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.
- LPL and PL mounts.
- Must at the very least cover an image circle of 44.71mm.
We won’t be looking at specialty lenses or anamorphic lenses. We’ll cover those in a separate article.
Here’s a list of the best cine prime kits available for the Arri Alexa Mini LF and Alexa LF:
Feature | ZEISS Supreme | Angenieux Optimo | Cooke S7/i | ARRI Signature | Panavision Primo 70 |
Aperture Range^ | T1.5-T22 | T1.8-T22 | T2.0-T22 | T1.8-T22 | T2.0-T22 |
Front Diameter (mm) | 95/114 | 95 | 110 | 114 | 114 |
Blades in Iris | 16 | 9 | 9 | 11 | N/A |
Image Circle (mm) | 46.3 | 46.3 | 46.31 | 44.7 | Covers Alexa 65 |
Close Focus (mm)^ | 460 | 407 | 500 | 450 | 407 |
Weight (kg)^ | 1.2 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 1.8 | N/A |
Focal Lengths in KIt | 15-200mm | 18-200mm | 16-135mm | 12-280mm | 14-250mm |
Consistent Length?* | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Largest Consistent Aperture** | T1.5 | T1.8 | T2 | T1.8 | T2.0 |
Focus Rotation (degrees) | 300 | 300 | 270 | 300 | N/A |
Price for 50mm (B&H, USD)^ | $20,625 | Not Released ($23,000) | $23,400 | $24,920 | 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. For the Arri Signature Primes, it’s a 47mm.
My favorites?
I’ve only shot with a few of these, but for what it’s worth, my two favorites are:
ARRI Signature Primes
These are probably the best lenses as far as this comparison is concerned. Note the following:
- 12mm T1.8!! (Coming soon)
- 11-blade iris, which is probably enough (Master Primes have only 9)
- Goes all the way to 280mm, so Arri is fully committed to this line.
Angenieux Optimo Primes
I had a chance to test them at Broadcast India (just the 40mm), and I’ve seen sample videos and to be honest the look is incredible:
- Smooth bokeh and great skin tone
- Warm organic look – matches Optimo zooms
- Angenieux are experimenting with removable aperture blades and an internal lens element!
Further reading:
2 replies on “Best Cine Prime Lenses for the Arri Alexa Mini LF and Alexa LF”
Best anamorphic? Hawk?
Coming soon!