Shot on Sony FX6 - Tokina Vista Prime Cinematic Lens Review

Please watch in 4K for less compression.
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INTRO:
The Vista Primes are fast high end cinema lenses that cover full frame. In my opinion these are some the most underrated lenses today. Tokina was kind enough to lend me the 35mm T1.5 Vista Prime for a week to try out. I've been wanting to build out a kit of these for a long time now, so I was crazy excited to give them a shot. Shooting grids and color charts are always very helpful when comparing lenses. But, I have more fun going out and shooting in the real world. So, that's what we did.
COLOR/CONTRAST:
The Tokina Vista Primes are quite warm and give off a very pleasing skin tones straight out of camera. You can see this at the end of the video (04:09) during the comparison between the Vista Prime, the Sigma Art 35mm, and the SLR Magic APO Hyperprime 32mm. I love a warmer lens straight out of camera. I think it's easier to keep nice skin tones, especially when you're shooting a cooler/more blue image. The lenses fall perfectly in the middle for contrast. Not too low con and not too harsh.
SHARPNESS:
I shot the entire video except the comparisons wide open at a T1.5. At this speed the lenses are tack sharp while not looking too clinical. The other lenses I used for comparison are also quite sharp. But, what sets the Tokinas apart though is their smooth transition from whats in focus to whats out of focus that feels higher quality. The falloff gives the image a very creamy look.
BREATHING:
These lenses don't breathe - which is a very sought after quality. Breathing while pulling focus can be distracting to your audience and I'm not at all a fan of it.
BOKEH:
The Tokinas have a 9 blade iris and produce a very natural looking circular bokeh.
LENS FLARES:
I didn't actually get to test out lens flares for these lenses. I have read that they do a good job minimizing flares quite a bit which explains why I probably never got a flare when shooting the entire time. Lens flares are subjective and depending on your project you may either want them or not want them at all. The Vista Primes are gonna give you a nice subtle pleasing flare that isn't at all in your face.
CHROMATIC ABERRATION:
I didn't see any chromatic aberration at any time using this lens.
CLOSE FOCUS:
The minimum focus is 16'' - which is normal for a 35mm.
MECHANICS:
The lenses are quite heavy (4.30 lbs) but have a very high end robust build quality to them. They have a 300 degree focus pull which is great for larger end productions where you have an AC to get that precision. Not ideal for solo operators because of these two attributes.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Vista Primes lived up to their hype for me. If you're looking for high end glass that can compete with the best of the best for a fraction of the price - I would go with the Tokinas. They have great warmth and character to them that gives you a cinematic image that is clean - but not too clinical. They're fast as hell at T1.5 and perform great wide open. Their image and build quality make them ideal for larger scale productions where you want consistency and quality optics.
Comment below and let me know what you think about the Tokina Vista Primes or the Fx6!
Check out my Sony Fx6 Review here: • Sony FX6 Cinematic Foo...
My Review of the Tokina 40mm Vista Prime: • Sony FX6 - Tokina Vist...
_________________________________________________________
Talent: / brittabug
My gram: / bendoescamera
See more of my work: www.benjaminwe...
My custom base LUT I use on all my Sony footage: gumroad.com/l/...
NEW!!! Subtle Cinematic LUT pack I Britta and I used to grade this video on top of my base LUT: gum.co/cGAdE

[@NukumiFilms]

This is beautiful! You're pulling a level of quality out of the FX6 that I've never seen until now. Just confirms how much a good eye and quality glass matters.

[@dna8269]

Mind is blown. Definitely WAY better than the typical color checker style reviews. This footage is insane

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks dn a! I’m not meant to be in a studio all day lol I’ll go crazy. Gotta go out and shoot!

[@dna8269]

@@Bendoescamera I hear you! Any chance of putting this on Vimeo as well?

[@Bendoescamera]

@@dna8269 vimeo.com/533766943?activityReferer=1

[@SPOKENproject]

You are doing Sony and FX6 a service by sharing this footage. And the Vista primes - amazing

[@TheNathanMChannel]

It was a dark and rainy night. I had just finished a gig at the coffee shop and did some killer shred runs on the uke. The crowd loved it, but I couldn't help but feel empty inside. I couldn't stop thinking about the greenhouse and how much work was left to do. I returned home to find that once again the lightbulb bandits raided my apartment and I had to make tea in the dark. I stubbed my toe the last time this happened, and it still hurts thinking about it. That was the same night of the power glitch in the greenhouse. The lights flickered like crazy and poor Jessy had an epileptic fit and fell and hit her head. The nurses said after she woke up she ran out of the hospital in a mad rage, stealing a typewriter from the front desk. Nobody knows where she went, but days later I found a note from her on my lamp, but I've been unable to read it with this old prescription. Anyway, that's not important right now, I've got lens tests to run. God willing I will see it done, I'll save my money from the shop and get that greenhouse fully operational.

