The Master Anamorphic family was launched in September 2012 with the unveiling of the MA 50/T1.9 at IBC. This was followed by the launch of the MA 35/T1.9, MA 75/T1.9 and MA 100/T1.9 lenses at NAB and IBC in 2013, and that of the MA 40/T1.9 and MA 60/T1.9 at the ZEISS Cine Lens Day last November. Now, the MA135/T1.9 rounds off this portfolio of anamorphic cine lenses jointly developed by ARRI and ZEISS.
These high-performance lenses enable cinematographers to achieve creative image compositions across a variety of production types – from feature films and Hollywood blockbusters to commercials. The three-lens sets (35, 50 and 75 mm) available since September 2013 are already in use on a wide range of projects.
The six-lens sets now available (comprising 35, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 mm) enable practically all perspectives to be achieved. The MA 135/T1.9 is expected to ship in July 2014.
The ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic lenses offer unique optical characteristics. Drawing on many years of expertise in the development and manufacture of professional cine lenses and cameras, ARRI and ZEISS have developed an innovative optical design for the ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic lenses, negating many of the problems commonly associated with anamorphic optics. The lenses show hardly any image breathing and exceptionally low distortion. The issue of anamorphic mumps – when faces shot at close range appear wider – is balanced out automatically. This is achieved by positioning the cylindrical lens elements at strategically important points in the lens. The almost telecentric optical design reduces color errors (chromatic aberrations) and shading in the corners of the image.
The lenses produce a unique anamorphic bokeh that is free from artifacts. A newly developed iris diaphragm with 15 aperture blades has been integrated into the ARRI/ZEISS Master Anamorphic lenses to create a bokeh that is perfectly oval and evenly illuminated. Annoying reflections that can show up in critical lighting situations are largely avoided.
Through the shallow depth of field, the speed of T1.9 enables details to be set apart from the background – at all focal lengths. These features are the ideal prerequisites for ensuring that the lenses can be used quickly and flexibly in various types of shooting situations.
