BLACKWING7 large format cine lenses now available for pre-order

TRIBE7’s first set of large format lenses, BLACKWING7, are premium, full-frame, and tunable, and are now available for pre-order. They've already been used on a few movies too, including Conclave.

TRIBE7 was co-founded by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Bradford Young, ASC (Arrival, Selma) and motion picture lens technologist, Neil Fanthom. Their goal is to develop lenses that can be tuned or de-tuned and are customizable prior to manufacture.

BLACKWING7 lenses feature controlled and modular distortion that was introduced during early development and manufacturing, giving them a unique look. Young and Fanthom explained that they were inspired by glass made between the 1930s and 1960s. They're ideal for large format cameras like the ARRI ALEXA 65, RED V-RAPTOR, and similar cinematic cameras.

The tuning allows for different characteristics that TRIBE7 says will “suit the personality and intent of the owner.” Things like contrast, sharpness, fall-off, field curvature, spherical aberration, flare, and edge halation play into the look based on the tuning. There are three different options available, T-Tuned (single coating for contrast roll-off), S-Tuned (with multi-layer coatings for a sharper center look), and X-Tuned (uncoated lens edges for less contrast). These versions offer a different look based on the controlled distortion.

The BLACKWING7 is made up of nine lenses, seven of which are part of the core and two additional wide lenses. Aperture is T1.8 to T22 for the 77mm and 107mm lenses and T1.9 to T22 for the rest of the set. Focal lengths include 17mm, 20.7mm, 23.7mm, 27mm, 37mm, 47mm, 57mm, 77mm, 107mm, and 137mm.

Additionally, the iris system is non-linear and 14 blades while color and tonality is matched across the range. There is a 270° barrel rotation for focus, 114mm front diameter for all lenses, and 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears.

As far as other details, like size, weight, close focus, and more, it depends on the lens. But they weigh between 3 lbs and 3.8 lbs  (1.4kg and 1.75 kg) and close focus ranges from 8.7 in (22 cm) for the 17mm lens with a 52mm image circle, to 32 in (81.3 cm) for the 107mm lens with a 62mm image circle. The lenses also feature an ARRI PL mount.

Pricing and availability

The BLACKWING7 lenses are available for pre-order now and are pitched very much at the high-end of the market. This is reflected in the price, making them hire options for most. For example the six-lens T-Tuned set will cost $86,110 and includes 27mm, 37mm, 47mm, 57mm, and 107mm plus carrying case. Meanwhile, the single lenses vary in price, from $14,169 to $19,900. Learn more at both the BLACKWING7 and TRIBE7 websites.