[@dukebozikowski3801]

This is a deadly combo and with your cinematography and story telling it’s the best lens review I’ve ever seen!

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Duke!!

[@petshop7248]

that thing can see in the dark. love it.

[@juliansmith3724]

the only chan where i see cinematic footage from the fx6 by far between all those self appointed "cinematographers" on youtube. thank you!

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Julian!!

[@joshuamartinstudios]

Damn this is so good. Beautiful work as always

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks so much Joshua. Love your channel

[@CRBRFILMS]

Insane! Best footage with the fx6 i've seen so far!

[@Iekomedia]

@3:21 oooohhhh dammmnnnn!!!! gave me chillz !

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you Ieko!

[@JaimyKimani]

This is really amazing. The music the composition of the shots, magnificent. Proof that the FX6 really is a cinema camera

[@mcgreevs24]

Looking forward to every video you post from now on. Beautiful footage. Gorge.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Martin!

[@shaunmaddox]

Wow, this is beautiful. I guess the lens is key to the legendary cinematic look. I would have assumed this was shot on a ARRI or high end Red camera

[@matthewhoward9518]

This is INSANE! So beautiful. Makes me that much more keen on my fx6.

[@oliversimons8933]

You have such a talent for this. Some of these shots are incredibly lit and captured, feels very natural.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you Oliver! I love every moment of it

[@TimmyLodhi]

Absolutely incredible work. Both the grading and lighting were phenomenal.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Timmy! Really appreciate it

[@VikramNeeham]

This is beyond incredible. Truly amazing work on colours and editing my friend! Keep the content flowing🔥🔥

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Vikram!

[@VikramNeeham]

@@Bendoescamera your welcome!🙏

[@Todsrisengfa]

Amazing shots, really love the look of the lenses damn.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Tod they’re very cinematic!

[@ErrickJackson]

The Tokina Vistas are just absolutely otherworldly. Beautiful film 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Bendoescamera]

They really are! Thank you Errick

[@schoeferfilm]

Very good lightning and perfect athmospheric shots 😉👍🏻

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks so much!

[@robchado]

Simply tremendous.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Robert. Been wanting to try out the Vista Primes ever since I started watching your stuff!

[@owenbehan9686]

Absolutely gorgeous work. Gorgeous tones. Gorgeous light. Fair play to ya.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Owen!!

[@federicocafaro]

FX6 + Tokina Vista = Great kombo!

[@he.smile_]

You're super good at balancing exposure man, I love your images!

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Ismael!! Exposure is everything

[@he.smile_]

@@Bendoescamera When you're shooting, is the image close to the final product or do you overexpose and bring it down later?

[@KipJackson]

Here in 2023 trying to emulate this !! simply amazing ...you deserve 1 Million subs easy

[@andresasindp]

WOW. This footage blew me away, so many emotions captured and well put together by properly using the light and colors. Did you use any type of lighting equipment other than the practicals you had in hand? Amazing mate, really beautiful piece.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks so much. The interiors were lit with a few different LEDs. Nothing crazier than a soft box and a sky panel knock off. Appreciate the comment!

[@TylerHansenVideo]

Incredible.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Tyler

[@bigsnap5]

I need everyone who does lens reviews to take notes . This how it should be done.

[@haxstir]

You need both location and technical

[@alexparadis3438]

Mesmerizing!

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Alex!

[@bogdanrozumnyi931]

Awesome!! 🔥

[@bolddiamond]

Captivating film and beautifully shot!

[@nick_g]

I'm buying an FX6 soon and was considering Zeiss cine but didn't like the broadcast look of Zeiss. Thank you for showing these tokina results. Exactly the cine look I want, a little closer to Cooke.

[@jaejones8736]

Convinced me to rent the tokinas for my Fx9 for an upcoming shoot. Beautiful crafted video. Bravo.

[@kolecava]

Loving the contrasting colours! Nice editing too, everything falls into place. Lot of lens for a decent price.

