Professional Anamorphic Lenses: Atlas Orion Series Review!

If you're a filmmaker aiming to achieve that classic cinematic look, the range of Atlas Orion Anamorphic Lenses are powerful tools that can change the look of your production. Samuel Druce from Reelwire Productions recently filmed a review of these lenses for Georges Cameras, highlighting their unique capabilities.

Available at Georges Cameras in Sydney, these lenses are designed to deliver the distinctive anamorphic aesthetic that has defined some of the most visually stunning films.

The Anamorphic Lens Experience

Before diving into the specifics of the Atlas Orion series, it's essential to understand what makes anamorphic lenses special. Anamorphic lenses are distinct from regular spherical lenses in that they horizontally compress the image when capturing it. This compression, typically at a 2x ratio, allows filmmakers to record a much wider field of view on a standard-sized sensor or film.

When the image is "de-squeezed" during post-production, it expands to its full widescreen aspect ratio, often 2.39:1, giving the final product a dramatic, cinematic feel.

Anamorphic lenses are also known for their unique optical characteristics, such as oval-shaped bokeh (the out-of-focus areas of an image), pronounced horizontal lens flares, and a certain degree of barrel distortion, all of which contribute to a stylised film look.

Crafting Innovation in Cinematography

Atlas Lens Co., the creator of the Orion Anamorphic series, is a brand born out of a passion for cinematography. Founded in 2016, Atlas Lens Co. emerged from a simple yet ambitious goal: to democratise anamorphic cinematography by creating high-performance, affordable lenses. With new lines being produced for a growing audience, Orion lenses, along with the upcoming Mercury Series, promise to deliver even greater versatility, making it an ideal match for the latest Sony BURANO 8K cine camera.

Atlas Orion: Crafting a Unique Visual Style

The Atlas Orion Anamorphic Lenses stand out in the market for their ability to create a "dirty, stylised image" that appeals to filmmakers looking for a distinct visual aesthetic. As Samuel mentioned, the lenses immediately draw attention with their unique look, encouraging creativity and a desire to shoot.

Key Features of Atlas Lens Co Orion Series

Strong Blue Flares

The Atlas Orion lenses are renowned for their strong blue flares, which are a hallmark of the anamorphic look. While these flares might be too intense for some, they add a dynamic visual element that many filmmakers, including Druce, find compelling.

Pleasing Barrel Distortion

Unlike spherical lenses that aim for minimal distortion, the Atlas Orion lenses embrace a certain level of barrel distortion. This feature adds a sense of depth to the images, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the scene and contributing to the lens's visual style.

Oval Bokeh

Another standout feature is the bokeh produced by these lenses. Where spherical lenses typically render out-of-focus light as circular, the Atlas Orion lenses create an elongated, oval-shaped bokeh. This effect helps to separate the subject from the background, adding a layer of visual interest characteristic of high-end anamorphic glass.

Enhancing Anamorphic Capabilities with the Sony FX6

Sony's recent firmware update for the FX6 cinema camera has further expanded the possibilities for filmmakers using anamorphic lenses like the Atlas Orion series. The Version 5.0 firmware introduces a 1.5x de-squeeze function, allowing filmmakers to accurately preview and record anamorphic footage directly on the FX6. This feature is crucial when working with anamorphic lenses, as it ensures that the compressed image is displayed correctly, both in the camera's viewfinder and through HDMI output.

Moreover, the firmware update includes enhanced colour processing through integrated 3D LUTs inspired by Sony's high-end VENICE cinema cameras. This update allows for more precise colour grading, a critical factor when shooting with anamorphic lenses, which often introduce unique colour tones. The update also brings additional monitoring tools, such as waveform and false colour displays, available via the updated Monitor & Control App, enabling cinematographers to better manage exposure and focus when capturing complex anamorphic scenes.

The team at Georges Cameras believes that combining the distinctive characteristics of the Atlas Orion lenses with the advanced functionalities of the Sony FX6 or the Sony BURANO will provide filmmakers with an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Professional-Grade Build and Flexibility

In addition to their optical qualities, the Atlas Orion lenses are built with professional use in mind. They feature a standardised barrel size across the entire set, making it easier to swap lenses on set or out in the field without needing to adjust focus motors. The lenses also have a consistent 114mm outer diameter, compatible with Georges's wide range of Matte Boxes and filters, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into existing professional rigs.

However, it's important to note that if you're shooting on full-frame sensors like the Arri LF, Sony Venice, or RED MONSTRO, you'll need an Atlas LF Extender to use these lenses. This accessory allows the lenses to cover the larger sensor area, ensuring that you can still achieve the intended aspect ratio without compromising on image quality. While the lenses can be used on smaller sensors like those of the FX6, the resulting aspect ratio will be extremely wide, potentially requiring cropping in post-production.

Competitive Pricing and Industry Use

While the Atlas Orion lenses are not the most budget-friendly option on the market, they offer a competitive price point compared to other high-end anamorphic lenses from brands like Cooke and Panavision. The quality and distinct visual style they provide make them a valuable investment for filmmakers serious about achieving a cinematic look. As mentioned by Samuel, don't take our word for it, as these lenses have been used on high-end productions such as Babylon, Don't Look Up, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, attesting to their capability in professional settings.

Final Thoughts

The Atlas Orion Anamorphic Lenses, available at Georges Cameras, offer a unique blend of modern optics and classic anamorphic characteristics. They are ideal for filmmakers who want to achieve a distinct, stylised look that sets their work apart. Whether you're shooting a feature film, a commercial, or a music video, these lenses can help you create images with depth, character, and a truly cinematic feel.

Atlas Lens Co. has revolutionised the accessibility of anamorphic lenses, providing tools that empower filmmakers to craft visually compelling stories. Combined with the new capabilities of the Sony FX6 or the upcoming Atlas Mercury Series - which the Georges team is particularly excited about for its synergy with the Sony BURANO 8K cine camera - filmmakers have at their disposal a powerful toolkit for achieving cinematic excellence. 

If you're interested in exploring the possibilities with Atlas Orion lenses or the Sony FX6, speak to the team at Georges Cameras for more information or to arrange a demo!

For more information about Reelwire Productions, visit their website here.