Tokina Vista-P 18mm T1.5 Cinema PL

Tokina Vista-P 18mm T1.5 Cinema PL – Fast T1.5 with vintage-inspired, swirling Petzval-type bokeh

Tokina Vista-P 18mm T1.5 Cinema PL is a large format cine-prime that combines a vintage-inspired image character with modern filmmaking mechanisms. This lens is part of the Vista-P series, which has adapted the original Vista Prime design to increase the distance between the optical elements, thereby creating a distinct and expressive rendering. This 18mm variant preserves the characteristic look and fits smoothly into modern large format workflows.

Design and Image Character

The Vista-P lenses aim to achieve lower contrast and a vintage-like aesthetic. The optical construction is deliberately designed to increase the distance between elements, creating stronger spherical distortion and a swirling, Petzval-type bokeh. Despite this, the lens maintains sharp resolution in the center of the image and controls chromatic aberration, ensuring that images remain usable even on high-resolution recording systems. With a focal length of 18mm and a maximum aperture of T1.5, cinematographers have the opportunity to combine characterful edge rendering with clear central details, resulting in images that feel both classic and modern.

Optical Performance

This lens series is built around a fast T1.5 maximum aperture, allowing for shallow depth of field and greater flexibility in low light conditions. The iris features a 9-blade curved design that creates a soft and round bokeh. Optically, the Vista-P lenses emphasize increased spherical distortions and swirling background rendering, while keeping chromatic aberration low and resolution high in the center of the image. Focus breathing is minimized to keep framing during focus pulls subtle and predictable. These optical choices make the 18mm Vista-P an excellent choice for creative projects seeking a stylized look without compromising image quality for large format recording.

Mechanical Features and Consistency

Tokina Vista-P cinema primes are equipped with robust, all-metal cine housings that feature standard cine gearing and matched physical layouts across the series. The lenses offer 0.8 MOD focus and iris gearing as well as approximately 300° focus rotation. The consistent front diameter of 114 mm across the series simplifies lens changes and accessory mounting, saving time on set. The 18mm lens shares the same 112 mm filter thread as other Vista-P primes, further speeding up the process with matte boxes, follow-focus systems, and FIZ setups.

Compatibility and Coverage

The Vista-P lenses offer a large image circle of 46.7 mm, making them suitable for full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors. This makes the series perfect for high-resolution recording up to 8K. Mounting options for the Vista-P family include PL, EF, MFT, E, and LPL, providing great flexibility across a wide range of film cameras and rental packages. The series is available both as newly produced lenses and as one-off modifications of existing Vista Primes, offering an option for those seeking a specific style or character in their projects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum aperture for the Tokina Vista-P 18mm T1.5 Cinema PL?
The maximum aperture is T1.5.

What type of bokeh does the lens offer?
The lens offers a vintage-inspired, swirling Petzval-type bokeh.

What type of housing does the Tokina Vista-P 18mm T1.5 Cinema PL have?
The lens has a robust, all-metal cine housing.

What is the focus rotation for this lens?
The focus rotation is approximately 300°.

What image circle do the Vista-P lenses offer?
The Vista-P lenses offer a large image circle of 46.7 mm, making them suitable for full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors.