The cinema optics market is dominated by manual fixed lenses that are often unaffordable. Viltrox is shaking this up with the launch of two atypical zooms: the Luna 30-300 mm T4 and 42-420 mm T5.6. These lenses are impressive not only for their x10 zoom, but also for their weight and price.
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Cinema optics, a very special world
In the cinema, fixed focal lengths are often preferred, with each director generally having his or her preferred focal length. For example, Steven Spielberg mainly uses a 21 mm Super 35 format (equivalent to around 31 mm in full frame).
Nevertheless, zooms are sometimes used on film sets, although their focal range is generally limited. This is precisely where the new Viltrox zooms stand out, offering rare versatility thanks to their wide focal range.
Announced in April and September 2024 respectively, the Luna 30-300 mm T4.0 Zoom 10x and Luna 42-420 mm T5.6 Zoom 10x are quite extraordinary optics. More similar in appearance to telescopes than traditional zooms, they feature the PL mount used on cinema cameras.
The two Viltrox zooms are almost identical, with one exception: the image format covered. The 30-300mm model is designed for 35mm sensors or films, or even slightly larger, thanks to a 46mm image circle.
Here is a list of the Luna 30-300 mm T4.0 Zoom 10x features:
- focal range: 30-300 mm (equivalent to 45-450 mm in APS-C)
- lens for full-frame sensor or film
- max. opening: T4
- min. opening: T22
- angle of field: 8.8° – 77.8
- optical construction: 33 lenses in 23 groups
- diaphragm: circular, 8-blade
- minimum focusing distance: 1.8 m
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: N.C.
- max. magnification: N.C.
- focusing: manual
- filter diameter: rear insert filter
- dimensions: ø 173 x 511.3 mm
- weight: 15 kg
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- compatible mount: PL mount
- launch price: €79,999
For its part, the 42-420 mm covers a 60 mm image circle, enabling it to be used with cameras equipped with a largemedium-format sensor, or even larger ones such as 65 mm sensors or film. A 22-200 mm T2.8 model for Super 35 mm / APS-C sensors is also planned.
Here is a list of the Luna 42-420 mm T5.6 Zoom 10x features:
- focal range: 42-420 mm
- lens for 65 mm sensor/film
- max aperture: T5.6
- min. opening: T22
- angle of view: 8° – 72
- optical construction: 40 lenses in 28 groups
- diaphragm: circular, 8-blade
- minimum focusing distance: 1.8 m
- image stabilization: no
- tropicalization: N.C.
- max. magnification: N.C.
- focusing: manual
- filter diameter: rear insert filter
- dimensions: ø 173 x 543.6 mm
- weight: 15.3 kg
- accessories supplied: N.C.
- compatible mount: PL mount
- launch price: €99,999
A bewildering optical formula
The 30-300 mm incorporates 33 elements in 23 groups, while the 42-420 mm has 40 elements in 28 groups! Viltrox promises exemplary image quality throughout the entire focal range, with minimal distortion and focus breathing reduced to a minimum.
Both lenses feature an 8-blade diaphragm and a minimum focusing distance of 1.8 m, valid throughout the entire focal range. Devoid of autofocus, these zooms are designed for cinema and are parafocal, maintaining a constant focus throughout the zoom, which is essential for professional use.
Over 50 cm long and 15 kg on the scale
These lenses impress with their unusual size. Dressed in a white coat reminiscent of Viltrox’s anamorphic cinema optics, they share a common diameter of 173 mm. Their length varies: 511 mm for the 30-300 mm and 543 mm for the 42-420 mm, with internal zoom. In both cases, they weigh in at over 15 kg – real bazookas!
The three rings (focus, zoom and diaphragm) are notched to facilitate installation of follow focus systems. There are also a variety of screw threads for attaching the zooms to cranes, tripods and the like. Of course, given their weight, these lenses cannot be used freehand. Apart from the fact that you’d have to be a real Golgoth to handle the beasts, you’d run the risk of breaking the mount.
Filters can also be fitted to the rear of the lenses, as the 165mm diameter front lens makes it impossible to use filters there.
Price and availability of Viltrox Luna cinema zooms
The Viltrox Luna 30-300 mm T4.0 Zoom 10x is available for pre-order at €79,999. The Luna 42-420 mm T5.6 Zoom 10x is priced at €99,999 !
It’s a safe bet that, in the end, these extraordinary lenses will only be available via special orders direct from the Chinese manufacturer.
Our first impression on the Viltrox Luna 30-300 mm T4.0 Zoom 10x and 42-420 mm T5.6 Zoom 10x
One look is all it takes to understand just how atypical Viltrox Luna lenses are. In addition to their x10 zoom, their imposing size makes them lenses that will stand out even on film sets accustomed to uncommon stones.
By way of comparison, a single Luna zoom is heavier than the manufacturer’s set of 5 anamorphic cinema lenses ! Admittedly, they only offer a focal range of 25 to 100 mm, but are nevertheless much brighter. Viltrox is trying to providethe “perfect” cinema zoom, and there’s no doubt that there will be fans. Lovers of minimalism and miniaturization will be disappointed.
The rather exorbitant price is also very impressive, even for cinema zooms. For example, a zoom lens like the Canon CN-E 30-300 mm T2.95-3.7 (for Super 35 mm), admittedly at the end of its life, is offered at “only” €45,120. Another example, the Canon CN Cine Servo 25-250 mm T2.95 is priced at €27,500. With prices approaching€80,000 and €100,000, Viltrox zooms come close to (or even surpass) the most expensive references on the market.
Perhaps this is the optician’s way of demonstrating his desire to enter the big league.
