Atlas 1.4x LF Expander and Diopter Clamp Introduced – The Atlas Orion Series Goes Full-Frame

Lens Accessories

by Francesco AndreolaJune 6^th, 2022

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Atlas Lens Co. has recently released two new lens accessories, the Atlas 1.4x LF Expander and Diopter Clamp. The former enables the company’s popular Orion Series anamorphic lenses to cover large-format sensors, while the latter is a lightweight alternative to a matte box for mounting 138mm round filters. They are now available for purchase for $2,499 and $199 respectively.

In recent times, Atlas Lens Co. introduced the latest addition to their famous Orion anamorphic series, the 21mm T2 2x wide-angle lens. This family of glass, which delivers a pretty characteristic look, is designed for use with Super 35 mm sensors.

However, the company recently came up with two new accessories, including a 1.4x LF Expander. This makes their lenses compatible with full-frame PL-mount cinema cameras, including the ARRI ALEXA LF and Mini LF, Sony VENICE 1 and 2, and RED V-RAPTOR. Let’s take a closer look.

Atlas 1.4x LF Expander: anamorphic full-frame coverage

The new Atlas 1.4x LF Expander accepts PL mount lenses, is compatible with PL mount camera bodies, and offers 1.4x magnification. Hence, it enables all focal lengths in the Orion Series (from 21 up to 100mm) to cover 36x24mm full-frame sensors. However, this advantage comes at a cost. Indeed, the expander takes away a full stop of light.

Although this accessory has been optimized to achieve premium optical performance when paired with the Orion lenses, the company claims it is also compatible with other PL mount primes and zooms. However, they recommend that you first check that the rear element of your glass does not hit the optics of the expander. You can do so by using Atlas’ printable clearance check gauge that can be found here.

Actually, the company already offers a 1.6x LF Extender. Still, its bigger magnification factor implies a greater light loss compared to this new 1.4x model, approximately 1 and 1/3 stop.

Atlas Lightweight Diopter Clamp

Along with the new expander, Atlas also released a Diopter Clamp that offers users an easy-to-use and lightweight solution to mount up to two 138mm filters, such as diopters, in front of their lenses without having to use a matte box.

The accessory has a clamp-on design and can be attached to the front of lenses with an outer diameter of 114mm. On the outside, its 143mm diameter ensures compatibility with matte boxes and other accessories.

Price and availability

The new Atlas 1.4x LF Expander and Diopter Clamp are now available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website. They currently retail for $2,499 and $199 respectively. Sure, the expander is not cheap, but that’s the price you need to pay if you want to enjoy some full-frame anamorphic goodness on high-end large format cameras.

How do you like the look of the Atlas Orion series anamorphic lenses? Do you think pairing these lenses with large-format sensors will add a nice touch to their look? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!