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

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

The Tokina Vista-P 40mm T1.5 Cinema lens for Sony E is a perfect solution for filmmakers seeking a high-quality cine-prime lens. This lens is specifically designed for use with large formats and offers a vintage-inspired image character with lower contrast, while maintaining modern optical precision. With an updated Vista-P optical design, the distance between lens elements is increased, resulting in expressive images with a distinct spherical distortion and a swirling, Petzval-like bokeh. This version features a Sony E mount, making it directly compatible with mirrorless cine and hybrid cameras.

Optical design and image character

The Vista-P 40mm is carefully tuned to provide a distinct and characterful look. The lens offers reduced contrast across the image plane, creating sharp resolution in the center of the image and a more stylized rendition towards the edges. The optical formula is constructed to emphasize spherical distortion and swirling background rendition, while maintaining high resolution and controlled chromatic aberration. These characteristics contribute to a classic and expressive image that also handles modern large-format sensors with ease.

Aperture, bokeh, and low-light performance

With a fast maximum aperture of T1.5, the lens allows for a shallow depth of field and increased flexibility in low light. The 9-blade curved iris contributes to a soft and round bokeh. The combination of T1.5 speed and the design of the iris provides the swirling Petzval-like background look that the Vista-P series is known for, making it ideal for creative cinematic expression.

Coverage and resolution

The Vista-P lens provides a large image circle of 46.7 mm, allowing it to support full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors. This feature makes the 40mm lens suitable for high-resolution recording up to 8K. The optical layout is designed to keep center resolution high, while offering a more characterful edge rendition, which is perfect for narrative and stylized production.

Focus performance and mechanics

Focus breathing is kept to near zero, allowing for subtle and effective reframing during focus pulls. The lens offers approximately 300° of focus rotation for precise and repeatable pulls. Mechanically, it uses 0.8 MOD cine gear for both focus and iris, and the housing is a robust all-metal cine construction. Gear positions are uniform across the Vista-P focal lengths, facilitating quick lens changes when using matte boxes or FIZ systems.

Standardized front and mount options

The entire Vista-P series has a consistent front diameter of 114 mm and a 112 mm front filter thread. Mount options include PL, EF, MFT, E, and LPL, providing great flexibility across a wide range of cine cameras and rental packages. The 40mm lens in this listing comes with a Sony E mount for direct compatibility with E-mount camera bodies.

Series availability and modification options

The Vista-P series is available as new lenses and is also offered as a one-time modification for existing Vista Primes. This allows productions that have already invested in the Vista series to expand their equipment with new lenses without needing to invest in entirely new systems.

Frequently asked questions

Does the product require phantom power?
No, it does not operate via phantom power.

What type of image character does the Tokina Vista-P 40mm T1.5 offer?
The lens offers a vintage-inspired image character with lower contrast and distinct spherical distortion.

What is the size of the image circle that the lens provides?
The Vista-P lens provides a large image circle of 46.7 mm.

What is the maximum aperture for this lens?
The maximum aperture is T1.5.