
Grounded in optical heritage and precision engineering, built for the realities of modern cinema and the filmmakers behind it.
Combining decades of world-class lens design with custom engineering, hands-on service, and dedicated support, we ensure every optic performs flawlessly on set, so every frame reaches the screen with true creative intention.
Our Team
Aligned’s team is unique because many of our engineers come directly from user-side environments—bringing both real-world experience and an absolute commitment to the user experience.
What makes our team truly unique is that many of our engineers come directly from user environments—working as camera crews, lens technicians, field operators, and production support. They understand real-world cinema demands because they have lived them under production pressure.
Driven by this deep, practical insight and an unwavering dedication to the filmmakers we serve, we deliver collaborative manufacturing, custom engineering, and user support that ensures your optics perform flawlessly when it matters most.
Charles Leonard
Managing Director
Mike Hibarger
Director of Optics
Austen Marrs
Director of Operations
Monica Bankston
Head of Administration
Simon Terzian
Executive Technical Support to Managing Director
Lindsey Sandrin
Head of Client Relations
Our Philosophy
Aligned Optical Systems —
Powered by the C/L Network
We focus on the continuous evolution for the optical world for a dynamic multiple application and environments. With our extensive history and teams that have evolved based on the demands of the film and motion picture world, our on-demand project focus customization and production service and support levels through each phase are what change the game for each of our C/L Divisions.
In the arena of film over the last 100 plus years the demands for precision in customization and innovation in any environment — whether real life scenario or for an on screen projection with real feeling behind the scenario — culminates the most demanding and vigorous product testing along with the combination of tools for each of those evolving scenarios and the efficiency of execution at the ever changing moment in time.
Aligned Optical Systems is the optical‑engineering and development division of C/L Enterprises, built on more than a century of innovation shaped by the demanding world of film and motion‑picture production. Our work is driven by the continuous evolution of optical technology across diverse applications and environments, supported by the full strength of C/L's integrated engineering and manufacturing network.
Surrounded by a powerful network of industry partners, we eliminate operational friction and connect teams across the creative ecosystem — force multiplying campus infrastructure and services to push modern cinema forward.

Aligned Services
Cinema Lens Rentals
Tuned by Aligned, ready for set.
Experience glass perfected by collaboration. Aligned now offers direct cinema lens rentals featuring Tuned by Aligned Atlas Orion and Mercury Anamorphic series, as well as premium Spherical Primes.
Built on a foundation of close collaboration with the founders of Atlas Lens Co.—our first official manufacturing partner—we serve as a trusted hub for the Atlas community. Beyond rental fulfillments, we provide complete technical support, maintenance, and fleet servicing for Atlas clients.
Inquire today to reserve our signature lens suites or explore our custom Atlas x Aligned optical packages.
Membership Programs
Protecting and optimizing your glass.
Aligned Goods — Tools, Gear & Custom Hardware
Field-tested tools and hardware.
The Lab

Projection Calibration

Dolly Track Rig

Test Chart Analysis

Lab Alignment Setup

Precision Machining

Optical Components

Collimator Unit

Lens Barrel Work
Contact
Get in touch.
Have a project in mind or questions about our optics? Send us a message and we'll respond within 48 hours.