Here’s an item that many filmmakers would be fascinated about. Cosina is going to release more Voigtlander lenses. The Voigtlanders were extensively utilized on Top Gun: Maverick inside the fighter jets and were responsible for those outstanding cockpit shots. Now, there will be more Voigtlander lenses with RF and Fujifilm X mounts. All details are below.
The ‘Cockpit lens’
The term ‘Cockpit lens’ was invented by us (YMCinema), since those Voigtlander lenses were well used in the cockpit shots on Top Gun: Maverick. The filmmakers have chosen the Voigtlanders due to their compactness, toughness, and sharpness. Furthermore, they could cover the large sensor of the Sony VENICE, and be paired perfectly with the six Rialto units when filming the pilots. This magnificent glass was designed with a full metal body and was built like a tank (not weather-sealed though). The Voigtlanders are defined as fully manual lenses, although they have the ability to communicate electronically with the camera. Moreover, they own a vintage-style design, which can facilitate fast operation (needed in Top Gun: Maverick). As explained, the Voigtlander lenses are sharp. In fact, they’re one of the sharpest lenses of their kind. Tests show sharp imagery even on the edge of the lens and even when wide open. As for the price, Voigtlander lenses are priced between $700 to $1,800 (not so cheap for a fully manual ‘still’ lens). In short, that’s a hell of a piece of glass. And now, there are four more of them, with Canon RF and Fujifilm X mounts.
Made in Japan by Cosina
Just a few words on the maker of the Voigtlander lenses. Voigtlander was one of the world’s longest-lived camera and lens makers. The brand which was founded in 1756 in Vienna, is still used by other firms. In the 19th century, Voigtlander made optical products including opera glasses and periscopic lenses. In 1840, the Hungarian Josef Petzval designed the innovative Petzval lens for Voigtlander which owned the widest relative aperture of any then made (about f/3). Voigtlander also made cameras, including the first all-metal daguerreotype camera. Anyway, the company’s specialty was (and still is) developing small full metal lenses. Since 1999, Voigtlander branded products have been manufactured and marketed by the Japanese optics and camera company Cosina. Voigtlander is a synonym for simplicity and robustness.
The new Voigtlander lenses were announced/teased in the Japanese press release during CP+2023.
The new Voigtlander lenses
See the slides below demonstrating the new Voigtlander lenses and their highlights:
More details can be found here, in the Japanese CP+2023 press release. Also, Cosina has released a promotional video demonstrating some of its lenses. Check it out below:
Wrapping up
We’ve all seen what the Voigtlanders can do in Top Gun: Maverick. Those cockpit shots were screened on IMAX, hence that piece of glass needed to deliver the sharpest imagery possible, especially when shooting in compressed 4K XAVC rather than on X-OCN. The Voigtlander lenses can easily be paired with a large format cinema camera to grant you beautiful imagery, and without breaking the bank, when simple shots are desired.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Voigtlander lenses
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