Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander

Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander for Full-Frame Lens Coverage

The Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander is a powerful and indispensable tool for professional cinematographers who demand unmatched flexibility and optical performance from their gear. Built to bridge the gap between Super35 PL-mount lenses and full-frame or Vista Vision PL-mount cameras, this precision-engineered expander transforms your existing lens inventory into a full-frame powerhouse. Whether you're using a RED Monstro, ARRI Alexa LF, Sony Venice, or any other large-format PL-mount cinema camera, the Tokina 1.6x Expander ensures your Super35 lenses can deliver stunning edge-to-edge coverage across a massive 46.9mm image circle—up from a standard 29.3mm input. By multiplying your lens’s focal length by a factor of 1.6x, this expander not only enables broader sensor compatibility but also refines the visual output to meet the demands of modern high-resolution cinematography.

Designed with a 7-element, 4-group optical construction, the Tokina PL to PL Expander maintains superior image quality while controlling aberration, distortion, and light fall-off. You’ll experience only a minimal light loss of approximately 1.36 T-stops, ensuring performance remains optimal even in lower light environments. The expander is fully mechanical with robust all-metal construction, weighing a mere 0.3 kg (10.6 oz) and measuring just 23.76mm in length—making it an ultra-compact solution without compromise. Its seamless PL-to-PL mount design ensures secure, precision fitment for both lens and camera, with no electronics required, reducing failure points in demanding shooting conditions. The maximum input T-stop supported is T2.0, but for best optical results, lenses are recommended to be stopped down to T2.8 or smaller.

One of the standout features that set the Tokina 1.6x Expander apart is its built-in lens flange clearance checker, which guarantees compatibility with lenses featuring a flange-to-cone depth of 20mm or less. This smart addition ensures both mechanical safety and optimal optical performance—something often overlooked in third-party solutions. Included in the package are front and rear caps for protection, a carry pouch for mobility, and a 2-year limited warranty that underlines Tokina’s confidence in its premium engineering.

Unlike generic extenders, the Tokina Cinema Expander was specifically designed for use in professional filmmaking, not adapted from stills accessories or hybrid lens solutions. Its ability to fully utilize legacy glass on modern digital cinema cameras makes it a forward-thinking investment for any DOP or rental house. Whether you're expanding your lens coverage for a large-format feature film, shooting wide-format commercials, or working on high-end TV productions, the Tokina 1.6x Expander delivers the performance, build quality, and compatibility required to meet the highest production standards.

With demand growing for full-frame cinematic visuals and native full-frame lenses often costing tens of thousands of dollars, the Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander represents an exceptional value proposition. It allows filmmakers to future-proof their Super35 investments while accessing the aesthetic flexibility, shallow depth of field, and broader field-of-view control offered by large-format sensors. Don’t let sensor size limit your creative expression—unlock the full potential of your Super35 lenses and keep your gear relevant with Tokina’s purpose-built, optically precise 1.6x Expander. Add it to your production kit today and experience professional-grade versatility, enhanced visual control, and a seamless transition into the world of full-frame cinematography.

Features:

PL to PL Mount Design for Full Compatibility

The Tokina 1.6x Expander features a dedicated PL-to-PL mount configuration, ensuring universal compatibility with all PL-mount lenses and PL-mount digital cinema cameras. This makes it a drop-in solution for filmmakers using industry-standard cameras like the RED Monstro, ARRI Alexa LF, or Sony Venice. The mechanical mounts provide a secure lock with precise alignment, critical for maintaining proper back focus and image quality. Unlike other adapters that may require custom shimming or introduce instability, this expander offers a robust mechanical interface that integrates seamlessly into professional cinema setups.

1.6x Optical Expansion for Super35 to Full-Frame Adaptation

At the core of this expander is its 1.6x optical enlargement factor, which increases the image circle from 29.3mm to an impressive 46.9mm. This allows Super35 PL lenses to be used on large-format sensors without vignetting or loss of edge sharpness. It's a game-changer for productions transitioning to full-frame workflows but still want to leverage an existing Super35 lens inventory. The 1.6x factor also adjusts the lens's field of view to match full-frame sensor dimensions, effectively reinterpreting classic lenses in a modern context.

