Tokina Vista-P 85mm T1.5 Cinema Sony E

Tokina Vista-P 85mm T1.5 Cinema Lens (Sony E) – Fast T1.5 with vintage-inspired rendering and coverage for large-format

Tokina Vista-P 85mm T1.5 is a cine-prime lens that combines vintage-inspired, lower contrast imaging with modern optical precision. With its updated Vista-P optical design, the distance between lens elements is increased, resulting in expressive images, strong spherical distortion, and a characteristic swirling, Petzval-like bokeh. This lens is perfect for filmmakers seeking high quality and creative control in their productions, especially within large-format workflows.

Optical Character and Image Rendering

The Vista-P lenses are designed to deliberately deliver a more stylized look. They emphasize sharp central focus while keeping contrast low, providing a more characterful rendering towards the edges of the image. The optical design increases spherical distortion and creates a swirling background, giving a unique feel to each recording. Despite this, chromatic aberration is kept under control, and high resolution is preserved, making the lens suitable for modern recording standards.

Aperture, Bokeh, and Low Light Capability

The fast T1.5 maximum aperture allows for shallow depth of field and flexible use in lower light conditions. With a 9-blade curved iris, the lens produces a soft and rounded bokeh that contributes to a pleasing visual aesthetic. When needed, the lens can be stopped down to T22 to achieve an extended depth of field, giving filmmakers greater control over image composition in various lighting conditions.

Large-format Coverage and Resolution

The Vista-P lens has a large image circle of 46.7 mm, allowing it to cover full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors. This extensive coverage makes the lens particularly well-suited for high-resolution recording up to 8K on compatible camera systems, enabling filmmakers to capture details with impressive clarity and precision.

Mechanical Design and Focus Performance

The mechanical design of the Vista-P lenses includes a robust all-metal housing tailored for professional cine use. With standardized gear positions, the lens allows for quick changes between matte boxes and FIZ systems. The lenses are equipped with 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears, as well as a focus rotation of approximately 300°, ensuring precise and repeatable focus pulls. Focus breathing is kept close to zero, making recomposition during focus pulls subtle and predictable.

Mounts and Series Options

This product refers to the Sony E mount for the Vista-P 85mm. Tokina also offers other mount options within the Vista-P series, including PL, EF, MFT, and LPL. Additionally, the Vista-P option is available both as new lenses and as a one-way modification to existing Vista Primes for productions already using the Vista ecosystem, providing more options for filmmakers to choose from.

Key Features

• Vintage-inspired: lower contrast in rendering with strong spherical distortion and swirling Petzval-like bokeh
• Fast aperture: T1.5 maximum aperture with T22 as the minimum, 9-blade curved iris, and soft, rounded bokeh
• Large-format coverage: large image circle of 46.7 mm, suitable for full-frame, VistaVision, and 65 mm digital sensors
• High resolution: sharp image in the center with controlled chromatic aberration and more characterful appearance towards the edges
• Near zero focus breathing: allows for subtle and predictable recomposition during focus pulls

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum aperture of the Tokina Vista-P 85mm T1.5?
The maximum aperture is T1.5.

What type of bokeh does the lens produce?
The lens produces a soft and rounded bokeh thanks to the 9-blade curved iris.

What image circle does the lens have and what type of sensors does it cover?
The lens has a large image circle of 46.7 mm and covers full-frame, VistaVision, and digital 65 mm sensors.

How is the mechanical design of the lens?
The mechanical design includes a robust all-metal housing and standardized gear positions for quick changes between matte boxes and FIZ systems.