As a part of the “Prototype Day” series held by Dynamic Rentals, which examines prototypes high-end models of cinema cameras and lenses, this time the ARRI 16-32mm T2.8 Signature Zoom was presented. Take a look at the photos of that precious piece of glass.
ARRI Signature Zoom
The ARRI Signature Zoom lenses were presented in September 2020. The goal for ARRI was to create a zoom option that can match perfectly with the acclaimed Signature Primes. That means, rendering the same natural skin tones, smooth focus fall-off, and timeless look of the prime, in a zoom apparatus. The four Signature Zooms, plus an extender, cover a focal length range of 16-510 mm, which according to ARRI, is the widest on the market. The Signature Zoom series includes four lenses: 45-135 mm T2.8, 65-300 mm T2.8, 16-32 mm T2.8, 24-75 mm T2.8, and a 1.7x extender which turns the 65-300mm T2.8 into a 110-510 mm T4.9, and thus expanding the range and options for cinematographers.
The 16-32 mm T2.8 prototype
One of the most interesting Signature Zoom is the widest one: 16-32 mm T2.8. That lens is dedicated to full-frame, but it works perfectly with Super 35mm sensors as well. The lens is yet to be released to the public, however, its prototype has been demonstrated by Dynamic Rentals (DYNAMIC), which serves rental companies who need to acquire high-end equipment. DYNAMIC has held what it calls, a ‘Prototype Day’ presenting the Signature Zoom 16-32 mm T2.8 to lens specialists. That allows DYNAMIC to learn about the technologies for quality control procedures before the lens is released and adopted in the market.
Thoughts about the Signature Zoom 16-32mm
Here is some feedback about the lens, after testing it in the “Prototype Day”:
Art Adams (ARRI Cinema Lens Specialist): “ARRI Signature Zooms feature the same key attributes as ARRI Signature Primes—beautiful skin rendition, dreamy bokeh, and exceptional color and dynamic range—in a package that’s perfect for fast-paced productions.”
Anna Schmidt (DYNAMIC Chief of Staff): “After witnessing global demand rise for ARRI’s irresistible Signature lens family, we’re pleased to see such a high level of quality dedicated to the development of the signature zoom line. A great move on ARRI’s part to create zooms that can behave just like primes.”
ARRI Signature Zooms feature the same key attributes as ARRI Signature Primes—beautiful skin rendition, dreamy bokeh, and exceptional color and dynamic range—in a package that’s perfect for fast-paced productions.
Art Adams – ARRI Cinema Lens Specialist
Brandon Zachary (DYNAMIC Founder & COO): “The Signature Zooms have the same great ARRI Signature Prime characteristics including the beautiful aspects of how the lens resolves. They pull the viewer’s focus to the area intended while creating a delicate yet clearly defined separation and sharpness from corner to corner.”
Tony Russell (DYNAMIC Lens Technician): “We had the privilege of having a first look at the ARRI Signature Zoom 16-32mm on a Mini LF camera and our Chrosziel TP7 projector. This is a great addition to the signature series lens family.”
Price and availability
The ARRI 16-32mm T2.8 Signature Zoom lens with LPL Mount can be preordered on the B&H website. The price is not for the faint of heart. The lens costs $70,540.
The lens in action
Last month, ARRI released a video that shot on the Signature Zooms 16-32 mm and 24-75 mm prototypes, utilizing their wide-angle capabilities. The video was shot by DP Oliver Maier, on the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF and at 50FPS (why?). The shooting concept was: Low light, magic hour, no makeup, natural skin tones, and a strong backlight (ARRI Orbiter) to test flare handling. Check it out below, and let’s know what do you think about this glass. Does it deliver? Comment below.
