Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 LPL Mount (Imperial Focus Scale)

Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 LPL Lens – Full Frame Telephoto Prime

The Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 LPL Mount (Imperial Focus Scale) is a premium, high-performance telephoto prime lens purpose-built for today’s demanding cinematographers who refuse to compromise on image quality or creative precision. As the longest focal length in Tokina’s renowned Vista Prime series, this 180mm lens is masterfully engineered to deliver jaw-dropping resolution, flawless depth separation, and cinematic imagery that meets the strictest professional standards—from feature film sets to high-end commercial production environments. With a massive 46.7mm image circle, the lens fully covers Full Frame and Vista Vision sensors, making it an ideal companion for the latest cinema cameras that demand impeccable sharpness across the entire frame, even at wide apertures. Its blazing-fast T1.9 maximum aperture allows for outstanding low-light performance and striking shallow depth of field, enabling DPs to isolate subjects with beautiful, creamy bokeh that remains smooth thanks to its 9-blade, clickless aperture iris—perfect for those emotion-driven close-up shots that define visual storytelling.

Constructed with 17 optical elements in 14 groups, the Tokina Vista 180mm showcases minimal chromatic aberration, edge-to-edge sharpness, and almost zero focus breathing, ensuring that your framing stays intact during intricate focus pulls. This makes it an exceptional tool for scenes where continuity and subtlety are paramount. One of its standout engineering feats is the 300° focus rotation, giving operators ultra-precise manual control, allowing them to hit critical focus marks with unwavering accuracy. Its LPL mount, optimized for large-format cinematography, ensures robust, secure attachment to professional camera systems and unlocks superior optical potential, while the Imperial focus scale offers quick, intuitive readouts tailored for users in feet-based measuring workflows.

Physically, the lens maintains the consistent 114mm front diameter found throughout the Vista Prime lineup, streamlining matte box compatibility and simplifying on-set lens swaps. The body measures a compact-yet-solid 195mm in length and weighs approximately 3.26 kg (7.19 lbs), striking a practical balance between rugged build quality and manageable handling. It also accommodates 112mm screw-in filters, an often-overlooked but immensely convenient feature for quickly adapting to varying lighting environments without bulky accessories. Built to thrive under the stress of production, this lens is housed in a rugged, all-metal chassis that withstands rigorous day-to-day use while exuding a premium feel.

For filmmakers seeking a truly cinematic look with uncompromising sharpness, rich contrast, and gorgeous background separation—even in challenging lighting scenarios—the Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 is an unbeatable asset. Whether you're capturing intense character moments in a dramatic close-up, isolating subjects in bustling locations, or showcasing detail-rich product shots from a distance, this lens delivers with power, precision, and visual elegance. Its ability to maintain visual consistency with other Vista primes, paired with its high-speed aperture, manual focus accuracy, and superior LPL mount design, makes it a go-to choice for serious professionals who demand excellence from glass. Choose the Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm and step into a world where storytelling isn’t just seen—it’s felt.

Features:

180mm Telephoto Focal Length for Precise Subject Isolation

The 180mm focal length offers a long telephoto perspective ideal for tightly framed close-ups, making it a perfect choice for emotional storytelling, wildlife cinematography, and high-end commercial shoots. This compression of perspective flattens backgrounds beautifully, ensuring subjects are isolated with remarkable clarity and artistic control.

T1.9 Aperture for Cinematic Depth and Low-Light Dominance

A maximum aperture of T1.9 provides superior light-gathering ability, allowing cinematographers to work confidently in dimly lit environments without sacrificing image quality. It also produces an exceptionally shallow depth of field, enabling stunning subject-background separation with natural, soft bokeh that elevates cinematic imagery.

Full-Frame and Vista Vision Sensor Coverage with 46.7mm Image Circle

With a large 46.7mm image circle, this lens fully covers Full Frame, Vista Vision, and even some large-format digital cinema sensors. This means greater flexibility across various professional camera platforms while delivering edge-to-edge sharpness and uniformity—critical for high-resolution formats including 6K, 8K, and beyond.