Precision Optical Design: 7 Elements in 4 Groups

Internally, the expander is built using a sophisticated optical formula comprising 7 lens elements arranged in 4 groups. This configuration is engineered to control distortion, minimize chromatic aberration, and maintain sharpness throughout the frame—even at the edges. The high-quality glass ensures that the expander does not degrade the performance of the original lens, preserving contrast, resolution, and color fidelity. The design reflects Tokina’s commitment to professional-grade optical solutions suitable for cinematic standards.

Minimal Light Loss for Professional Exposure Control

Despite adding an optical group between lens and sensor, the Tokina Expander only introduces a light loss of approximately 1.36 T-stops. This is considerably efficient for such an adapter and allows cinematographers to retain high image quality and exposure flexibility. For example, a lens at T2.0 would effectively operate at about T3.2 when the expander is mounted—still within acceptable ranges for most lighting setups. This makes it practical for high-end productions where low-light performance is still crucial.

Supports Lenses with Fast Apertures (Up to T2.0)

The Tokina Expander supports maximum input apertures as fast as T2.0, accommodating high-speed prime and zoom lenses commonly used in professional cinematography. However, for best performance and edge-to-edge consistency, it is recommended to stop down to T2.8 or smaller. This flexibility gives filmmakers creative freedom when working with shallow depth-of-field or shooting in dynamic lighting conditions, while ensuring that optical performance remains optimal.

Image Circle Coverage up to 46.9mm for Vista Vision and Full-Frame Sensors

With a maximum image circle coverage of 46.9mm, the expander fully supports large-format sensor cameras, including full-frame, Vista Vision, and 1.85" sensors. This makes it future-ready, ensuring your Super35 lenses remain usable as sensor formats continue to evolve toward larger dimensions. Whether you're shooting anamorphic, spherical, or custom frame ratios, this expander delivers the necessary coverage to meet modern cinematic demands.

Built-In PL Flange Clearance Checker for Safe Mounting

A unique feature included with the Tokina 1.6x Expander is the PL flange clearance checker. This tool allows users to verify whether a specific lens has sufficient physical clearance (20mm or less from flange to rear element) to be used with the expander without damaging internal optics. This adds a critical safety and compatibility layer, reducing guesswork and preventing costly gear damage. It’s particularly useful in rental houses or large productions using a wide variety of lenses.

Lightweight and Compact for Rig-Friendly Setups

Despite its professional-grade construction, the Tokina Expander weighs only 0.3 kg (10.6 oz) and is just 23.76mm long, making it one of the most compact full-frame expanders on the market. This compact form factor ensures it integrates effortlessly with gimbal, Steadicam, drone, and handheld rigs where weight and balance are critical. It enables users to scale up their camera system without overloading or compromising maneuverability.

Durable All-Metal Construction for Rigorous Production Environments

Built with an all-mechanical, all-metal chassis, the Tokina Expander is designed to endure the rigors of high-end production environments. There are no electronics involved, eliminating any risk of digital failure. The robust design guarantees longevity, consistent performance, and resistance to environmental factors like heat, cold, and humidity—ideal for on-location shoots and demanding production schedules.

Included Accessories and 2-Year Limited Warranty

Every Tokina Cinema 1.6x Expander package comes with a set of practical accessories, including front and rear lens caps for storage protection, a durable carry pouch for transport, and the aforementioned flange checker. It’s also backed by a 2-year limited warranty, affirming Tokina’s confidence in its engineering and support for professional users who rely on gear that performs consistently.

