Tokina Vista-P 40mm T1.5 Cinema Sony E

Tokina Vista-P 40mm T1.5 Cinema Sony E – Fast T1.5 vintage-style rendering for large-format capture

The Tokina Vista-P 40mm T1.5 Cinema lens for Sony E is a large-format cine prime that delivers vintage-inspired, lower-contrast rendering while retaining modern optical precision. It uses an updated Vista-P optical design that increases element spacing to produce expressive images with pronounced spherical distortion and a swirly, Petzval-type bokeh. This version is supplied in the Sony E mount for direct use on compatible mirrorless cinema and hybrid cameras.

Optical design and image character

The Vista-P 40mm is tuned to produce a distinct, characterful look. It offers reduced contrast across the frame, crisp sharpness in the image center, and a more stylized rendering toward the edges. The optical formula emphasises spherical distortion and swirly background rendering while maintaining high resolution and controlled chromatic aberration. These traits create a classic, expressive image that still performs well on modern large-format sensors.

Aperture, bokeh and low-light performance

The lens features a fast T1.5 maximum aperture that enables shallow depth of field and more flexibility in low-light situations. A 9-blade curved iris produces smooth, rounded bokeh. The combination of the T1.5 speed and the iris design contributes directly to the swirling Petzval-type background look that the Vista-P series is known for.

Coverage and resolution

Vista-P lenses provide a large 46.7 mm image circle. That coverage supports full-frame, VistaVision and digital 65 mm sensors, making the 40mm suitable for high-resolution capture up to 8K. The optical layout aims to keep center resolution high while offering a more characterful edge rendering appropriate for narrative and stylized work.

Focus performance and mechanics

Focus breathing is kept near zero, so reframing during focus pulls remains subtle. The lens offers approximately 300° of focus rotation for precise, repeatable pulls. Mechanically, it uses 0.8 MOD cine gears on both focus and iris, and the housing is a robust all-metal cine construction. Gear positions are matched across the Vista-P focal lengths, which speeds up lens changes when using matte boxes or FIZ systems.

Standardised front and mount options

Across the series, Vista-P primes share a consistent 114 mm front diameter and a 112 mm front filter thread. Mount options include PL, EF, MFT, E and LPL, providing flexibility across a wide range of cinema cameras and rental packages. The 40mm in this listing is supplied in the Sony E mount for direct compatibility with E-mount bodies.

Series availability and modification option

The Vista-P series is available as new lenses and is also offered as a one-way modification to existing Vista Primes. That gives productions already invested in the Vista ecosystem an additional creative option without buying a separate new set.

Key features

• Vintage-style, lower-contrast rendering with strong spherical distortion and swirly Petzval-type bokeh
• Fast T1.5 maximum aperture with T22 minimum, 9-blade curved iris and smooth, rounded bokeh
• Large-format coverage with a 46.7 mm image circle, suitable for full-frame, VistaVision and 65 mm digital sensors
• High resolution in the image center with controlled chromatic aberration and a more characterful look toward the edges
• Near-zero focus breathing and approximately 300° focus rotation for precise, repeatable focus pulls
• 0.8 MOD cine gears, all-metal housing, and matched 114 mm front diameter / 112 mm filter thread across the series
• Multiple mount options including PL, EF, MFT, E and LPL for broad camera compatibility

Use cases

With its expressive vintage character and fast T1.5 speed, the Vista-P 40mm is well suited to narrative work, music videos and commercials. It also fits any production that wants stylised, swirling bokeh while remaining within a robust large-format cine workflow. The lens supports high-resolution capture up to 8K and integrates mechanically with standard cine accessories and follow-focus systems.

Specifications

FAQ

question: Will the Tokina Vista-P 40mm cover full-frame and larger sensors? Answer: Yes. The lens provides a 46.7 mm image circle and covers full-frame, VistaVision and digital 65 mm sensors, making it suitable for high-resolution capture up to 8K.

question: What kind of look does this lens produce? Answer: The lens produces a vintage-style, lower-contrast rendering with strong spherical distortion and swirly Petzval-type bokeh, while keeping crisp central sharpness and controlled chromatic aberration.

question: How does it perform for focus pulls? Answer: Focus breathing is kept near zero and the lens offers approximately 300° of focus rotation, enabling subtle reframing and precise, repeatable pulls suited to cinematic work.

question: Is this model compatible with matte boxes and follow-focus systems? Answer: Yes. It features 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears, a consistent 114 mm front diameter and matched gear positions across the series to simplify use with matte boxes, FIZ systems and follow-focus gear.

question: Can I get this look on lenses I already own? Answer: The Vista-P series is available as new lenses and as a one-way modification to existing Vista Primes, offering an option for productions already using the Vista lineup.