LVX SUÁREZ Cinema Lens Collection Announced with Philanthropic Mission

LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics has unveiled the SUÁREZ optical collection, a new set of spherical, beauty-focused cinema lenses that extends beyond traditional optics into meaningful social impact. The collection represents both a technical achievement and a personal journey for the company’s founder.

For a bit over a year, we have been following the story of LVX, a small company led by Director/DP Peppe Badalamenti Suárez. At the beginning of 2024, we covered the introduction of the LVX AURORA V2 series, and later on, the introduction of the AURORA LT cine prime lens set. Now the company is upping their game by bringing a new set of lenses to the market, but more importantly, adding a human philanthropic aspect to the upcoming launch—one that, as far as I can remember, has never been explored on such a scale. Is the social initiative that accompanies this campaign a sign of a developing trend? Time will tell, but it is also fair to mention here Ron Sim of Simmod, who just recently introduced his APSARA line of lenses with a promise to give back by establishing a new film academy and supporting the young filmmaking community in Cambodia. (See our friendly podcast chat with Ron, here.)

The story behind the glass

The SUÁREZ collection carries deep personal significance for LVX founder Peppe Badalamenti Suárez, who dedicated the lens set to his mother. The name itself derives from Hebrew etymology – “Shua Resh” meaning “the leader who answers the cries for help” – a philosophy that extends into the project’s philanthropic mission.

“Creating lenses has been a deeply personal journey filled with trials, errors, and beautiful moments, much like life itself,” explains Badalamenti, who launched LVX two years ago after overcoming years of addiction. The company name, meaning “light” in Latin, reflects both the technical focus on optics and a broader commitment to illuminating positive change.

Technical development process

The SUÁREZ lenses begin with Canon Sumire optics as their foundation, which the team then spent nearly a year analyzing alongside classic and vintage glass in their projector room. The development focused on creating what they term a “beauty-focused, cosmetic lens” with specific optical characteristics:

• Reduced acutance and contrast while preserving resolution
• Enhanced color presence and warmth at the diffusion point
• Moderate focus roll-off for creamy separation
• Controlled halation that complements the bokeh characteristics
• Minimized distortion to maintain image integrity

The lenses feature full-frame coverage/large image circle, compatible with 35mm full-frame/large-format cameras (46.7mm image circle), 8K resolving power capability, near-zero lens breathing through internal focus, and 300° focus barrel rotation.

Philanthropic integration

Half of all profits(!) from the SUÁREZ collection will support Nova Vita, an organization providing care for babies born in Santa Teresita women’s prison in Guatemala City. These children face severe challenges, living in the facility until age four before separation from their mothers, often with limited government support for basic needs or development programs.

This social mission differentiates SUÁREZ from typical lens announcements!

Product configurations and availability

LVX offers two versions of the SUÁREZ collection:

LT Version (Conversion): Uses original Canon Sumire housing with custom paint and detailing

• When purchasing a set of 6 lenses: $4,600 per lens.
• When purchasing an individual lens: $5,000

Rehoused Version: Fully machined from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum while maintaining lightweight characteristics

• When purchasing a set of 6 lenses: $7,000 per lens
• When purchasing an individual lens: $7,500

Additional coating removal service is available for $1,000 per lens. Production requires a 50% deposit with a current delivery time of four months. All units ship from Los Angeles with local pickup available.

Final thoughts

The SUÁREZ collection enters a competitive market. In the last couple of months, we reported on the SIGMA Aizu prime line. Simmod APSARA and Lomography Joseph Petzval (just to name a few). Each of these companies took a different design approach and operates at a different price bracket, so while we might be comparing apples to oranges, the goal is to illustrate how crowded this lens segment has become. And in this regard, the SUÁREZ approach emphasizes emotional storytelling and social responsibility alongside optical performance.

The pricing positions SUÁREZ below premium cinema lens sets while incorporating custom modifications and humanitarian impact that distinguish it from standard converted optics. The four-month delivery timeline reflects the boutique nature of the operation compared to mass-market lens manufacturers. This announcement follows industry trends toward specialized, story-driven lens development that CineD has tracked throughout 2024 and 2025. As the market continues expanding beyond traditional manufacturers, smaller operations like LVX demonstrate how personal narrative and social mission can differentiate optical products in an increasingly crowded field.

Launch event

LVX will conduct a lens launch event at CSLA, Los Angeles, on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 PM to 8 PM. You can reserve your place by clicking here.

How do you feel about the new initiative of supporting social needs by selling products? Do you see yourself purchasing these lenses to help a good cause? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.