Abstract: An objective system for motion picture cameras wherein the focal length of a zoom lens is variable by rotating a ring-shaped selector about the optical axis through the medium of a radially extending handle, and focussing prior to the making of exposures at close range is effected by rotating the handle about its own axis. Prior to rotation of the handle about its axis, the selector must be moved to an angular position corresponding to the shortest focal length of the lens and the handle is thereupon depressed radially inwardly against the opposition of a spring so that an eccentric pin at its inner end enters a socket in a slide which is reciprocable in the lens barrel and is coupled to a sleeve for the optical elements of the lens by means of a follower which also serves to couple the sleeve to the selector. The handle can be depressed in a single angular position and can be moved outwardly to become disengaged from the slide only after it reassumes the single angular position.