Let’s look at the best cine prime lenses for the Arri Alexa Mini LF and LF cameras.
First, here are some criteria for the lenses to qualify:
- True cine lenses, not rehoused still lenses.
- Must at the very least cover an image circle of 44.2 mm.
- For a lens to be labelled vintage it must be designed to mimic older lenses (it can’t be accidental).
Here’s a list of the best cine prime kits available for the Arri Alexa Mini LF and Alexa LF:
| Feature | Tokina Vista One | Tribe7 Blackwing7 | Panavision Primo Artiste |
| Aperture Range^ | T1.5-T22 | T1.9-T22^^ | T1.8-T22 |
| Front Diameter (mm) | 114 | 114 | 114 |
| Blades in Iris | 9 | 14 | N/A |
| Image Circle (mm) | 46.7 | 48 | Covers Alexa 65 |
| Close Focus (mm)^ | 480 | 407 | 406 |
| Weight (kg)^ | 2.11 | 1.7 | N/A |
| Focal Lengths in KIt | 18-105mm | 27-137mm | 27-250mm |
| Consistent Length?* | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Largest Consistent Aperture** | T1.5 | T1.9 | T1.8 |
| Focus Rotation (degrees) | 300 | 270 | N/A |
| Price for 50mm^ | N/A (Only as a set) | $10,000-11,700^^ | Rental Only |
*For about four lenses in the kit, typically 24 to 85mm.
**If three of the lenses (among the middle five) are T1.5 but the other two are T2.1, then the largest consistent aperture is T2.1.
^For the 50mm lens in the lineup.
^^The Blackwing7 goes to T1.8, but with greater flare. They cost $12,700.
My favorite?
I’m not much of a vintage guy, though if I had to pick one to test I’m most interested in the Tokina Vista One vintage lenses.
Further reading:
