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At Cine Gear 2024, Viltrox has launched the LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom lens and our team was there to dive into the endeavor of its making. 10x zoom lenses are quite rare in the general market, and even more so in the large sensor cine segment. The Viltrox LUNA takes on this challenge. With an image circle of 46.3mm across the focal range, it will cover the likes of ARRI LF, RED Vista Vision sensors, and other full-frame sensors.The craft of lens manufacturing is far from simple. Every added feature makes it more complex. Viltrox has just recently joined the fray with several cine lenses and some interesting APS-C hybrid lenses, mostly for FUJIFILM X mount and Sony E-mount cameras. The LUNA 30-300 T4.0 cine zoom is quite a leap in terms of optical and mechanical requirements and challenges. Challenges of making a cine lensCinematic requirements are tricky. Unlike still photography, the capture of moving images reveals the inner workings of a lens. Things like focus breathing and parfocal design become very apparent when recording motion, while utterly negligible in stills. This is one of the reasons why cine optics are usually larger and pricier than comparable still lenses. The huge LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom lens is quite a testament to those challenges regarding both size and pricing (compared with still-hybrid super zooms.)Viltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom. Image credit: CineDViltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 – Optical characteristicsWhile the specific optical formula has yet to be disclosed, I’ll take the risk and bet it’s quite a complex design. Combining a 10x zoom range with a constant T4.0 aperture isn’t the easiest feat. The zoom also adds a 46.5mm coverage, so large formats are all covered. This includes full-frame hybrid cameras, ARRI Alexa Mini LF, RED V-RAPTOR, and V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV, etc. Viltrox also claims the lens has a parfocal design, an important feature for a manual focus zoom lens. Eight aperture blades should maintain a nice round bokeh throughout the T4.0-22 aperture range.Viltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom. Image credit: CineDPhysical characteristicsAside from the huge white barrel, the LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 offers some interesting mechanical features. Focus, iris, and zoom rings feature industry-standard 0.8MOD gears and provide smooth and even operation. As with most cine zooms, the Viltrox LUNA utilizes a unified barrel design with no extensions or protrusions due to zooming or focusing. This all comes down to a whopping weight of around 15kg/33lbs, but to be honest, it’s quite expected from such a lens.Viltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom. Image credit: CineDPrice and availabilityThe new Viltrox LUNA 30-300mm T4.0 cine zoom is now available for pre-order and should start shipping in 2 months. The official retail price for this massive cine zoom is set at $65,000. Not your everyday purchase, but it’s not an everyday glass.What are your thoughts about this massive cine zoom? Do you see yourself opting for such a unique lens for your next project? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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