Meet the brand-new collection of 1.5x entrance anamorphic lenses referred to as Atlas Mercury Sequence. The brand new Mercury Sequence gives full-frame protection, a 1.5x squeeze ratio with improved bokeh, and a major discount in weight and measurement.
If you happen to haven’t but, it’s best to watch the brand new Mercury Sequence launch teaser right here. You’ll discover a wealthy, heat tone within the footage supplied, and Atlas Lens Co. certainly specifies hotter classic tones than the Atlas Orion collection.
If this teaser isn’t sufficient for you, there’s one other one which exhibits the planet Mercury in a extra close-up view, however nonetheless options the identical unusual gadget from the primary teaser:
Atlas Mercury Sequence
Since we’re speaking about a complete collection of latest entrance anamorphic lenses, we’d like greater than only one single prime lens right here: Atlas Lens Co. has three lenses prepared for the launch occasion, and two extra will be a part of the collection in 2023, plus yet one more (telephoto) focal size which remains to be TBA.
For this launch, we’re getting 36mm T2.2, 42mm T2.2, and 72mm T2.3. Subsequent yr, 54mm and 95mm variations plus yet one more focal size will observe go well with.
All six lenses characteristic a 1.5x anamorphic squeeze ratio and all lenses cowl full-frame sensors (as much as 36.7mm x 25.54mm) in addition to, in line with Atlas Lens Co., 16:9 / 3:2 / 4:3 sensors, with simple supply to 2:1 / 2.25:1 / 2.66:1 / 2.4:1 facet ratios. A PL mount is the connection level for all Mercury Sequence lenses.
Right here’s what Forrest Schultz, President of Atlas Lens Co. has to say on the brand new Mercury Sequence:
The picture Mercury produces gives traditional anamorphic barrel distortion, clean bokeh transitions, and a nice separation of foreground and background objects – all whereas being about half the dimensions and weight of most professional anamorphic lenses. We designed these lenses to assist each cinematographer of their lifelong pursuit of expressing their image-craft.
The primary thought behind this new collection was to strike a stability between compact measurement, weight, optical efficiency, and a powerful anamorphic feel and look filmmakers are in search of. In accordance with Atlas, the 1.5x squeeze issue appears to hit that candy spot. The Orion Sequence makes use of a 2x squeeze issue.
The lenses of the Mercury Sequence are fairly a bit smaller and extra light-weight than most pro-grade anamorphic lenses: the Mercury 42mm T2.2 is 2.3 lbs / 1.1 kg in weight and 4.4 in / 11.2cm in size.
In fact, the main target and iris rings of all lenses within the collection are positioned uniformly, and the standardized 95-mm outer diameter permits native use with numerous matte bins and filters.
Options
Right here’s the complete checklist of specs for the brand new collection. For extra info, head over to the Atlas Lens Co. web site.
- Full-frame sensor protection with 1.5x anamorphic coefficient
- Aperture of T2.2 – T2.3 for Mercury Sequence
- 88° (36mm) / 78° (42mm) / 44° (72mm) horizontal field-of-view
- Shut focus: 0.46m (1.5ft) for 36mm / 0.56m (2ft) for 42mm / 0.91m (3ft) for 72mm
- Distinctive optical efficiency with classic geometric character
- Golden streak flares, pleasing barrel distortion, near-zero chromatic aberration
- Light-weight and compact: Half the dimensions and weight of most professional anamorphic lenses
- Arri PL mount to be used on skilled cinema cameras and mirrorless cameras through PL adapter
- Standardized gears and diameters with 95mm entrance diameter
- Focal lengths: initially providing 36mm, 42mm, and 72mm. 54mm, 95mm, and one extra telephoto focal size to be introduced in 2023.
Pricing
Every of the primary three focal lengths of the Mercury Sequence anamorphic prime lenses will promote for $5,995. If you wish to get the entire shebang directly, the 3-lens set will set you again $17,985.
Discounted preorder pricing can be out there for early adopters at $4,995 for one lens and $14,595 for a 3-lens set. Preorder deposits open at $995 for a single lens and $2,495 for a 3-lens set by way of December 31, 2022 – with incremental preorder deposit will increase by way of September 2, 2023, the top of the Mercury preorder window.
In comparison with different choices, these Mercury collection lenses appear to be fairly reasonably priced and but cater to the upper finish of the market. In fact, there are cheaper lenses on the market, however “cinema-grade” anamorphic lenses should not low cost and are additionally often fairly massive and clunky – one other attribute that doesn’t appear to use to the Mercury collection.
Hyperlink: Atlas Lens Co. web site
What do you suppose? Have you ever ever labored with Atlas Orion lenses? Would the brand new Mercury collection be interesting to you? Share your experiences within the feedback beneath!