• Adapt Super35 Lenses for Full-Frame Productions: Enables cinematographers to use existing Super35 PL-mount lenses on full-frame or Vista Vision PL-mount cameras without vignetting, maximizing lens investment.
• Upgrade to Large Format Cinematography Without Replacing Lenses: Provides a cost-effective solution for filmmakers transitioning to large-format cameras without the need to purchase new full-frame lenses.
• Maintain Visual Consistency Across Sensor Formats: Allows DPs to retain the distinctive character and visual identity of legacy Super35 glass while capturing on full-frame sensors.
• Enhance Lens Versatility in Rental Houses: Expands the usable lens inventory for rental companies by making Super35 PL lenses compatible with a wider range of camera bodies.
• Future-Proof Super35 Lens Collections: Protects investment in high-end Super35 lenses by ensuring continued relevance as full-frame sensor formats become more standard in cinema.
• Support for High-Resolution, Large Sensor Productions: Ideal for 6K, 8K, and higher resolution shoots on cameras like RED Monstro or ARRI LF that demand edge-to-edge coverage and optical precision.
• Field Use in Rig-Heavy Environments: Compact and lightweight form factor makes it perfect for handheld, gimbal, Steadicam, or drone use where space and weight are limited.
• Use on Feature Films, Commercials, and Documentaries: Suitable for a wide variety of production types—from high-end narrative features to corporate and branded content that requires cinematic quality.
• Cinematic Lens Matching Across Multiple Cameras: Facilitates the use of matched Super35 lens sets across different camera platforms with varying sensor sizes, maintaining visual uniformity.
• Lens Testing and Evaluation: Useful for camera technicians and DITs during lens testing workflows to determine compatibility and coverage with larger sensors.
• Specialty Applications like Anamorphic or Vintage Lens Integration: Enables creative uses like mounting vintage or specialty Super35 PL lenses on modern full-frame cinema cameras to achieve unique aesthetics.

Pros:

• Adapt Super35 Lenses for Full-Frame Productions: Lets cinematographers use existing Super35 PL-mount lenses on full-frame or Vista Vision cameras without vignetting, extending the value of legacy glass.
• Upgrade to Large Format Cinematography Without Replacing Lenses: Offers a budget-friendly solution to enter the full-frame arena without the immediate cost of buying new large-format lenses.
• Maintain Visual Consistency Across Sensor Formats: Allows directors of photography to retain the familiar look and feel of Super35 optics, even when switching to large-format sensor systems.
• Enhance Lens Versatility in Rental Houses: Increases the range and flexibility of rentable lenses by enabling cross-compatibility between Super35 optics and full-frame camera bodies.
• Future-Proof Super35 Lens Collections: Safeguards long-term lens investments by adapting them to newer sensor technologies that require larger image circles.
• Support for High-Resolution, Large Sensor Productions: Delivers optical precision and full sensor coverage for 6K, 8K, and higher resolution cameras like RED Monstro or ARRI LF.
• Field Use in Rig-Heavy Environments: Compact size and low weight make it ideal for rigs such as gimbals, Steadicams, and drones where size and balance are critical.
• Use on Feature Films, Commercials, and Documentaries: Suitable for a broad range of production formats requiring cinematic image quality and lens performance.
• Cinematic Lens Matching Across Multiple Cameras: Helps maintain image consistency when using the same Super35 lenses across multiple camera bodies with different sensor sizes.
• Lens Testing and Evaluation: A valuable tool for technical teams to evaluate lens performance and sensor coverage in a controlled or testing environment.
• Specialty Applications like Anamorphic or Vintage Lens Integration: Enables the use of vintage or specialty Super35 PL lenses on full-frame platforms, unlocking creative visual possibilities.

Cons:

• 1.6x Crop Factor Alters Focal Length: The focal length of the lens is multiplied by 1.6x, which changes the intended field of view and may limit wide-angle framing.
• Light Loss of Approximately 1.36 T-Stops: The expander introduces a minor but noticeable reduction in light transmission, requiring adjustments in lighting or exposure.
• Not Compatible with All PL Lenses: Only supports lenses with flange-to-rear element clearance of 20mm or less; not all lenses will fit safely or correctly.
• No Electronic Pass-Through: Fully mechanical design means it lacks support for metadata, electronic iris control, or lens communication features.
• Best Performance Requires Stopping Down: Though it supports fast lenses up to T2.0, optimal image sharpness and edge performance are achieved at T2.8 or smaller.