[@RyanPiski]

this video is exactly what I was looking for

[@foggymossstudio]

Amazing looks! Keep up the good work!

[@justinstewart8297]

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL

[@jeremyqbutler]

WOWOWOW! Great work!

[@bananasandbass]

I love your stuff Ben!

[@MacOlink]

Another stunning video man! Ive been drooling over the vista primes for a long time myself. Maybe one day I will own a set... one day very far in the future from now 🤣

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Mac! Dude same here. I keep telling myself the same thing lol They’re competitively priced but it’s right in the middle of affordable and out of reach for me. Just gonna rent them until the day comes!

[@MacOlink]

@@Bendoescamera I feel that. I’ve been keen to get my hands on the SLR Magic micro primes! I really want to try those out. I also end up back shooting on my trusty Canon FD set though haha.

[@Bendoescamera]

@@MacOlink I've had those microprimes in a cart on adorama numerous times and just haven't pulled the trigger lol. They're such a great price. Think I might go with some more Sigmas next instead tho. Just makes more sense for paid projects to have a set of those. Love the autofocus. I have the APO hyperprimes and they're amazing. SLR magic makes such good lenses that are also soooo underrated. You cant go wrong with FD glass though - some of the best lenses ever made. Great lenses to fall back on

[@MacOlink]

@@Bendoescamera I see the microprimes pop up used all the time on BH for dumb cheap! Maybe I’ll grab one the next time I see one and let ya know how they are haha. And man, can go wrong with sigmas. I’m about to grab the 35 1.2 but I just can’t stand the focus by wire system. First world problems.

[@Bendoescamera]

@@MacOlink Yeah dude definitely let me know. The 24mm microprime looks amazing. So true were spoiled now days. I think its good for certain projects, but I hear ya. Nothing beats the unpredictable human touch.

[@earthlevel4569]

I always tell fellow DOP's if you dont have the budget for Signature Primes, use the Tokina Vistas:)

[@maytherdigital3300]

Stunning work!

[@alesterleong249]

This was magic

[@ejikeanyanwu3379]

So gorgeous

[@thatsamuellu]

Flawless footages. Awesome!

[@walmartpimp2]

Dude, I'd love to see what you could do with some Leitz Thalia and Leitz Hugo lenses.

[@Oceansta]

Incredible Images ❤️

[@organismx]

if only there was a way to use the Zoom rockers on top and side handles to control a Tilta Nucleus to pull focus that could be a cool thing... IDK 🤷‍♂️ just a thought.... Nice video.

[@kazlepek6552]

How do you do it!!?? Incredible! What’s your thoughts on Tokina Vista’s vs let’s say the new Atlas Mercury anamorphics or Leica R?

[@antonio_paris]

Beaaaauuuuuuuuuuuutiiiiiiiifuuuuulllllllllll.... Loved it!

[@Bendoescamera]

thanks antonio!

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

Beautiful

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you

[@directorjayalex]

We demand a lighting breakdown !

[@classiccontent369]

lovely

[@jasmynerenee6848]

What did you use to film through a window. I been looking for a polarize lens to fit this type of lens.

[@danielcsza]

KZbin compression sucks. Amazing video though. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Bendoescamera]

If you watch it in 4k the codec switches and is less compressed

[@ActualKaktus]

Came for the lens, stayed for the footage. Wow.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you Timberly!

[@cesarbaez8161]

very good image brother a question next time you could record at 23.98 to see the look

[@TimandLauren]

Im looking at getting this setup one day but contemplating between getting the new Sigma 35 dg dn 1.4 that came out or this lens Which would you choose for corporate type of work? Sigma or tokina? Great job man!

[@glennparker8247]

They aren't even close to comparable in my opinion.

[@Oceansta]

Shooting my next on the FX6. Any tips would be appreciated ☺️

[@sravankumar7324]

This made me feel things that I can't even put into words. It's as if I'm suspended in time & i'm just watching this ethereal being going about her life. Terrence Malik wants to know your location.

[@ginokleisen8659]

Beautiful work, could you give some advice on nailing exposure?

