Vazen has unveiled its new 85mm T2.8 1.8X anamorphic lens. They claim it is one of the lightest & sharpest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full-frame PL/EF cinema cameras.
The new Vazen 85mm T2.8 is a new LF line-up released by Vazen and is designed to cover large format cinema cameras like Red Monstro, Alexa LF, Kinefinity Mavo LF, and Z-CAM E2-F8. A 55mm and 105mm lens is also in the works to complete a 3-lens set (in phase 1). These 2 focal lengths are due to ship in late 2020.
The 85mm 1.8X anamorphic lens features a super compact and lightweight design. Weighing 3.28 pounds (1.49kg) and 6.89” long (17.5cm). Its compactness allows it to be balanced on gimbals and rig. The lens is designed with an 86mm front filter thread for ND filters or diopters. The front diameter is a standard 95mm for matte box mounting. The entire lens is built up of aluminum and the independent aperture and focus rings are incorporated with 0.8 mod cine gears. These parameters are expected to be consistent with the rest of the focal lengths for easy lens switching on set. The lens is available with a user interchangeable PL and EF mount. Both mounts are included.
Vazen already makes 28mm T2.2 and a 40mm T2 1.8x anamorphic lenses, however, these only cover Micro Four Thirds sensors.
All the Vazen 1.8x anamorphic lenses feature a front anamorphic design that produces an oval bokeh, signature blue, but not oversaturated, horizontal flare and the widescreen cinematic look. Vazen states the lens delivers outstanding sharpness even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with a similar squeeze ratio.
Specifications:
- Focal Length: 85mm Min.
- Focus Distance: 3.8 Ft (1.15m)
- Weight: 3.28 lbs (1.49 kg)
- Length: 6.89″ (17.5 cm)
- Front Diameter: 95mm
- Filter Thread: 86mm
- Mount: PL / EF (User interchangeable)
- Coverage: Red Monstro open gate / Arri Alexa LF open gate
Package includes: Vazen 85mm T2.8 1.8X Anamorphic Lens in PL mount, EF mount bayonet, Front and Rear Caps, Shims
Vazen chose to adopt a 1.8x squeeze design to balance the anamorphic characters as well as the resolution of the image. The 1.8x squeeze can produce a cinematic widescreen 2.39:1 aspect when paired up with 4:3 sensors. When paired up with 16:9 sensors, much less data (than 2X anamorphic lens) is needed to be cropped away to create the desired 2.39:1 ratio.
The large image circle is capable of covering Red Monstro 8K HD and also Alexa Mini LF opengate with no vignetting. The lens also features an ultra-wide 50° horizontal field of view and the closest focusing distance is 3.8 Ft (1.15m).
Pricing & Availability
The lens is currently available to order from authorized resellers and from Vazen website. It will start shipping in late August. Free Priority shipping provided. The retail price is $8,000 USD. Purchase discounts for 85mm owners will be available when the other 2 focal lengths are released.
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