We caught up with Atlas Lens Co, at Interbee 2022 in Japan to have a look at their new Mercury 1.5x anamorphic lenses and to find out more about the “Build Your Atlas Set” Promotion where you can save thousands of dollars on Atlas Orion Series Lenses.
The new Mercury Series feature full-frame coverage, a 1.5x squeeze ratio with enhanced bokeh, a significant reduction in physical size and weight, a more dynamic geometric optical personality, and warmer vintage tones than the Atlas Orion Series. They also provide the same modern, mechanical conveniences that cinematographers expect.
I got to film some quick shots at the stand and I was impressed by the close focus ability, lack of chromatic aberration, and the overall look of the lenses. I think the Mercury series is going to be extremely popular given their relatively low cost and performance.
The lenses will cover an imaging area of 36.7mm x 25.54mm as well as 16:9 / 3:2 / 4:3 sensors, with easy delivery to 2:1 / 2.25:1 / 2.66:1 / 2.4:1.
The Mercury series all feature either a T2.2 or T2.3 aperture and the series will consist of the following focal lengths:
- 36mm T2.2
- 42mm T2.2
- 54mm
- 72mm T2.3
- 95mm
At launch only the 36mm, 42mm and 72mm will be available. Another telephoto focal length will be added in 2023.
Through the month of November, you can build your perfect Atlas anamorphic set. With every Mercury Series pre-order, you’ll receive $3000 USD off individual Orion Series lenses.
From Nov 1-Nov 30, with every Mercury preorder placed, Atlas Lens Co. is offering special discounted pricing on the following Orion Series lenses and Atlas 1.6x LF Extenders:
Orion Series 32MM: $6,495 USD (Retail: $9,999)
Orion Series 40MM: $5,995 USD (Retail: $8,999)
Orion Series 50MM: $5,995 USD (Retail: $8,999)
Orion Series 65MM: $5,995 USD (Retail: $8,999)
Orion Series 80MM: $5,995 USD (Retail: $8,999)
Orion Series 100MM: $5,995 USD (Retail: $8,999)
Atlas 1.6x LF Extender: $1,349 USD (Retail: $1,849)
This special pricing is only available on a one-to-one basis for Mercury and Orion lenses. (For example, a three-lens Mercury deposit provides you access to three discounted Orions, one Mercury deposit gives you one discounted Orion, and ten Mercury deposits get you ten discounted Orions, etc.)
This is a fantastic deal and if you put a deposit down for a three-lens Mercury set, you could then buy three Orion Lenses and save a total of $9,000 USD.
If you want to find out more about the Mercury series lenses you can listen to a 20-minute conversation I had with founders Dan Kanes, CEO, and Forrest Schultz, President and lead designer.
This deal is valid on all individual Orion Series lenses for all new and current Mercury preorder holders through November 30, 2022.
Financing options are available for eligible customers in North America.
The fine print: If you choose to take advantage of this special discounted pricing on the Orions, your Mercury lens preorder deposit will no longer be refundable. Offer excludes Orion 21mm, 25mm, Orion Silver Editions, and all other lens accessories.
To place an order: You can go here to place an order (and include any previous Mercury order information) and someone from The Atlas Lens Co. team will reach out to confirm your order information.
In other news, a trailer for the new series “Taurus,” which was captured by John Brawley ACS with the ALEXA Mini and Atlas Orion SE lenses has been released. The meta-music drama will premiere in theaters and on-demand on November 18.
Above you can see some footage captured with the Mercury Series lenses.
