mount availability for its SP3 and AP3 mirrorless cinema lens ranges. The company entered into a licence agreement with Nikon to bring the Z mount to these lenses, expanding their compatibility beyond the existing E, RF, L and M mount options.
Cooke says the Z-mounts will begin shipping in August 2026. The company has also hosted demonstrations pairing the new mount with Nikon Z-series cameras and RED cameras equipped with Z mounts.
The announcement applies to both Cooke’s SP3 full-frame spherical primes and AP3 1.5x anamorphic primes.
User-Interchangeable Mounts
A key feature of both lens families is their user-interchangeable mount system. Cooke says owners can change the mount on SP3 and AP3 lenses, allowing the same lenses to be configured for different supported camera systems. Cooke provides instructions for changing the mounts on both lens families.
With the addition of Nikon Z, the available mount ecosystem for these lenses now includes Z alongside the previously offered E, RF, L and M options. Cooke’s SP3 product information specifically lists Z among its user-changeable mount options.
This approach allows cinematographers and owner-operators to use the same lens investment across compatible camera systems without purchasing a completely separate set of lenses for every mount.
Cooke SP3: Full-Frame Spherical Primes
The SP3 is Cooke’s full-frame mirrorless cinema lens family. The series is designed around a compact form factor and features a user-changeable mount system. Cooke describes the lenses as compact and lightweight, with an ergonomic design intended for mirrorless cinema applications.
The SP3 line is also designed to complement Cooke’s established optical character. Cooke describes the series as sharing its design heritage with the company’s Speed Panchro family while being developed as a modern lens system for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The lenses feature cinema-style mechanical controls and consistent lens architecture across the range.
Cooke AP3: 1.5x Full-Frame Anamorphic Primes
The AP3 is Cooke’s compact anamorphic mirrorless lens family. The series uses a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze factor and is designed for full-frame applications.
The AP3 range includes 35mm, 50mm and 85mm focal lengths. The lenses use Cooke’s interchangeable-mount architecture and are available for several mirrorless camera mounts, with Nikon Z now added to the system.
AP3 lenses also use standardized cinema-style gearing, including 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears, and are designed as relatively compact alternatives for productions using mirrorless and other compact cinema-camera configurations.
Nikon Z and RED Cinema Cameras
The new Cooke Z-mount option is particularly relevant to cameras using Nikon’s Z interface.
RED introduced Z-mount versions of cameras including the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X, giving those cameras access to Nikon Z lenses and other optics designed for the Z mount. RED notes that the shallow flange focal distance of the Z mount allows additional lens systems to be used with its cameras.
Consequently, Cooke’s new Z-mount SP3 and AP3 lenses can be used with compatible Nikon Z-series cameras and RED cameras equipped with the Z mount, subject to the compatibility requirements of the specific camera and lens configuration.
The important distinction is that not every RED camera uses Z mount. The compatibility applies to RED models and configurations specifically equipped with the Nikon Z interface.
Availability and Complimentary Mount Program
Cooke says customers purchasing eligible SP3 or AP3 lenses can claim a Nikon Z-mount as a complimentary second mount. Existing customers who have already claimed their complimentary mount can purchase a Z-mount separately through approved SP3 and AP3 retailers. Eligibility and terms are subject to Cooke’s conditions.
The company states that Z-mounts will begin shipping in August 2026.
Cooke also held an August 12 event in London giving users a first opportunity to test the new Z-mount with SP3 and AP3 lenses alongside Nikon Z-series and RED Z-mount cameras.
What the New Z-Mount Means for Cinematographers
The addition of Nikon Z expands the camera systems that can use Cooke’s SP3 and AP3 mirrorless lenses while retaining the interchangeable-mount concept already used by the two product families.
For cinematographers working between Nikon Z and compatible RED Z-mount cameras, the new option provides a way to configure the same Cooke lens system for those cameras without requiring a separate lens set specifically designed around another mount.
The announcement does not, however, establish specific performance advantages over third-party adapters such as improved optical alignment, elimination of flex, reduced focus-motor backlash or other mechanical benefits. Those claims should not be attributed to the Z-mount announcement without additional engineering documentation from Cooke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cooke SP3 and AP3 lenses now available in Nikon Z mount?
Yes. Cooke has announced Nikon Z-mount availability for both SP3 and AP3. The company states that the Z-mounts will begin shipping in August 2026.
Can the mount be changed by the user?
Yes. Cooke describes both SP3 and AP3 as having user-interchangeable mounts and provides mount-change instructions for the lens families.
Can new SP3 and AP3 buyers receive a Z mount?
Eligible customers purchasing an SP3 or AP3 can claim a Nikon Z mount as a complimentary second mount. Existing customers who have already claimed their complimentary mount can purchase Z mount separately through approved retailers.
Are Cooke SP3 and AP3 compatible with RED Z-mount cameras?
Cooke states that its Z-mount lenses can be used with compatible Nikon Z-series and RED cameras. RED has introduced Z-mount versions of the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X.
What is the difference between SP3 and AP3?
SP3 is Cooke’s full-frame spherical mirrorless cinema lens family, while AP3 is a 1.5x anamorphic mirrorless cinema lens family. AP3 currently includes 35mm, 50mm and 85mm focal lengths.
Conclusion
Cooke’s addition of Nikon Z mount expands the compatibility of its SP3 spherical and AP3 1.5x anamorphic mirrorless cinema lenses. The new option was developed under a licence agreement with Nikon and uses the user-interchangeable mount architecture already offered by the two lens families.
With Z-mount versions of cameras such as the RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X also available, the new Cooke mount gives cinematographers another way to integrate SP3 and AP3 lenses into Nikon Z and compatible RED camera systems.
Cooke says the new Z-mounts will begin shipping in August 2026, with eligible new SP3 and AP3 purchases receiving the mount as a complimentary second mount.
