ARRI announces four new Signature Zooms designed for universal usage with any large-format or Super 35 camera. They feature a fast stop of T2.8 across all four lenses, top of the line focal length range, absolute image consistency, HDR compatibility, and 8K resolving power.
According to the announcement, “ARRI Signature Zoom lenses deliver an outstanding optical and mechanical performance that exceeds other cine zooms on the market. The four Signature Zooms, with an extender for the longest of them, cover a focal length range of 16 mm to 510 mm, which is the largest in the industry. Image consistency is also unsurpassed, with a fast stop of T2.8 shared by all four lenses, as well as stable exposure and quality through all focal lengths and iris settings. No other zoom system provides this degree of optically matched image quality, versatility, and speed.”
The Signature Zooms are designed for high optical performance, pleasing look, lightweight mechanical design, warm images, smooth, flattering skin tones, natural colors, and elegant out-of-focus highlights. “The Signature look is unique because it is characterful, and yet is not based on visible aberrations or imperfections. Instead, the character is gently crafted on top of a base of matchless technological sophistication. Audiences are enveloped in the images and connected to the storytelling without interference,” the announcement continues.
Designed as a logical extension of the Signature family, the Signature Zooms increase the number of situations where the timesaving and practical benefits of zooms can be taken advantage of without appreciable compromises. They also share the detachable magnetic rear filter holder of the Signature Primes, allowing filmmakers to change and personalize the look of the entire Signature lens system.
For faster on-set workflows, the Signature Zooms features flares that are shaped and honed through upgraded lens coatings, reducing delays; setups are made easier and quicker by the lightweight magnesium design; and the in-built ARRI LDS-2 Lens Data System simplifies complex tasks on set and in post. Enhanced close-focus distances increase creative flexibility, and are designed to save time by reducing lens changes and save money by allowing crews to carry fewer lenses.
Fundamental to the design of the Signature Zooms is their suitability for shooting not just in large format (also known as full frame or VistaVision), but also in Super 35. “While the high image quality and beautiful background separation enhance the almost three-dimensional feel of large-format cinematography, the 8K resolving power and stunning bokeh also ensure pristine, immersive images in the smaller Super 35 format,” according to the announcement. Equipped with an LPL lens mount, which is an open, universal standard for cross-format shooting, the Signature Zooms can be used with any large-format or Super 35 camera, from any manufacturer.
Signature Zooms can be used for all formats up to full frame. The 8K resolution and deep shadow detail also lend themselves to future display requirements.
ARRI Signature Zooms are designed for productions that want a high-end look but rely on the versatility and time-efficiency of zooms, such as TV series, commercials, music videos, and remote applications. Feature films now also have a high-quality zoom series to accompany and complement the Signature Primes.
The 45-135 mm T2.8 and 65-300 mm T2.8 Signature Zooms will be released during Q1 2021, along with a dedicated 1.7x extender for the 65-300 mm that makes it a 110-510 mm T4.9. The 16-32 mm T2.8 and 24-75 mm T2.8 will be released later in the same year.
For more information on the ARRI Signature Zoom lenses, please visit: www.arri.com/signature-zoom-lenses
