The Atlas Mercury 27mm is a compact, full-frame anamorphic lens. It features a 1.5x squeeze ratio that delivers a classic widescreen aesthetic with a pleasing cinematic character. The lens provides a vintage look with pleasing barrel distortion, and a fast T2.2 aperture. Its lightweight design and consistent mechanics make it a practical and versatile choice for handheld, gimbal, and general production use.
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Overview
- Full-frame coverage for large-format sensors
- 1.5x squeeze factor
- Distinctive vintage look with pleasing barrel distortion
- Accepts 86mm screw-in filter to facilitate drone and gimbal use
- Fast T2.2 aperture for low-light shooting
- Characteristic golden lens flare
- Compact and lightweight design
- PL mount with standard geared rings
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close Focus | Front Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27mm | T2.2 | 46cm | 1’6″ | 95mm | 1.5 kg |
- Atlas Mercury 27mm T2.2
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Embrace the Anamorphic Look
The Atlas Mercury 27mm is all about character. Use the 1.5x squeeze to achieve that classic widescreen cinematic feel, with horizontal lens flares and a unique oval bokeh. The look of this lens is a deliberate creative choice, so factor that into your visual plan.
Work with the Golden Flares
The lens is known for its prominent, golden-hued lens flares. These can be used creatively by positioning light sources in or near the edge of the frame to add a stylistic element to your shots.
Capitalise on the Compact Design
The Mercury series is notable for being much smaller and lighter than many professional anamorphic lenses. This makes the 27mm a practical choice for agile camera work, whether you’re using a gimbal, a Steadicam, or a handheld rig for an extended period.
Note the Barrel Distortion
As a characteristic of its design, the Mercury 27mm will exhibit some barrel distortion, particularly on the edges of the frame. This is part of the lens’s personality and can be used to add a dynamic, expressive quality to your wide shots.
Consider Close-Focus Capabilities
This lens offers a solid minimum focus distance for an anamorphic, allowing you to get in close to your subject while still retaining the anamorphic aesthetic.
Mind the Squeeze Ratio
The 1.5x squeeze ratio is a versatile choice. It gives you a classic cinematic widescreen aspect when paired with a 4:3 sensor, and it also works efficiently with 16:9 sensors, requiring less cropping in post-production compared to a 2x squeeze.