LVX AURORA V2 Full-Frame Primes Available Now for Pre-Order

Lens News

by Omri Keren LapidotJanuary 23^rd, 2024

LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics is a boutique Italian/Latin American manufacturer. They are now offering the LVX AURORA V2 series for preorder. The LVX V2 are rehoused and optically tweaked Tokina Vista prime lenses. The company offers the lenses in two versions: V1 (already available) and V2. The versions will differ by the level of character. The V1 lenses will produce moderate vintage character while the V2 will produce a heavier more optically “flawed” look, or we could call it “Vintage” about 30% more than the V1.

Unique lenses are a common sight these days. Some originate from old stills optics stocks, readily available and affordable. There are several new attempts at creating the desirable “vintage look”. Relatively new manufacturers, such as Sirui (and others) make some interesting anamorphic and spherical lenses aimed at somewhat rough image rendering. There are also some prominent lensmakers that produce special series. Canon’s “Sumire” is one example. SIGMA also makes a Classic line of its Cine Art series with older coatings, Tokina have the Vista P line, and there are several other approaches. The path taken by LVX opts for the rehousing of Tokina Vista lenses, as well as tweaking its optical construction to achieve specific rendering.

Look and rendering

As with most optics that emphasize a unique look, describing it is tricky. Rendering is not measurable, it has no numerical value, and test charts fail to describe it. One must look at samples for reference.

It’s not a systematic comparison by any means, and a it’s bit jumpy as well, but this clip provides some frame of reference about the look the LVX lenses should provide. Flairs are very prominent on the V2 lenses, color seems to be on the warmer side, and the depth of field is extremely narrow, as is to be expected from a T/1.5 lens on a full-frame sensor (RED V-Raptor in this case).

The V2 formula stands apart from all prior Tokina de-tunings made by other companies and by Tokina itself, taking this de-tuning in an even more vintage direction.

Build and specs

As mentioned above, the LVX V2 lenses are based on the Tokina Vista lenses, which means they are quite massive prime lenses. The new chassis is made of 7075 Aircraft aluminum with a brushed, industrial finish. The company promises it will be both lightweight and durable.

According to the standard for cine lenses, the long throw focus ring (300°) and aperture ring are aligned throughout the line, so no need to adjust the rig when switching lenses. The front lens diameter is also identical at 114mm, and all lenses utilize a support foot. The LVX lens series light projection will cover a 46.7mm diameter, hence you can use them on Full Frame, Vista Vision, LF, and more. Focus breathing is also minimal. Available focal lengths are 18, 21, 25, 29, 35, 40, 50, 65, 85, 105, 135, and 180mm, all with T/1.5 (except for the 180mm with T/1.9).

LVX V2 Lenses key features: Lower contrast, less acutance, enhanced fall off, wider gamma of colors in flaring, film-like blooming, and increased bokeh swirling. 

The LVX V2 prescription can be paired with either SF (Standard Flare coating) for moderate flaring or FF (Full Flare coating)  for a more pronounced and bigger flare in the image.

Who is LVX?

LVX Badalamenti Cinema Optics is an Italian/Latin-American optical lens design studio founded by Giuseppe “Peppe” Badalamenti in 2023. Badalamenti is an award-winning director and DP based in Guatemala. The company produces high-end, rehoused, and optically-tuned lenses.

LVX is the Latin word for light, the true instrument of our craft.

Who is it for?

The LVX AURORA V2 lenses are a niche product. They provide filmmakers with a unique look and feel. They are also based on high-end Cine lenses, so they’ll probably find their way into rental houses where filmmakers can choose the best fit for their specific product. Such lenses may be used for nostalgic-vibed video clips or films, experimental work, etc.

Alternatives

Several manufacturers offer some sort of vintage lineup. These may be found at some of your local rental houses. Tokina produces the Vista P line, and Canon goes with the Sumire line, the fastest of the three going as far as T/1.3 lenses on some focal lengths. SIGMA has the Classic Cine Art lineup, which is the most affordable of the three. All render various levels of the “flawed” look and lean away from the clinical, “clean” look provided by modern optics.

Price and availability

LVX AURORA V2 lenses are available for pre-order. Some V1 lenses are already available for rent. Prices range from $16,000 to $18,000, with the 135mm costing $19,000 and the 180mm priced at $30,000. A six-lens set of the 18, 25, 35, 50, 85 & 105mm will set you back $70,000. A down payment of 50% is required.

Do you see yourself renting these specialty lenses for your next project? Would you prefer to use a different method to “vintagify” your imagery? Let us know in the comments.