FEATURES:

• For 6-8K HD Sensors up to 1.85"
• Enlarges Image Circle by 1.6x
• Seven Elements in Four Groups
• Aperture Compensation of 1.36 T-Stops
• Adapts PL Lens to PL-Mount Camera
• Compatible with Super35 Format Lenses
• Works Best with T2.0 or Larger Apertures

• Model: TC-16EXP-PP
• Mount Type: PL to PL (Lens Mount: PL / Camera Mount: PL)
• Focal Length Multiplier: 1.6x
• Image Circle Expansion: Increases image circle from 29.3mm to 46.9mm
• Sensor Coverage: Supports Full-Frame, Vista Vision, and sensors up to 46.9mm diagonal
• Optical Construction: 7 elements in 4 groups
• Maximum Input T-Stop: T2.0
• Recommended Operating T-Stop: T2.8 or smaller for optimal performance
• Light Loss: Approximately 1.36 T-stops
• Maximum Input Image Diameter: 29.3mm
• Maximum Output Image Coverage: 46.9mm
• Maximum Outer Diameter: 83mm
• Length: 23.76mm
• Weight: Approximately 0.3 kg (10.6 oz)
• Construction: Durable all-metal, all-mechanical build with no electronics
• Lens Compatibility: Compatible with Super35 PL lenses with flange-to-cone clearance ≤ 20mm
• Camera Compatibility: Full-frame and Vista Vision PL-mount cinema cameras (e.g., RED Monstro, ARRI Alexa LF, Sony Venice)
• Flange Clearance Tool: Included PL flange clearance checker for safe mounting
• Included Accessories: Front and rear lens caps, carry pouch, flange clearance checker
• Warranty: Limited 2-year manufacturer warranty

WHAT'S INSIDE:

• Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander
• Front and Rear Lens Caps
• Carry Pouch
• PL Flange Clearance Checker

What does the Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander do?

The Tokina 1.6x Expander allows cinematographers to use Super35 PL-mount lenses on full-frame and Vista Vision PL-mount cameras by increasing the image circle of the lens from 29.3mm to 46.9mm. This makes Super35 lenses compatible with larger sensors without vignetting or loss of edge sharpness.

Does the expander affect light transmission?

Yes, the expander introduces a light loss of approximately 1.36 T-stops. For example, a T2.0 lens will effectively operate around T3.2 when the expander is attached. Despite this, the optical design ensures high image quality is maintained.

Which cameras are compatible with this expander?

The Tokina 1.6x Expander is compatible with full-frame and Vista Vision PL-mount cameras such as the RED Monstro, ARRI Alexa LF, Sony Venice, and others that accept PL-mount optics and require large image circle coverage.

Can I use this expander with all PL lenses?

No. Only PL-mount lenses with a flange to rear-element clearance of 20mm or less are compatible. Tokina includes a flange clearance checker to help users verify compatibility and avoid damage to the expander or the lens.

Does the expander change the focal length of the lens?

Yes. The expander multiplies the focal length of the lens by 1.6x. For instance, a 50mm lens will become an 80mm lens when the expander is mounted, which also adjusts the field of view to match the larger sensor format.

What is the recommended aperture for optimal performance?

While the expander supports lenses with maximum apertures as wide as T2.0, it performs best when the lens is stopped down to T2.8 or smaller. This ensures maximum edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal optical aberration.

Is the expander compatible with anamorphic lenses?

It depends on the physical structure of the anamorphic lens. As long as the lens meets the flange clearance and image circle requirements, it may be used. However, users should verify compatibility using the clearance checker or consult Tokina directly.

What accessories are included with the expander?

The package includes front and rear lens caps, a protective carry pouch, and a PL flange clearance checker tool. These accessories ensure the expander remains protected and usable across various shooting environments.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Tokina 1.6x Expander?

The expander measures 23.76mm in length, has a maximum outer diameter of 83mm, and weighs approximately 0.3 kg (10.6 oz), making it compact and suitable for handheld, gimbal, and rig-mounted workflows.

Is the Tokina Expander covered by a warranty?

Yes. The Tokina Cinema PL to PL 1.6x Expander comes with a limited 2-year manufacturer warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions.