FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Significant extension of the Signature lens family, with the same timeless look as Signature Primes
- Biggest combined cine zoom focal length range on the market
- Universally compatible with any large-format or Super 35 camera
- Future-proof design accommodates HDR and 8K resolution
- 45-135/T2.8 and 65-300/T2.8 (plus 1.7x extender for the 65-300) released initially, with 16-32/T2.8 and 24-75/T2.8 to follow
September 23, 2020; Munich – Responding to market requests for high-quality zoom lenses to match and accompany the Signature Primes, ARRI announces four new Signature Zooms designed for universal usage with any large-format or Super 35 camera. They offer a fast stop of T2.8 across all four lenses, unrivalled focal length range, absolute image consistency, HDR compatibility, and 8K resolving power.
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 carefully balance the requirements of a very high optical performance, pleasing look, and lightweight mechanical design. Like the Signature Primes, they render a beautifully warm image, with 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.
There will always be instances where prime lenses are the first choice on set, but 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.
In addition to the inherently faster on-set workflows that zoom lenses bring, specific features of the Signature Zooms speed things up still further. Flares are shaped and honed through the best available 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. Truly exceptional close-focus distances increase creative flexibility, but also 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. 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.
Recognizing that high-end zoom lenses are a significant investment, ARRI has drawn on all of its experience and expertise to future-proof the Signature Zooms. Aside from the fact that they can be used for all formats up to full frame, other attributes safeguard them for a future in which a lot of current zooms won’t make the grade. The fact that the look is not based on aberrations of any sort means easier HDR and UHD workflows, which tend to exaggerate the aberrations of other lenses and create problems in post. The 8K resolution and deep shadow detail also lend themselves to future display requirements, while ARRI’s renowned build quality and support structure assure a long product life.
ARRI Signature Zooms are as close to a prime lens as it is possible to get, and the image is beautiful. They will be especially useful to 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, and productions that carry both will find that they are covered for every possible shooting situation.
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
About ARRI:
“Inspiring images. Since 1917.” ARRI is a global company within the motion picture media industry, employing around 1,400 staff worldwide. Named after its founders August Arnold and Robert Richter, ARRI was established in Munich, Germany, where the headquarters is still located today. Other subsidiaries are in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia.
The ARRI Group consists of the business units Camera Systems, Lighting, Media, and Rental, all dedicated to connecting art and future technologies for moving images. ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film and broadcast industry, with a worldwide distribution and service network. It is also an integrated media service provider in the fields of film post- and coproduction, international sales, as well as equipment rental, and supplying camera, lighting, and grip packages to professional productions. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI’s engineers and their contributions to the industry with 19 Scientific and Technical Awards.
For locations and more information, please visit www.arri.com.