ARRI Introduces Ensō Primes

ARRI has introduced the Ensō Prime series, a collection of large-format cinema lenses tailored for high-end digital productions. These lenses are built to deliver outstanding optical performance while offering flexibility in design and creative control for cinematographers. With focal lengths ranging from 10.5mm to 250mm, the Ensō Primes cover a wide range of shot requirements, making them a versatile addition to any production. The core set, which includes 18mm, 24mm, 32mm, 47mm, 75mm, and 105mm lenses, all feature T2.1 apertures and LPL mounts for compatibility with ARRI’s LDS-2 and Cooke /i lens metadata systems.

What Does “Ensō” Mean?

The name “Ensō” is derived from Zen philosophy, symbolizing a hand-drawn circle that represents both perfection and imperfection. This concept is a fitting metaphor for lenses that aim to blend technical precision with creative flexibility. Interestingly, ARRI, a historically German company, chose a Japanese name, which could be seen as a subtle nod to their partnership with an unnamed Japanese optical manufacturing partner.

Optical Design and Capabilities

The optical design of the Ensō Primes is centered on providing sharpness, clarity, and consistent color rendering across all focal lengths. With their large-format coverage, these lenses are optimized for today’s high-resolution digital cinema cameras, such as those used in 4K and 8K productions. The inclusion of aspherical elements in the lens design minimizes optical distortions and aberrations, particularly in the wider focal lengths. This results in a clean, natural look with edge-to-edge sharpness—a critical feature for cinematographers working in both expansive landscapes and close-up portraiture.

One of the defining characteristics of the Ensō Primes is their ability to focus extremely close without the need for additional accessories. The lenses feature a 1:4 close-focus ratio, allowing filmmakers to capture intricate detail with ease. Whether shooting small objects or detailed close-ups of actors’ faces, the close-focus capability provides added versatility and helps create dynamic images. This makes the Ensō Primes particularly useful for productions that need to move seamlessly between wide-angle shots and detailed macro work without the hassle of changing lenses or using additional diopters.

Creative Flexibility with Ensō Vintage Elements

A key feature that sets the Ensō Primes apart is the Ensō Vintage Elements kit, which consists of six rear diopters designed to modify the bokeh and flare characteristics of the lenses. These diopters, available in both positive and negative versions, are magnetically attached to the back of the lens, allowing filmmakers to adjust the optical qualities without compromising sharpness. By using these elements, cinematographers can create a variety of visual styles, from more vintage, softer looks to modern, sharp images with a distinct focus fall-off. The flexibility of the Vintage Elements kit offers filmmakers additional tools to craft unique cinematic experiences, giving them the ability to tailor the optical feel of their shots to the needs of the production.

Lens Metadata for Enhanced Workflow

One of the standout features of the Ensō Primes is their full support for lens metadata via ARRI’s LDS-2 system and Cooke /i Technology. These systems provide real-time metadata about focus distance, iris settings, and zoom positions to assist in post-production workflows, especially in virtual and augmented reality environments. This metadata can be used for lens mapping in VFX, ensuring greater accuracy when compositing effects and helping crews make more informed choices about lens settings during production.

Practical Design for Efficiency on Set

ARRI has paid particular attention to the practical aspects of the Ensō Primes’ design, ensuring that these lenses are easy to work with in professional production environments. Most of the lenses in the set share a 95mm front diameter, making it easier to swap lenses without needing to adjust accessories like matte boxes or follow-focus systems. This uniformity not only saves time on set but also ensures consistency in the visual style when switching between different focal lengths.

In addition to the consistent front diameter, the Ensō Primes also feature uniform gear positions across all focal lengths, which further streamlines the process of changing lenses during a shoot. Cinematographers and camera assistants can quickly move from one lens to another without having to reposition accessories or adjust settings, making these lenses ideal for fast-paced productions.

For longer focal lengths, the 250mm Ensō lens is compatible with 1.4x and 2x extenders, allowing the lens to reach 350mm and 500mm focal lengths, respectively. This extended range provides additional flexibility for productions that require both wide-angle and telephoto shots. Whether shooting in tight interiors or capturing distant subjects, the Ensō Primes offer the versatility needed for a wide range of cinematic applications.

Visual Characteristics and Performance

In terms of visual performance, the Ensō Primes deliver consistent color and contrast, similar to ARRI’s Signature Primes, which are known for their natural skin tones and smooth focus fall-off. The Ensō lenses maintain a natural look across the focal range, ensuring that the visual quality remains consistent, regardless of the lens being used. The lenses are designed to minimize flaring, but for filmmakers who want a more organic or vintage look, the subtle flare characteristics can be enhanced using flags or matte box eyebrows, giving additional control over the final image.

The bokeh produced by the Ensō Primes is another key feature, offering smooth transitions between sharp areas of focus and out-of-focus backgrounds. This is especially useful for filmmakers who prioritize depth of field and subject isolation in their work. Combined with the gentle focus fall-off, the bokeh creates a pleasing aesthetic, making these lenses ideal for both close-up and wide-angle work. Whether shooting dramatic narratives or intimate documentaries, the Ensō Primes offer a natural and flexible visual signature that can be adapted to various styles.

Comparison to ARRI Signature Primes

The Ensō Primes share several similarities with ARRI’s higher-end Signature Primes, both in terms of optical performance and design. Like the Signature Primes, the Ensō lenses use the rear diopter method to modify the optical characteristics, allowing for subtle changes in focus and bokeh without compromising image quality. However, there are notable differences between the two lens lines.

While the Signature Primes offer T1.8 apertures and are constructed with magnesium barrels, the Ensō Primes feature T2.1 apertures and aluminum barrels. This makes the Ensō Primes a slightly slower but lighter option, better suited for productions where weight and portability are a priority. The Signature Primes, on the other hand, are designed for ultimate performance in high-end cinema, with faster apertures.

Both lens series offer close-focus capabilities and consistent image quality across the range, but the Ensō Primes provide a more accessible entry point for filmmakers who need ARRI-quality optics without the premium price tag of the Signature Primes. The Ensō lenses are ideal for handheld and smaller setups, while the Signature Primes are often used in larger, more demanding productions where weight is less of a concern.

Versatility for Multiple Applications

The Ensō Primes are versatile enough to be used across a wide range of productions, from feature films and television to commercials and documentaries. Their lightweight design makes them particularly suited for handheld shooting or use with smaller cameras like the ALEXA Mini LF, providing flexibility for camera operators who need to move quickly between setups. The combination of consistent optical performance, ease of use, and creative control makes the Ensō Primes a valuable tool for productions that require both high-quality visuals and efficient workflows.

Conclusion

The ARRI Ensō Prime series is a well-rounded option for filmmakers looking for a combination of technical precision and creative flexibility. With features such as close-focus capabilities, the Ensō Vintage Elements kit, lens metadata support, and lightweight, uniform design, these lenses are positioned to serve a wide variety of cinematic needs. While offering a more affordable alternative to ARRI’s Signature Primes, the Ensō lenses maintain the quality and reliability that ARRI is known for, making them a solid investment for both rental houses and production companies.