Tokina Cinema 21mm T1.5 and 29mm T1.5 Vista Prime lenses released

Tokina Cinema’s new Vista 21mm T1.5 and 29mm T1.5 cinema prime lenses are out now, with full specifications, pricing and sample footage.

Rounding out the Vista Prime lens set to an extensive eleven lens lineup, they give cinematographers the flexibility to lens projects as they choose, whether that be on Vistavision or Super35 format. They perfectly complement modern large sensor cameras like the RED V-Raptor, ARRI Alexa Mini LF, Canon C500 mkII, Sony Venice and FX9. 

Both lenses share the renowned characteristics of the other Vista primes, creating organic, yet highly detailed images. Lens distortion and chromatic aberration is well-controlled. Each lens exhibits practically no focus breathing, has soft pleasing flare and a gentle roll-off from subject to background. 

The 21mm T1.5 and 29mm T1.5 both feature a nine-bladed iris, 112mm front filter thread and 114mm outside diameter. Excellence in image quality is maintained across a large 46.7mm area of definition with either lens. Weight and size are similar to the other Vista primes making for easy use and fast camera balancing on-set. 

The 21mm T1.5 has 18 Groups and 19 Elements, with a close focus of 0.36m. It is 162mm long in PL mount form, with a weight of 2.33kg (5.14 lbs).  

The 29mm T1.5 has 18 Groups and 18 Elements, with a close focus of 0.35m. It is 165mm long in PL mount form, with a weight of 2.25kg (4.96 lbs).  

These two new focal lengths join the existing 18mm T1.5, 25mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 40mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, 65mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5, 105mm T1.5 and 135mm T1.5 high resolution (8K+) Vista prime lenses to form a comprehensive set, each with a matching super-fast T1.5 stop. They will be available in interchangeable ARRI PL, EF, MFT, Sony E, and ARRI LPL mounts. 

The Tokina Cinema Vista primes have been used to create the look of many popular television shows, including the award-winning Apple TV series Ted Lasso. DP David Rom enthused: “Having used and loved the Tokina Vistas with their characterful, filmic look I was excited to learn a 21mm and 29mm were launching this year. I have a feeling the 29mm will be especially useful on the upcoming Ted Lasso season.”  

DP Philip Holland has shot footage with the new lenses. He too is excited by the new focal lengths. He said: “As the Vista prime set has been fully fleshed out, it has truly become one of the best and most useful cinema prime series out there. It gives a modern look with cinematic character, fast aperture, gorgeous bokeh, pleasing lens flares, and zero breathing with generous coverage across modern formats. 

“The new 21mm T1.5 and 29mm T1.5 fill two very important slots for me on both S35 and Vistavision formats. On Vistavision, the 21mm and 29mm are ultra-wide and wide-angle focal lengths respectively. Both of the new primes have a wonderful close focus of 14 inches as well for those times when you need to be right in there.”