Throughout IBC 2022, we sat down with Forrest Schultz, President of Atlas Lens Co., to be taught extra concerning the thought-process behind their newly-announced Mercury 1.5x full-frame anamorphic sequence. The primary three members of the family (36mm/42mm/72mm) at the moment are out there for pre-order. The ultimate worth for every single piece is ready at $5,995.
The favored Atlas Orion 2x anamorphic sequence owes its fortune to the peculiar place it covers out there, filling a spot between low-budget anamorphic lenses and loopy costly high-end glass, with out compromising on picture high quality. When you’d prefer to be taught extra concerning the philosophy behind this lens sequence, I extremely suggest taking a while to observe this interview we shot again at NAB 2022.
The corporate’s new full-frame Mercury sequence appears to comply with the identical ideas and is geared toward the same goal, which clearly contains massive productions and rental homes, but additionally solo operators seeking to personal an expert anamorphic lens set. So let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what this new sequence is all about.
Atlas Mercury: 1.5x full-frame anamorphic lenses
Though the prevailing Orion lenses can obtain full-frame protection with the assistance of Atlas’ 1.4x LF Expander, the brand new Mercury sequence presents the good thing about native compatibility with full-frame sensors, with a claimed imaging space of 36.7×25.54mm.
Initially, this new anamorphic household will include three focal lengths: 36mm T2.2, 42mm T2.2, and 72mm T2.3. Two extra 54 and 95mm lenses will be a part of the sequence subsequent 12 months, whereas a sixth focal size is but to be introduced. ARRI PL is the one lens mount choice for these lenses.
Moreover sensor protection, one of many main variations with the favored Orion Sequence stands within the squeeze issue. Certainly, this has been decreased from 2x all the way down to 1.5x. This alternative serves two functions: lowering measurement and weight, whereas nonetheless offering customers with the pliability they should obtain a wide range of last facet ratios (2:1 / 2.25:1 / 2.66:1 / 2.4:1) utilizing completely different sensor modes (16:9/3:2/4:3).
When standing subsequent to the prevailing Orion 40mm, the brand new Mercury 42mm actually exhibits the trouble the corporate put into shrinking the design. The brand new lens is 11.2cm/4.4” in size and weighs about 1.1kg/2.3lbs. That’s about half the dimensions and weight in comparison with its Orion sibling!
Heat, classic look
Identical to with the Orion sequence, the character of the brand new Mercury anamorphic primes is the results of a cautious analysis for the proper steadiness between optical efficiency and a attribute classic look. In accordance with the corporate, though these optics preserve chromatic aberrations underneath management and ship correct colours and pores and skin tones, they’re removed from being aseptically excellent.
Certainly, the quantity of barrel distortion has been fastidiously calibrated to attain a selected aesthetic that’s nice to the attention. The Mercury sequence is characterised by heat, classic tones with golden lens flares.
Value and availability
The primary three focal lengths (36, 42, and 72mm) within the Atlas Mercury sequence at the moment are out there to pre-order. The official retail worth of every lens will likely be $5,995, however for those who pre-order now it can save you $1,000. A 3-lens set can also be out there to pre-order for $14,595, whereas its last worth will likely be $17,985. All objects ought to begin delivery in 2023.
To entry the pre-order listing, you have to to deposit an quantity of $995 for a single lens and $2,495 for the 3-lens equipment. After December thirty first, 2022, these pre-order quantities will enhance as follows:
- Preorder deposit by means of March thirty first, 2023: $1,295 (single lens) / $3,395 (3-lens set)
- Preorder deposit by means of June thirtieth, 2023: $1,595 (single lens) / $4,295 (3-lens set)
For extra data, please go to Atlas’ web site right here.
Have you ever ever shot on Atlas anamorphic lenses? What do you consider their new Mercury sequence? Share your ideas within the remark part beneath!
