TLS has unveiled its new rehoused Nikon AI/AI-S cinema lens series, which is said to bring the distinctive optical character of Nikon’s legendary vintage lenses into a purpose-built cinema housing designed for today’s productions.
The complete TLS Nikon AI/AI-S series comprises 11 focal lengths from 15mm to 135mm. They fully cover full-frame sensors, including LF.
- Focal Lengths: 15mm – 135mm
- Mount: LPL / PL
- T -Stop: 1.3 – 3.9
- Total lengths: vary per lens (from ~56mm to ~117mm)
- Weights: vary per lens (from ~0.70kg to ~1.53kg)
The 9-lens set includes:
- 20mm T3
- 24mm T2.2
- 28mm T2.2
- 35mm T1.5
- 50mm T1.3
- 55mm T1.3
- 85mm T1.5
- 105mm T1.9
- 135mm T2.1
For a long time, filmmakers have been using Nikon AI and AI-S lenses, so it’s no real surprise that TLS decided to rehouse them.
Originally introduced in 1977, Nikon’s Automatic Indexing (AI) system represented a significant evolution in lens design, followed by the AI-S generation in 1981 with further refinements to aperture control.
TLS has carefully re-engineered the original Nikon optics into a professional cinema lens system, retaining the qualities that have made the lenses so desirable while giving them modern mechanics and usability.
The TLS rehoused Nikon AI/AI-S lenses are claimed to deliver a clean, controlled image while retaining the same qualities associated with classic vintage optics.
Wide open, the lenses are said to provide excellent centre sharpness alongside smooth transitions from focus to defocus. As the aperture is stopped down, sharpness and contrast increase. TLS states that the overall image remains natural and balanced without excessive softness or overly modern sharpness.
As part of the TLS rehousing process, the original polygonal iris is replaced with a custom-made circular iris. The replacement iris blades also feature a flat black anti-reflective coating to minimise unwanted reflections.
The Nikon AI/AI-S lenses are also claimed to create a gentle transition from sharp focus into softer backgrounds.
Unlike some vintage optics that flare aggressively, Nikon AI/AI-S lenses produce controlled, elegant flares.
Pricing & Availability
The TLS Nikon AI/AI-S cinema lens series 9 Lens set is £49,900.
The 15mm T3.9 is £6,900.
The 58 T1.3 is £13,500
