LVX SUÁREZ Unveils Cinema Lens Collection with a Charitable Purpose

LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics has introduced the SUÁREZ collection, a new line of spherical cinema lenses designed with a strong emphasis on beauty, while also pushing beyond traditional optics to embrace meaningful social impact. This launch marks both a technical milestone and a deeply personal chapter for the company’s founder.

For over a year, we’ve been following the journey of LVX, a boutique company led by Director/DP Peppe Badalamenti Suárez. In early 2024, we covered the release of the LVX AURORA V2 series, followed later by the AURORA LT cine primes. Now, the company is stepping up again with a new set of lenses — but more importantly, with a philanthropic mission tied to the release. To my knowledge, this is something rarely attempted at such scale.

Could this social initiative signal the rise of a new trend? Time will tell. It’s also worth mentioning Ron Sim of Simmod, who recently introduced the APSARA lens line with a pledge to give back by founding a new film academy and supporting young filmmakers in Cambodia.

The Story Behind the Glass

The SUÁREZ lens collection holds deep personal meaning for LVX founder Peppe Badalamenti Suárez, who dedicated the series to his mother. The name itself comes from Hebrew roots — “Shua Resh”, meaning “the leader who answers the cries for help” — a philosophy that carries over into the project’s philanthropic mission.

“Designing lenses has been a very personal journey, filled with challenges, mistakes, and beautiful moments — much like life itself,” shares Badalamenti, who started LVX two years ago after overcoming years of addiction. The company’s name, meaning “light” in Latin, not only reflects its optical focus but also a broader vision of inspiring positive change.

Technical Development Process

The SUÁREZ lenses are built on Canon Sumire optics as their foundation. The team dedicated nearly a year to studying them alongside vintage and classic glass in their projector room. Their goal was to craft what they call a “beauty-focused, cosmetic lens” with distinct optical traits:

• Lower acutance and contrast while maintaining resolution
• Richer color presence and added warmth at the diffusion point
• Smooth focus roll-off for a creamy subject separation
• Balanced halation that pairs well with bokeh rendering
• Reduced distortion to protect image integrity

From a technical standpoint, the lenses deliver full-frame/large image circle coverage (46.7mm), support 35mm full-frame and large-format cameras, provide 8K resolving power, near-zero focus breathing thanks to internal focus design, and a 300° focus barrel rotation for precise control.

Philanthropy at the Core
The SUÁREZ lens collection is not only about cinematic optics—it carries a social purpose. Fifty percent of all profits are dedicated to Nova Vita, a non-profit organization that provides care for infants born inside Santa Teresita women’s prison in Guatemala City. These children remain with their mothers until the age of four before facing separation, often without sufficient government support for essential needs or development programs.

This commitment to social impact sets SUÁREZ apart from standard lens launches.

Configurations & Availability
LVX offers the SUÁREZ lenses in two versions:

• LT Version (Conversion) – keeps the original Canon Sumire housing, enhanced with custom detailing and paint.
  • Set of 6 lenses: $4,600 per lens
  • Single lens: $5,000
• Rehoused Version – fully re-engineered in lightweight 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum.
  • Set of 6 lenses: $7,000 per lens
  • Single lens: $7,500

LVX SUÁREZ Unveils Cinema Lens Collection with a Charitable Purpose

An optional coating removal service is available for $1,000 per lens. Orders require a 50% deposit, with current lead time at four months. Units ship from Los Angeles, with local pickup also available.

Final Thoughts

The SUÁREZ collection steps into a highly competitive market. Over the past few months, we’ve seen releases like the SIGMA Aizu Primes, Simmod APSARA, and the Lomography Joseph Petzval lenses. Each brand followed its own design philosophy and occupies a different price bracket. While it might feel like comparing apples to oranges, the point is clear: this lens market is getting very crowded.
In this environment, SUÁREZ stands out by emphasizing emotional storytelling and social responsibility alongside strong optical performance.

In terms of pricing, SUÁREZ is positioned below premium cinema lens sets, while offering custom modifications and a humanitarian mission that make it distinct from standard conversions. The four-month delivery window highlights its boutique, handcrafted nature compared to mass-market manufacturers. This launch reflects industry trends tracked by CineD in 2024 and 2025, showing a shift toward specialized, story-driven lens development. As the field expands beyond traditional manufacturers, smaller players like LVX prove how personal narrative and social purpose can set optical tools apart in an increasingly saturated market.

Launch Event

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