Zhongyi Optics has announced a Zone T1 Cine Lens Series for Full Frame and VistaVision PL/EF cinema systems. Inclusive of native 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths — each bearing a fast T1.0 maximum aperture — the Zone T1 Cine Series is built specifically for professional cinematographers who demand the absolute maximum in speed, dreamy lens characteristic, shallow depth of field, and performance without compromising on-set reliability.
More than just capturing light, the Zone T1 aperture actively shapes the emotional mood of a scene. Operating at this extreme speed, the lenses transform challenging low-light environments into rich, painterly canvases, infusing footage with an organic warmth that softens the clinical edge of modern digital sensors.
The Zone T1 optics transform backgrounds into a cinematic masterpiece, rendering out-of-focus elements as rich, organic textures rather than a harsh digital blur. Equipped with a 16-blade iris system, the lenses maintain rounded orbs from background light sources even when stopped.
Engineered for VistaVision cinematography, the 46mm image circle can cover most of the modern full-frame sensor cameras while imparting a distinct cinematic character. The series delivers edge-to-edge clarity and uniform illumination across the entire frame, ensuring every visual detail of a narrative is captured.
By virtually eliminating distracting focus breathing, focus racks achieve an “exceptionally smooth, fluid transition”. Visual composition remains completely locked, ensuring the audience's attention stays exactly where it belongs, anchored to the heart of the story.
With close-focus capabilities, the Zone T1 series also excels at intimate, close-up cinematography. At short distances, the synergy of the ultra-fast T1.0 speed and the painterly bokeh amplifies, turning subtle framing details into powerful visual statements.
