Introduction
At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, Viltrox announced two new lenses in their EPIC series: the 135mm T2.4 1.33X and the 65mm T2.8 Macro 1.33X anamorphic lenses. These lenses join an already comprehensive set that includes the following focal lengths: 25mm T2, 35mm T2, 50mm T2, 75mm T2, and 100mm T2.
Expanding the EPIC Series
Comprehensive Range
With the addition of the 135mm and 65mm Macro lenses, the EPIC series now offers focal lengths ranging from 25mm to 135mm. This expansion makes the EPIC series a versatile choice for various shooting requirements.
Design and Features
Anamorphic Aspect Ratio
The Viltrox 1.33x Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses are designed to deliver a 2.39:1 aspect ratio when used with 16:9 cameras. This feature is particularly useful for shooting anamorphic footage on cameras that lack a 4:3 aspect ratio or open gate mode.
Unique Market Position
To the best of current knowledge, the Viltrox lenses are the only 1.33x anamorphic lenses that cover full frame. While other brands like SLR Magic have similar lenses, their offerings do not fully cover the full frame, making Viltrox a unique option.
Market Trends and Competition
Increased Competition
Budget anamorphic lenses from companies like Laowa, Vazen, and Great Joy (Blazar) have flooded the market in the past year. This competition has driven prices down, making anamorphic lenses more accessible.
Squeeze Ratios
While competitors offer various squeeze ratios ranging from 1.5x to 2x, Viltrox opted for a 1.33x squeeze. This decision makes the lenses more versatile and easier to use across different cameras.
Optical Quality and Versatility
Cleaner Look
The Viltrox EPIC 1.33x Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses are designed to have fewer optical abnormalities compared to most anamorphic lenses. This cleaner look is advantageous for situations where the associated characteristics of vintage or certain anamorphic lenses are not desired.
Versatile Usage
These lenses can be used on any 16:9 sensor camera, whether it is full frame or Super 35 (S35). Unlike spherical lenses, anamorphic lenses compress the image along the longer dimension by a factor of 1.33. This compressed image requires stretching during post-production to be displayed correctly. Modern monitors and electronic viewfinders (EVFs) often have the capability to de-squeeze anamorphic images, making it easier to view the image correctly while shooting. Additionally, more cameras are now including dedicated anamorphic recording modes.
Price and Availability
Competitive Pricing
The Viltrox 1.33x Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses are priced between $3,299 and $3,999 USD each for the PL mount. The 25mm T2 and 100mm T2 lenses are both priced at $3,999 USD. The newly announced 65mm and 135mm lenses are expected to be similarly priced.
Lens Sets
Various lens sets are also available:
- A 3-lens set (35mm, 50mm, and 75mm) for $9,600 USD.
- A 5-lens set (25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm) for $17,299 USD.
- For those who already own the 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm lenses, a 2-lens set (25mm and 100mm) is available for $7,759 USD.
Conclusion
The Viltrox EPIC 1.33x Anamorphic Lenses offer a unique and versatile solution for filmmakers looking to achieve a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 cameras. Their full-frame coverage and cleaner optical quality set them apart in a market crowded with budget anamorphic lenses. With competitive pricing and a comprehensive range of focal lengths, the Viltrox EPIC series is poised to be a valuable addition to any cinematographer’s toolkit. The anticipated release in the coming months is highly anticipated by those seeking quality anamorphic lenses at an accessible price point.
