Micro 4/3 cameras like the BMPCC and GH4 offer such great features for indie filmmakers on a budget, like shooting 4K and great dynamic range. However, using premium cinema glass with one either means selling your kidney for a single lens, or adapting non-native lenses (lens adapters, stills lenses, or imitators -- stills lenses trying to pass off as "cinema" lenses), which may degrade your final image.

That's why these new mini cinema primes from Veydra are so exciting; because not only were they specifically made for filmmakers using Micro 4/3 cameras, but you can purchase the entire set (five lenses) for the price of a single 35mm cine prime.


Creator Ryan Avery started a Kickstarter campaign for the Veydra Micro 4/3 mini cinema lenses, and talks at length about them in his campaign video -- which also happens to feature Matthew Duclos of Duclos Lenses, as well as Ilya Friedman of HotRod Cameras.

These lenses were not adaptedfor Micro 4/3 cameras, but built for for them, aiming for the quality filmmakers would expect out of a cinema lens, all while keeping prices reasonable. Avery says:

Every cinema quality necessary detail has been brought to reality in these lenses including a smooth 300 degree focus range, constant T Stop, 9 blade iris for a round pleasing bokeh, high quality aluminum housings, brass plated mount for long term durability, 77mm filter threads for easy filter changes, and mattebox compatible 80mm front diameter for all lenses. All of these details combine to make lenses that should cost many times the price offered here.

Features

  • Resolution that exceeds 4K
  • Cinema 0.8 module focus and iris gears
  • Consistent front 80mm outside diameter & 77mm filter threading
  • Similar length for quick lens changes
  • Constant T2.2 aperture for easy lighting set ups
  • Brass plated mounts for durability
  • 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses (12mm ships June 2015)

Pricing

  • $699: Your choice of any one Veydra Mini Prime Lens
  • $2499: Set of four: 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses
  • $3199: Set of all five: 12mm (Ships June 2015), 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm

All lenses (except the 12mm) ship January 2015.

50mmVeydra 50mm cine prime

12mmVeydra 12mm cine prime

Veydra-16mmVeydra 16mm cine prime (side view)

Veydra-side

Even though there was a little bit of test footage in the campaign video, it's clear that before anyone can feel comfortable dropping a massive chunk of change on lenses they'll have to see more. Veydra plans on releasing several more videos in the days to come.

If you're interested in learning more about Veydra mini primes, head on over to its Kickstarter campaign.

Source: Veydra M4/3 Cinema Lenses