The New Affordable Full-Frame Anamorphic Glass from Viltrox is Beautiful!
Viltrox has launched its new EPIC series of 1.33x full-frame anamorphic cinema lenses, providing high-quality options at an affordable price. This series, introduced at CineGear 2024, includes five focal lengths: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm, each designed to meet the needs of both professional and amateur filmmakers (Y.M.Cinema Magazine) (Newsshooter).
Key Features
- Squeeze Ratio and Aperture: The EPIC series features a 1.33x anamorphic squeeze ratio, producing a 2.35:1 aspect ratio when used with a 16:9 sensor. This setup is complemented by a constant T2.0 aperture, allowing for impressive low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field effects (B&H Photo Video) (Y.M.Cinema Magazine).
- Design and Build: These lenses are notable for their sleek white design and retro color expression, which not only looks attractive but also ensures consistent visual output across different focal lengths. The durable build includes features such as waterproof coatings on the front elements, which protect against harsh shooting conditions (B&H Photo Video).
- Optical Performance: Viltrox EPIC lenses are designed with minimal focus breathing, ensuring smooth focus transitions and consistent optical performance. The lenses are also equipped with multi-layer nano coatings to reduce flare and ghosting, producing clear and sharp images (CineD).
Benefits
- Affordability: Priced individually starting at $2,799 and with the full set at $17,300, the Viltrox EPIC series makes high-quality anamorphic cinematography accessible to a broader audience. This pricing strategy is significantly lower than many competitors, offering a cost-effective solution for filmmakers seeking professional-grade equipment (Newsshooter).
- Aesthetic Qualities: These lenses produce natural blue flare effects and beautiful bokeh, adding a cinematic quality to footage. The 1.33x squeeze ratio maintains the horizontal field of view while compressing the vertical aspect, creating a distinctive widescreen look that is highly sought after in cinematic productions (B&H Photo Video) (Newsshooter).
- Versatility: The EPIC series is compatible with a range of mounts, including ARRI PL, making them suitable for various camera systems. This versatility, along with the lenses’ consistent gear placement and common center of gravity, makes switching between lenses on set efficient and straightforward (CineD).
Real-World Applications
Filmmakers have praised the Viltrox EPIC series for its practical usability and optical performance. The lenses are particularly noted for their controlled distortion and consistent image quality across different focal lengths, making them a reliable choice for diverse shooting environments (Newsshooter).
In conclusion, the Viltrox EPIC series represents a significant advancement in making full-frame anamorphic lenses more affordable and accessible. With their combination of high-quality optics, durable design, and attractive pricing, these lenses are poised to become a favorite among filmmakers looking to enhance their cinematic storytelling (B&H Photo Video) (Y.M.Cinema Magazine) (CineD).