17-Element Optical Design in 14 Groups for Ultra-High Resolution

The complex internal optical structure—comprising 17 elements in 14 groups—is carefully engineered to minimize aberrations and maintain clarity across the frame. This design ensures the lens delivers uncompromising resolution and contrast, supporting modern high-definition workflows and delivering images suitable for high-end color grading and visual effects.

Minimal Focus Breathing for Professional Focus Pulls

Focus breathing is reduced to near imperceptible levels, which is essential for narrative productions and dynamic scenes requiring racking focus. As the focus shifts from one subject to another, the frame remains steady, maintaining the integrity of the shot and eliminating distracting changes in field of view.

300° Focus Rotation for Unmatched Manual Precision

With a long 300-degree focus throw, the lens allows for exceptionally fine manual focus adjustments. This is vital when working with large-format sensors and wide apertures, where even the smallest movement can alter the focus plane significantly. The extended rotation angle aids first ACs in hitting marks accurately, even during fast-paced shoots.

Unified Vista Prime Form Factor for Streamlined Workflow

The Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm shares a common front diameter (114mm), lens gear positions, and physical size with the rest of the Vista Prime series. This design consistency enables fast lens swaps on set without needing to reposition matte boxes, follow focus systems, or lens supports, saving valuable production time.

LPL Mount for Large-Format Cinema Cameras

The LPL (Large Positive Lock) mount is specifically designed for large-format cameras and offers a wider throat and shorter flange distance for optimal light transmission and improved mechanical strength. Its robust build ensures secure attachment and compatibility with modern cinema camera bodies from ARRI, RED, and others.

Imperial Focus Scale for Familiar Marking in Feet

The focus scale is marked in feet (imperial), offering quick visual reference for operators in regions or workflows where the imperial system is the standard. This supports faster communication between DPs and focus pullers, particularly in high-pressure set environments.

9-Blade Iris for Silky, Natural Bokeh

A 9-blade, rounded diaphragm creates a smooth, circular bokeh that maintains aesthetic consistency throughout the aperture range. This quality is especially valuable for background lights and defocused highlights in portraiture and close-up work, where visual texture is critical.

Durable Build with Practical Weight Distribution

Despite its complexity, the lens maintains a well-balanced weight of approximately 3.26 kg (7.19 lbs) and a length of 195mm. It’s designed with rugged production environments in mind, constructed using high-grade materials that resist wear and maintain alignment even during rigorous field use.

112mm Front Filter Thread for Compact ND and Effects Filters

Unlike many cinema primes, this lens features a threaded 112mm front, enabling direct filter attachment without the need for bulky matte boxes. This is a rare but extremely useful feature for solo operators, run-and-gun situations, or when speed and agility are required.

• 🎬 Feature Films & High-End TV Productions: Ideal for dramatic close-ups, emotional moments, and controlled depth of field in narrative storytelling.
• 📺 Commercial and Advertising Shoots: Delivers high-resolution, detail-rich imagery perfect for product focus, fashion, and luxury branding.
• 📹 Documentary Filmmaking: Allows for tight subject framing from a distance, ensuring discretion and minimal intrusion in sensitive environments.
• Wildlife and Nature Cinematography: Offers long-range subject isolation for filming animals in natural habitats without disturbing the scene.
• Portrait and Beauty Work: Perfect for close-up facial framing with flattering compression and smooth bokeh.
• Studio and Controlled-Environment Shoots: Enables precise manual focus and controlled lighting setups for consistent, repeatable results.
• Architectural and Detail Shots: Captures isolated structural features or compressed cityscapes with sharpness and clarity.
• Multi-Camera and Live Production Rigs: Compatible with full-frame broadcast and cinema systems requiring matched optics for long-lens angles.
• VFX and Green Screen Work: Sharp across the frame and free from distortions, making it highly suitable for compositing and effects-heavy sequences.
• Aerial or Remote Rigging: When stabilized, the lens can be rigged on drones, cranes, or arms for tight, high-altitude perspectives.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality: Sharp, high-resolution rendering across the frame
• Fast T1.9 aperture: Excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field
• Minimal focus breathing: Ensures smooth and professional focus pulls
• Full-frame coverage: Covers Full Frame and Vista Vision sensors with a 46.7mm image circle
• 300° focus rotation: Provides precise manual focusing for critical shots
• Unified form factor: Uniform gear positions and 114mm front diameter match other Vista Primes for seamless workflow
• Durable build: Robust, all-metal construction designed for professional on-set durability
• Beautiful bokeh: Smooth, rounded 9-blade iris delivers cinematic background rendering
• LPL mount: Offers secure, large-format camera compatibility
• 112mm front filter thread: Allows direct filter attachment without needing a matte box

