Tokina has announced its latest addition to the Vista Prime lineup—the Vista-C. This new variant aims to deliver a more vintage-inspired aesthetic with controlled contrast, unique flare characteristics, and a slightly less uniform image while maintaining the high resolution and T1.5 speed that define the Vista series. But does this really introduce something entirely new, or is it simply a refined iteration of an already solid lens platform? Let’s take a closer look.
A “New” Optical Formula?
Tokina states that the Vista-C Primes feature a completely new optical formula, but given their history, it’s more likely that these are refinements or tweaks to the original Vista Prime design rather than an entirely unique optical design. The goal here seems to be an image with smoother transitions, reduced contrast, and an alternative color signature in flares—changes that align with how other manufacturers have introduced “character” variations of existing cinema lenses.
Lower contrast can be an appealing trait, offering a more cinematic and organic rendering. Personally, I enjoy lenses with slightly lower contrast, but it’s important to note that choices like this should always be considered in the context of a project’s needs. Some cinematographers may find the look desirable for narrative work, while others may prefer the crisp, higher-contrast look of the original Vista Primes.
Flare Characteristics & the Evolving “Tuned” Look
One of the most noticeable differences in the Vista-C Primes is their shift in flare color. While the original Vista and Vista-P lenses leaned towards green flares—a common trait in modern optics—the Vista-C embraces red and blue flares instead. This intentional design choice alters the color response of the lens in a way that may complement certain lighting conditions more naturally. Some cinematographers will appreciate this departure from green, while others might still prefer the more neutral or classic rendering of the standard Vista glass. Beyond just flare color, the Vista-C lenses introduce subtle field distortion, softer edges, and a more natural fall-off, reminiscent of the aesthetic qualities found in vintage lenses like the Canon K35s. These characteristics make them well-suited for cinematographers seeking a balance between modern optical performance and a more organic, classical feel.
Tokina is also making a strategic move with the Vista-C series by capitalizing on the growing trend of “tuned” optics. Many third-party companies have already re-tuned and re-badged Vista Primes, often attempting—sometimes unsuccessfully—to obscure their Tokina origins. By offering its own factory-designed “character” versions, Tokina takes control of this market segment, providing cinematographers with an alternative look without requiring third-party modifications. Unlike simple de-tuning efforts performed by rental houses, the Vista-C lenses feature new optical elements and specialized coatings developed over years of refinement. This move aligns with other major manufacturers that have introduced “Vintage” or “Classic” editions of their lenses, but Tokina has taken it further—offering now three distinct Vista variants beyond the original. With this expanding lineup, cinematographers now have more flexibility than ever when choosing the right lens for their specific creative needs.
Improved Physical Design
Tokina mentions that the Vista-C Primes have updated mechanical construction for better precision and compatibility with modern focus motors. While the original Vista Primes were already well-built, any improvement in focus mechanics is always welcome, especially in a production environment where reliable and repeatable focus pulls are critical.
Without detailed information on what has actually changed, it’s hard to say whether this is a minor tweak or a meaningful improvement. If the updates significantly enhance usability, then this could be a key selling point for operators working with high-end focus systems.
How Do the Vista Primes Compare?
With four different versions of the Vista Primes now available, it’s worth breaking down their key characteristics:
- Original Vista Primes: High-resolution, neutral look Green flares High contrast, sharp across frame
- Vista ONE: Single-coated front element for unique character Softer, diffused flares Slightly reduced contrast
- Vista-P: Increased spherical aberration for a vintage look Green flares Softened edges, more distortion
- Vista-C: Lower contrast, alternative flare colors Blue and red flares Smoother transitions, organic rendering
Each of these lenses offers a different visual characteristic, making them suitable for various creative applications. With such a diverse lineup, it will be interesting to see which version resonates most with cinematographers.
As always, here are the tech specs for my fellow lens geeks!
| Spec. | Vista-C 18mm | Vista-C 25mm | Vista-C 35mm | Vista-C 40mm | Vista-C 50mm | Vista-C 65mm | Vista-C 85mm | Vista-C 105mm | Vista-C 135mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | PL | PL | PL | PL | PL | PL | PL | PL | PL |
| Focal Length | 18mm | 25mm | 35mm | 40mm | 50mm | 65mm | 85mm | 105mm | 135mm |
| Max Aperture | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 | T1.5 |
| Optical Layout | 14 Groups, 17 Elements | 15 Groups, 16 Elements | 13 Groups, 14 Elements | 14 Groups, 15 Elements | 10 Groups, 13 Elements | 13 Groups, 14 Elements | 13 Groups, 14 Elements | 13 Groups, 16 Elements | 14 Groups, 16 Elements |
| Image Circle | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm | ⌀46.7mm |
| Min. Focus | 0.45m | 0.35m | 0.41m | 0.45m | 0.48m | 0.69m | 0.95m | 1.15m | 1.40m |
| Maximum Mag. | 1:14.37 | 1:7.80 | 1:7.81 | 1:7.99 | 1:7.01 | 1:8.59 | 1:9.92 | 1:9.88 | 1:9.92 |
| Iris Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades | 9 Blades |
| Filter Thread | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm | 112mm |
| Overall Length | 182mm | 155mm | 145mm | 160mm | 145mm | 161mm | 145mm | 161mm | 187mm |
| Front Diameter | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm | ⌀114mm |
| Weight | 2.68kg | 2.19kg | 1.95kg | 2.24kg | 2.11kg | 2.29kg | 2.15kg | 2.56kg | 2.99kg |
Pricing and Availability
The Vista-C series debuts with a lineup of nine focal lengths, covering a versatile range from wide to telephoto. The set includes 18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm, all featuring a fast T1.5 aperture. The interchangeable mounts for all previous Vista Primes will be compatible including PL, LPL, EF, and E. Pricing ranges between $10,499 and $12,499 per lens, positioning them in the premium cinema glass market. Tokina expects to begin deliveries in March 2025, giving cinematographers a new option for high-resolution, character-rich imaging in the coming months. Pre-order will be available from DuclosLenses.com soon. In the meantime, reach out to your Duclos Lens Geek to secure your set today!
Final Thoughts
The Vista-C Primes continue Tokina’s strategy of offering multiple flavors of the Vista series, much like how other brands have introduced “Classic” or “Vintage” editions of their lenses. Reviewing the sample footage, it does look like Tokina has achieved their goal of a more pleasing, stylized look. For cinematographers who appreciate lower contrast and red/blue flare colors, these lenses could be an intriguing option.
Which version of the Tokina Vista Primes do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.
🔗 For more details, check out the full Vista Prime lineup here: Duclos Lenses – Tokina Primes