Zeiss Unveils Aatma Prime T1.5 Cine Lenses
Zeiss, the renowned optical manufacturer, has recently introduced the Aatma Prime T1.5 cine lenses, a collection that pays homage to its legacy lenses like the Planar, Distagon, and Sonnar. Available in nine different focal lengths, these lenses combine vintage aesthetic elements with modern imaging technology, aiming to deliver a unique visual experience for filmmakers.
A Tribute to Legacy with Modern Precision
The nine focal lengths available in the Aatma Prime series include 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm. All lenses feature an impressive T1.5 maximum aperture, enabling cinematographers to achieve soft backgrounds and excellent low-light performance. The weight of the lenses varies from 2.69 to 5 lbs, and their length ranges from 4.7 to 6.4 inches, catering to the diverse needs of filmmakers.
With a close focus distance ranging from 10 inches for the 25mm lens to 4 feet 6 inches for the 135mm lens, this series makes capturing intricate and detailed shots in various environments easier than ever. Each lens also features a 95mm front diameter, except for the 18mm and 135mm, which have a wider 114mm front diameter. Markings in feet or meters further add to the convenience when operating these lenses.
Captivating Image Quality
Zeiss describes the image style produced by the Aatma lenses as expressive and rich in character. These lenses deliver a softly painted skin texture while slightly reducing contrast, providing a warm and nostalgic feel that filmmakers will appreciate. The lenses are also designed to minimize distortion, focus breathing, and chromatic aberration, making them suitable for visual effects-heavy production and modern commercial cinema.
A distinct feature of the Aatma lenses is their unique bokeh, described as having a subtle 'soap bubble' effect. Cinematographers can expect smooth focus transitions, enhanced by the lens’s Zeiss T* coating, which helps combat flare and maintain image integrity under a variety of lighting conditions. This quality ensures a clean capture suitable for today's high standards in cinematography, while still invoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia reminiscent of classic films.
Technical Specifications to Meet Demands of Modern Filmmaking
Integration with Zeiss’s eXtended Data technology enhances the lenses' utility for modern production workflows. This feature enables comprehensive metadata capture, invaluable for post-production and visual effects work. Additionally, the Aatma lenses are designed to work seamlessly within the Zeiss CinCraft camera tracking ecosystem, enhancing their usability across various filming scenarios.
The soft veiling glare around highlights complements the aesthetic qualities of filmic storytelling, and the overall design philosophy behind the Aatma lenses aims to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, making them ideal for both indie filmmakers and large production companies alike.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Aatma Prime T1.5 cine lenses, Zeiss has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality and innovation in cinematography. These lenses are available for individual purchase, ensuring that filmmakers can select precisely the tools they need to tell their stories. For further details on the Zeiss Aatma lenses and to place pre-orders, enthusiasts can visit B&H Photo Video’s website, a renowned source for photography and video equipment.
Explore more about the Zeiss Aatma Prime T1.5 cine lenses at
B&H Photo.