Cons:

• Heavier build: Approx. 3.26 kg may require additional rigging or support for handheld use
• Premium pricing: Positioned in the high-end market bracket
• Limited use in tight spaces: Long 180mm focal length may not suit compact or fast-moving environments
• Mount limitations: LPL mount may require adapters for use with non-compatible camera systems
• Fixed focal length: Less versatile compared to zoom lenses

• Focal Length: 180mm
• Maximum Aperture: T1.9
• Lens Mount: LPL (Large Positive Lock)
• Focus Scale: Imperial (feet)
• Image Circle: 46.7mm (covers Full Frame and Vista Vision)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.5 meters (4'11")
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:7.91
• Optical Construction: 17 elements in 14 groups
• Iris Blades: 9-blade, rounded, clickless
• Focus Rotation: 300°
• Front Diameter: 114mm
• Filter Thread Size: 112mm
• Maximum Diameter: 124mm (excluding tripod collar)
• Length: 195mm (from mount surface)
• Weight: Approximately 3.26 kg (7.19 lbs)

• Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 LPL Mount Lens (Imperial Focus Scale)
• Front lens cap
• Rear lens cap (LPL mount)
• Hard protective lens case
• Limited manufacturer warranty
• Silica gel pack (moisture control)
• Lens support foot (if included by distributor)
• Documentation and user guide

What camera systems are compatible with the Tokina Cinema Vista 180mm T1.9 LPL?

The lens uses an LPL mount, making it compatible with large-format cinema cameras from brands such as ARRI, RED, and others that support the LPL standard.

Does this lens cover Full Frame and Vista Vision sensors?

Yes, with a 46.7mm image circle, the Tokina 180mm T1.9 fully covers Full Frame, Vista Vision, and other large-format sensors, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness.

Is the lens suitable for low-light shooting?

Absolutely. With a fast T1.9 aperture, this lens performs exceptionally well in low-light environments while offering stunning shallow depth of field.

Does the lens breathe during focus pulls?

No, the Tokina Vista 180mm T1.9 is designed with minimal focus breathing, preserving consistent framing during racking focus.

What is the focus throw angle on this lens?

The lens features a generous 300° focus rotation, allowing for precise manual focusing, especially important for critical focus control on high-resolution sensors.

Are the front diameter and gear positions consistent with other Vista Prime lenses?

Yes, it maintains a 114mm front diameter and matched gear positions, allowing for easy lens swaps with other Vista Primes without adjusting accessories.

Can filters be attached directly to the lens?

Yes, the front of the lens includes a 112mm filter thread, which allows direct attachment of filters without a matte box for faster, lightweight setups.

What kind of bokeh does the lens produce?

The 9-blade, rounded iris produces smooth, cinematic bokeh that maintains its shape throughout the aperture range, ideal for portrait and dramatic visuals.

Is the lens available in metric focus scale?

While this version uses an Imperial (feet) focus scale, Tokina also offers metric versions. Be sure to confirm the scale before purchase if needed.

What is the weight and build quality like?

The lens weighs approximately 3.26 kg (7.19 lbs) and features a rugged all-metal construction, designed for durability in professional production environments.