The Atlas Mercury lens set consists of lightweight, full-frame anamorphic primes. They feature a 1.5x squeeze factor, providing a wider anamorphic aesthetic on full-frame sensors without the extreme crop often associated with 2x anamorphic on Super 35. These lenses are designed to be compact and efficient for diverse productions while delivering distinctive anamorphic characteristics, including pleasing oval bokeh and controlled flares.
Overview
- Full-frame anamorphic primes
- 1.5x squeeze factor
- Lightweight and compact design
- Accepts 86mm screw-in filter to facilitate drone and gimbal use
- Distinctive oval anamorphic bokeh
- Controlled anamorphic flares
- Designed for modern full-frame sensors
- Consistent mechanical design (e.g., front diameter, gear positions)
- Fast T2.2 aperture (depending on focal length)
| Focal Length | Aperture | Close Focus | Front Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36mm | T2.2 | 46cm | 1’6″ | 95mm | 1.2 kg |
| 42mm | T2.2 | 56cm | 2′ | 95mm | 1.1 kg |
| 54mm | T2.2 | 76cm | 2’6″ | 95mm | 1.3 kg |
| 72mm | T2.2 | 91cm | 3′ | 95mm | 1.6 kg |
| 95mm | T2.2 | 91cm | 3′ | 95mm | 2.0 kg |
| 138mm | T2.2 | 120cm | 4′ | 95mm | 2.1 kg |
Standard Set
- Atlas Mercury 36mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 42mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 54mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 72mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 95mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 138mm T2.2
- Atlas Mercury 138mm T2.2
Optional Extra
1.5x Squeeze for Full Frame
The 1.5x squeeze is optimized for full-frame sensors, producing a desirable 2.66:1 or 2.4:1 aspect ratio when de-squeezed, offering a wider cinematic look without the significant resolution loss that can occur with 2x anamorphic on Super 35 cameras.
Lightweight Anamorphic
One of the key advantages of Mercury lenses is their relatively light weight, making them suitable for handheld work, gimbals, and drone operations where heavier anamorphic lenses might be prohibitive.
Character vs. Cleanliness
Mercury lenses offer a balance between modern optical performance and desired anamorphic character. They produce lovely oval bokeh and flares that add interest without overwhelming the image. Experiment with point light sources to enhance these qualities.
Focus Breathing
While well-controlled for anamorphic lenses, be mindful of slight focus breathing, particularly on wider focal lengths or when performing dramatic focus pulls. Plan your shots accordingly.
Monitoring
As with all anamorphic lenses, ensure your monitor or camera system is correctly de-squeezing the image for accurate framing and focus assessment on set.