[@Bendoescamera]

Hey Gino! Thank you. Honestly a lot of it comes from years of shooting and messing up lol but in general when I'm shooting I'm trying to keep contrast and composition in mind and exposure last. So basically, I'll make sure to place my subject in between camera and my key light and then ensure that there's enough contrast between them in the background. Then, my exposure kind of just comes naturally after that. And you can't go wrong because even if you're underexposed you still have that separation and depth in your image. I generally underexpose by a half a stop to a stop when I'm shooting these kinds of videos because I'm going for a moodier more dramatic look. Now, I'm dialing that in with ND so as to not sacrifice any depth by stopping down on the lens. I also always shoot at the native ISO for any camera to ensure maximum dynamic range. This allows me to underexpose and still get information in the shadows without it going to pure black. But, really nailing the contrast ratios between your subject and background gives you the freedom to and expose however you'd like. I don't use any sort of waveforms or false color. However, I have used false color when I was first starting out to help me understand ratios better. I'm constantly watching videos and looking at photography and creating a database in my head of imagery I like. On set, I'm either subconsciously or intentionally referencing those. Hopefully this helps! Let me know if you want me to get more specific on something or if you have any other questions. And thanks for joining the patreon!

[@UNDERFILMSCHILE]

Awesomee bro

[@mvsonalexander]

have you done any commercial work with the Sony fx6? If so, what was it like?

[@Bendoescamera]

I haven’t yet! But so far it’s been a workhorse from a mechanical stand point. No random turn offs, overheating, weird errors, card issues or anything else. I get the tilta cage this week so I’ll rig it up as a full production camera with a follow focus and wireless video and let you know how it goes!

[@clizzaudio]

nice...was all the exterior stuff available light?

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Claudio yes it was

[@Bendoescamera]

All 60fps

[@michaelstrahl5472]

Hey man, great work. Was the effect 3:12 done in post or just with shutter (flickering)?

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks man! The lights were flickering because I shot in slow mo and their frequency. In post I added the color shift to enhance it

[@mvsonalexander]

Would you say the image quality is worth it enough to upgrade to these lenses? the image and color on this is amazing...or would you saying your color grading does most of the work?

[@Bendoescamera]

I didn’t do too much color grading to be honest. Just slight tweaks here and there. I always think glass makes the biggest difference now days between looks and quality. If you’ve got the money and are looking to upgrade the Tokinas are the best deal you can get!

[@ernestallen4904]

was this all just lit practically or did you bring any lights?

[@Bendoescamera]

Interiors I lit! Exteriors all natural

[@ernestallen4904]

@@Bendoescamera looks really good! What are you using to light your interiors?

[@colorred6648]

you notice a big difference from it only being 10bit? vs ur 12bit alexa? how do the colors grade in post vs ur alexa as well? I know Arri color science acts more like film when you push and pull the grade with its luminance and saturation values- so just curious to how this compares

[@Bendoescamera]

Honestly I haven’t had the chance to push the grade a lot. I generally try to do everything I can in camera and then just apply a basic LUT in post. But I will say yes there is a difference when grading between the two. Nothing can really compete with grading the Alexa in my experience. Especially when dealing with underexposed scenes or moody scenes. The way it renders cold shadows is so cinematic. Not sure if that answers your question lol but you can do quite a bit with the FX6 - I just wouldn’t expect it to compete if you’re going for a heavy look that you didn’t already plan for in camera.

[@colorred6648]

@@Bendoescamera Thanks for your reply! Def. helps. I own a c500 mk ii and even with that 12 bit raw it's just not the same as my amira- I couldn't tell if i'm just going crazy, but knowing you have a similar experience helps haha.

[@JacksonHayes]

A camera / lens test with actually gorgeous footage? Is it too good to be true??

[@VKarpenkoFilmography]

Oh my God, watched this 3 times and still my mind is blown! How much preparation you needed before shoot this? And what frame rate 60 or 120? Thanks

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you! Whole video is 60fps except for the comparison at the end. We don't really do much preparation actually. Kind of just pick up the camera and go shoot! Some places we've been before though so we knew they'd look great. I own some lights so it's easy for me to just throw one up here or there when needed.

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

Is the lighting like at 2:50 natural lighting?

