This Atlas 21mm Anamorphic Lens Has Us Losing Our Minds

The Atlas Lens Company recently announced something very exciting, at least for any DP passionate about wide-angle anamorphic photography.

The Atlas 21mm, part of the brand's Orion series of lenses, is a 2X anamorphic lens that promises the widest view of your life. It's the newest member of the Orion family, following closely behind the 25mm Orion that came just before it.

A Wide-Angle Anamorphic Lens Unlike Any Other

As mentioned above, this monster takes things to the extreme with a 2X anamorphic squeeze. If you're not yet familiar, the difference will absolutely blow you away. We're certainly impressed by all the demo footage that we've seen through the 21mm's barrel.

Upon its actual release, the brand promises the following, and more:

• A lightweight and compact design
• Low distortion
• A 124-degree maximum horizontal field of view
• Standalone coverage of anamorphic 4:3 film and digital sensor formats up to 24.89mm x 18.66mm

As the widest-yet Cinemascope-format 35mm lens slated for the professional market currently, the anticipation is real. A few more tech specs to go gaga over:

• Aperture: T2 - T16
• Weight: 6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
• Length: 7.4 in (18.7 cm)
• Front Diameter: 136mm
• Image Circle: 31mm
• Close focus at 18 inches (0.45 m)

The possibilities here are honestly very exciting. One demo video on the site uses the lens to depict a short dance number as anamorphic lens flares enchant us as they flash. It's an extremely simple sequence in an extremely simple space, but, through the eyes of this lens, one that comes to vibrant new life.

Playing with space is nothing new in the world of cinematography. The 21mm Orion Series pushes the concept of a wide-angle anamorphic style further than ever before, however. These lenses produce an incredible picture, well worth the steep price tag.

While the actual sticker price of the Orion 21 hasn't yet been released, it's safe to say that it'll likely cost about as much as its immediate predecessor, which was approximately $15,000.

How Does It Stack Against the Rest of the Best?

Clearly, there are tons of wide-angle anamorphic lenses that you can choose from. ARRI’s anamorphic ultra-wide is one obvious example. It's a zoom lens that has you covered anywhere between 19mm and 36mm in focal length.

While, indeed, this lens is slightly wider, the natural appeal of a solid prime lens prevails in comparison, at least to us. There's also lens speed to consider—at its widest, this lens can only open up to a T4.2.

Truly, the Orion series shines in this regard. The entire line is versatile, light on its feet, and comes in a slew of common and useful focal lengths, leaving little to be desired in-between. What's two millimeters between friends, anyway?

Now, the Real Question: How Can You Get One?

Unfortunately, unless you're already on the list for an Orion 25mm, you won't be able to place your pre-order for the 21mm.

If you are, though, you're in luck. You'll be able to either add the 21mm to your order or swap them out entirely. Even if you don't do either, those already preregistered for the 25mm can opt in to the company's early-access program if they want to stay up-to-date on the latest.

As for the rest of us? Atlas has this waitlist sign-up form up on its site. We'll be waiting with bated breath.