Viltrox has shown its new LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 Zoom at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam. The LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 Zoom joins the 30-300mm T4 that was officially announced just prior to CineGear 2024. This is the second lens in the series and it will eventually be joined by a 22-220mm T2.8 S35 LUNA zoom.
The LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 covers an image circle of 60mm so it could be used on cameras like the upcoming Blackmagic Design URSA 17K and ARRI Alexa 65. The lens is only available in LPL mount.
Optical Superiority
- 10X Zoom Range: The LUNA 42-420 offers an impressive 10x zoom range, catering to a wide variety of shooting needs, making it an essential tool for professionals.
- Consistent Focus Plane: No matter the focal length, the lens maintains a stable focus plane, ensuring sharpness and clarity across all settings.
- Adjustable Back Focus: Tailored for various cinema cameras, the adjustable back focus allows for micro-tuning, ensuring perfect alignment with your gear.
- 65mm Frame Coverage: The lens is capable of covering up to a 65mm frame, offering expansive cinematic possibilities.
- Minimal Distortion & Breathing: The lens exhibits minimal distortion and breathing effect, even at short focal lengths, providing a true-to-life visual experience.
Structural Integrity
- Uniform Control Angles: The focusing and zooming angles are consistent with other lenses in the LUNA series, allowing for seamless operation.
- Durable Stainless Steel Mount: Equipped with a wear-resistant stainless steel mount, the lens is built for durability and long-term reliability.
- High Compatibility: The LUNA 42-420 lens offers high adaptability with adjustable flange distance, catering to a variety of cinema cameras.
- Smooth Operation: The lens features smooth focusing and zooming processes with no noticeable vertical shift during focus adjustments.
- Built-in Filter System: A convenient built-in filter system, easily replaceable by loosening the rear lock, ensures that you can adapt to various shooting environments effortlessly.
- Steady Parfocal Zooming: The lens maintains focus throughout the zoom range, ensuring consistency in every shot.
- Ergonomic Design: With a built-in handle and standard 3/8-inch thread mount, the lens is designed for ease of use and versatility on set.
We first saw a prototype of the 30-300mm T4 at NAB 2024. Above you can see my interview with Viltrox at the show.
Viltrox told me that the LUNA series was created as a series of statement lenses to showcase optical quality at the highest level.
It is slightly odd that that the 42-420mm T5.6 covers a 65mm image circle while the 30-300mm T4 only covers image circles up to 46.5mm.
LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 
LUNA 30-300mm T4
The LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 weighs in at a whopping 33.84 lbs / 15.35 kg. As a comparison, the LUNA 30-300mm T4 weighs 33 lbs / 15 kg.
Above you can see the physical dimensions of the lens.
With a constant T5.6 aperture throughout the 42-420mm focal range, the lens ensures consistent brightness and shallow depth of field. It has an 8-blade diaphragm, that is claimed to produce pleasing bokeh.
The front diameter of the lens is 165mm.
Vilrox is targeting the LUNA series at wildlife and sports shooters and they have already had interest from NASCAR.
Specifications
Price & Availability
The Viltrox LUNA 42-420mm T5.6 Full Frame Zoom Lens will be available at it will retail for around 100,000 Euros.
As a comparison, the Viltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4 Full Frame Zoom Lens costs around $65,000 USD.
