Tokina Vista-P 135mm T1.5 Cinema Canon EF

Tokina Vista-P 135mm T1.5 Cinema Canon EF – Fast T1.5 and vintage-inspired swirling Petzval bokeh

Tokina Vista-P 135mm T1.5 in Canon EF mount is the perfect lens for filmmakers seeking a combination of modern optics and vintage aesthetics. With a fast T1.5 aperture, this lens offers exceptional light transmission and allows for creative depth of field. Its unique design provides a stylized look with strong spherical distortion and a swirling bokeh reminiscent of Petzval technology, making it ideal for filmmakers who want to give their projects a distinct visual character.

Key optical features

The Vista-P primes are deliberately designed to increase the distance between lens elements. This results in prominent spherical distortion and a swirling background that gives images a clear vintage character. At the same time, the lens maintains high resolution in the center and controls chromatic aberration, ensuring that images remain sharp and clean even when used with modern large format cameras for film production.

• Vintage-inspired, lower contrast rendering with strong spherical distortion and swirling Petzval-like bokeh
• High resolution in the center with more stylized rendering towards the edges
• Low chromatic aberration for cleaner highlights and edges
• Almost non-existent focus breathing for discreet re-framing during focus pulls

Aperture, iris, and depth of field

With a fast maximum aperture of T1.5, photographers can effectively work in low light and create shallow depths of field to isolate subjects. The lens can also be stopped down to T22, providing flexibility in various lighting conditions. The 9-blade curved iris contributes to the soft and round bokeh characteristic of the Vista-P look, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing background blur.

• Maximum aperture: T1.5
• Minimum aperture: T22
• 9-blade curved iris for soft bokeh

Mechanical design and handling

The Vista-P 135mm has a robust and durable construction designed for professional cine use. With a fully metal housing and standardized gearing for focus and iris, the lens allows for quick and consistent lens changes and rigging on set. The ergonomic design facilitates handling and makes it easy to perform precise, repeatable focus pulls.

• Fully metal cine housing for reliable handling
• 0.8 MOD focus and iris gearing matched across the series
• Approximately 300° focus movement for precise, repeatable pulls
• Matched 114 mm front diameter and 112 mm front filter thread for consistent matte box and filter setup

Coverage for large formats and resolution

The Vista-P primes are designed to offer a large image circle of 46.7 mm, making them compatible with full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors. This design supports high-resolution recording, making the lens suitable for workflows up to 8K. Thus, it becomes an excellent choice for filmmakers who want to work with the highest possible image quality.

• Image circle for large formats: 46.7 mm
• Coverage: full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors
• Suitable for high-resolution recording up to 8K

Mounts, compatibility, and modification options

This product is specifically designed for the Canon EF mount of the Vista-P 135mm. The entire Vista-P series is also available in several other mounts, providing filmmakers with flexibility and the option to choose the best fit for their camera equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum aperture for the Tokina Vista-P 135mm T1.5?
The maximum aperture is T1.5.

What type of bokeh characterizes the lens?
The lens offers a vintage-inspired swirling bokeh reminiscent of Petzval technique.

How is the lens constructed?
The lens has a fully metal housing designed for professional cine use.

What image circle does the Tokina Vista-P 135mm T1.5 offer?
The lens offers a large image circle of 46.7 mm, making it compatible with full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors.