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ARRI Master Prime 12mm Lens

The ARRI 12mm PL LDS is a 12mm f/1.3 cinema lens designed for PL Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

ARRI Master Prime 12mm Lens

ARRI Master Prime 12mm Lens

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Lens Overview — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

The ARRI Master Prime 12mm is a wide-angle prime cinema lens built for Super 35 format cameras, mounting via the industry-standard PL Mount. Designed specifically for the Cinema and Video camera system, this lens delivers a maximum aperture of T1.3, making it a strong choice for low-light cinematography where exposure latitude and shallow depth of field are priorities on a wide focal length. At 12mm, it occupies the extreme wide-angle territory, well-suited for expansive establishing shots, confined interior spaces, and creative perspective work.

The lens is manual focus only, which is standard practice in professional cinema environments where focus pullers operate dedicated follow focus systems for precise, repeatable control. Weighing in at 2.9kg, it carries the heft expected of a high-end cinema prime, reflecting the robust mechanical construction typical of professional production tools. With no image stabilization — again, standard for cine primes where camera stabilization is handled at the rig level — and a Super 35 image circle, this lens integrates naturally into established cinema workflows centered around PL Mount camera bodies.

Key Features — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

12mm Extreme Wide Angle: Fixed 12mm focal length covers expansive scenes, confined interiors, and dramatic perspective work in a single dedicated optic.

T1.3 Maximum Aperture: An exceptionally fast aperture for a 12mm prime, providing strong light-gathering capability and shallow depth of field at wide angles.

PL Mount: Industry-standard cinema mount compatible with professional camera systems from ARRI, RED, Sony, and others.

Super 35 Coverage: Image circle designed for Super 35 sensors, the most widely used format in digital cinema production.

Manual Focus Design: Smooth, precise focus ring engineered for use with follow focus systems and repeatable focus pulls on professional sets.

Master Prime Optics: Part of ARRI's flagship Master Prime series, known for exceptional sharpness, minimal breathing, and consistent rendering across focal lengths.

Lens Specifications — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

ARRI 12mm PL LDS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesVideo / Cinematography
Lens TypeCine
FormatSuper 35
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length12mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.3
Camera SystemCinema / Video
Lens MountPL Mount
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Weight2.9kg

Description — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

The ARRI Master Prime 12mm is a prime cinema lens with a 12mm focal length, designed for Super 35 format production. It mounts via PL Mount, the standard in professional cinema, and is optimized for Cinema / Video camera systems. With a maximum aperture of T1.3, it is well-positioned for wide-angle work in challenging lighting conditions, giving cinematographers strong exposure options at an extreme wide focal length.

The lens is manual focus only, consistent with professional cinema practice where follow focus systems provide the precision required for controlled, repeatable pulls. There is no image stabilization, which is typical for cinema primes where stabilization is managed at the camera rig level. Weighing 2.9kg, it is built to the robust standards expected in high-end production environments.

The lens falls into the Wide Angle focal length range, making it a go-to choice for interior work, large environment coverage, and creative wide perspective compositions.

Pros — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

  • ✓Maximum aperture of T1.3 provides strong low-light performance for a 12mm wide-angle prime
  • ✓PL Mount compatibility ensures broad integration with professional cinema camera systems
  • ✓Super 35 format coverage suits the most widely used sensor size in digital cinema production

Cons — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

  • ✗At 2.9kg, the lens is heavy and may require additional rig support for handheld or gimbal setups
  • ✗No image stabilization, so camera-level or rig-level stabilization solutions are required
  • ✗Manual focus only — not suitable for run-and-gun or solo shooting styles that rely on autofocus

Videos — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

ARRI Signature Primes Tech Talk: 4 things you have to know — ARRIChannel

Resources & Downloads — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — ARRI 12mm PL LDS

What camera mount does the ARRI Master Prime 12mm use?+
The lens uses a PL Mount, which is the standard mount in professional cinema camera systems. This makes it compatible with a wide range of Cinema and Video category cameras that accept PL Mount lenses.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The ARRI Master Prime 12mm has a maximum aperture of T1.3. This is a T-stop rating, which measures actual light transmission and is the standard for cinema lenses.
What sensor format does this lens cover?+
The lens is designed for Super 35 format, which is one of the most common sensor sizes in digital cinema production. It is not specified for larger formats beyond Super 35.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No, the ARRI Master Prime 12mm is a manual focus lens only. This is standard for professional cinema primes, where focus control is typically handled by a dedicated focus puller using a follow focus system.
How heavy is the ARRI Master Prime 12mm?+
The lens weighs 2.9kg. This is a substantial weight typical of professional cinema primes, and users should account for this when planning rig configurations, especially for handheld or stabilized setups.
Is there a filter thread on this lens?+
The filter thread size is not specified in the available data. Buyers who require front filtration should verify filter compatibility through ARRI documentation or consult a rental house before purchasing.

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