[@DynamicPhil84]

Really lovely footage! I've spent a bit of time with the FX6, but mainly use the A7Siii. How do you deal with noise in the nighttime footage? I've really been struggling with this when shooting in Prores Raw. I've only worked with some noise reduction software like Red Giant Denoiser but overall I'm not impressed with the results and it takes FOREVER to render. Do you do noise reduction in post or set it up within the FX6 internally? The A7S3 applies noise reduction automatically to internal footage, though you don't have control over the strength like with the FX6. Prores Raw footage shot in low light is super noisy as it doesn't apply any noise reduction in camera.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Phil! I apply it in camera when I can. I had it set to mid for this one (which I didn't even realize until your comment and I checked to see if I had had it on). When I do apply noise reduction in post I use resolve because its crazy fast and easily adjustable within my color workflow. I would recommend doing that if you're shooting Prores Raw. Although you'll need to transcode it to something else because I don't believe resolve supports prores raw yet.

[@DynamicPhil84]

@@Bendoescamera Ah yes, should have figured that you were using Resolve ;) I work so heavily with the Adobe suite so I've stuck with Premiere for years, even though it's very much a love/hate relationship. The main benefit is the ease of integration with After Effects as I do heavy motion design work. Resolve really fails in this area. But I have used it in the past for grading and it is second to none in that regard. Maybe I will reconsider it now for the noise reduction benefits as I have been shooting more at night these days.

[@glennparker8247]

All raw has noise

[@kidcosan]

Phenomenal work! If you could do a lighting breakdown of the last sequence. When the woman is reading the note on the bed. That would be great.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you! Was just an LED through a soft box outside pretty much! Floor plans are on my Patreon if you want full breakdowns

[@kidcosan]

@@Bendoescamera dude! Truly awesome! I’ll check out your Patreon.

[@Bendoescamera]

@@kidcosan Thanks man I appreciate it!!

[@kidcosan]

@@Bendoescamera I signed up! I’m upgrading to the FX6 and I want to learn how to maximize the quality of that camera. I also want to improve my lighting and grading to get the same great look out of any camera.

[@Bendoescamera]

@@kidcosan Dude thanks so much! Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see me post on there or how I can help out!

[@KongLor]

Was it tough to focus by yourself? As for weight? Did it bother you? Fantastic as always. Thanks!

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Kong! Only tough part was how long the focus throw was. Having to turn the lens all the way around isnt easy by hand. Weight wasn’t too much of an issue but the camera was completely stripped down besides the monitor and a BPU30. The first couple years I DP’ed I had to pull my own focus so it’s natural to me.

[@KongLor]

@@Bendoescamera Thank you for the in-depth response, much appreciated. It's definitely years of practice to get it right.

[@CP-CINEMA]

Which focal length did you use for this video? I know you made one exclusively with the 40mm and that’s the one I want

[@Bendoescamera]

This one is the 35mm!

[@CP-CINEMA]

@@Bendoescamera why would you choose the 35mm over the 40mm for a one lens do it all when making a short film?

[@meganelemiel3636]

incredible footage ! did you use the 35mm straight in E mount or in PL mount ?

[@Bendoescamera]

Thank you Megane! PL mount. With the E to PL metabones adapter

[@liceafilms]

@@Bendoescamera why not use the e mount version?

[@Bendoescamera]

@@liceafilms Tokina only had the PL mount ones available for loan out

[@dna8269]

Just a heads up, your base LUT link doesn't work

[@Bendoescamera]

Is it working now?

[@dna8269]

@@Bendoescamera Says "Page not found. The thing you were looking for doesn't exist."

[@andrewdeneau8338]

Cool movie. Do these lenses support autofocus?

[@Bendoescamera]

Yeah you gotta make sure the cameras off though

[@Bendoescamera]

Looking to purchase some Tokina Lenses? Use my affiliate link with promo code BENNY10 to get a 10% discount on Tokina Products! www.tokinacinemausa.com?sca_ref=1939519.4unN1y1l9I

[@parkercreative_au]

Was this all shot on just a 35mm?

[@Bendoescamera]

yes

[@TylerMcCool]

Can you please upload to vimeo or somewhere else so we can see what the quality really is.. youtube is such trash, damnit.

[@Bendoescamera]

Watch it in 4K

[@Bendoescamera]

The codec changes when you do

[@Bendoescamera]

Here it is on Vimeo though vimeo.com/533766943

[@TylerMcCool]

@@Bendoescamera I had it in 4k so idk :(

[@SaintProductions1]

Pro

[@michaelrubenstein9705]

Lovely footage but it's not a review. It's a short.

[@Bendoescamera]

Review is in the description

[@michaelrubenstein9705]

@@Bendoescamera ahhhhh thanks.

[@WalterTheBalter]

Cliche.

[@Bendoescamera]

Thanks Walter!