Which lenses suit the ARRI Alexa Mini (Super 35, PL) and Mini LF (large format, LPL)? Coverage explained, plus primes, zooms and anamorphics we hire in London.
The ARRI Alexa Mini and Alexa Mini LF share a body style and ARRI's colour science, but they need different glass. The Mini has a Super 35 sensor and a PL mount; the Mini LF has a large-format sensor and ARRI's LPL mount. Here's how to pick lenses for each from what we hire at our counter in Stoke Newington, N16.
Sensor figures are ARRI's. On the Mini, almost any cinema lens covers the sensor. On the Mini LF, you need lenses with a large enough image circle, or you'll vignette in open gate.
Super 35 is the format most cinema glass was designed for, so the Mini opens up our whole PL range with no adapter.
The Mini LF's open gate diagonal is 44.71mm, so look for an image circle of about 45mm or more if you want the full sensor. The LPL-PL adapter in our kit means PL lenses fit straight on.
Choosing between the two bodies? Read our Alexa Mini vs Mini LF guide. Our lens hire page has the full range, and every DZO set is on our DZO lens hire page.
Tell us your camera and recording format when you order and we'll check coverage before you collect from Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, London N16 7NJ (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm). First hire? Please register a production account first. Questions: 020 7898 3322 or rentals@weareyellowcactus.com.
Our Alexa Mini is PL mount, so it takes standard cinema primes, zooms and anamorphics with no adapter.
Yes. The Mini LF has an LPL mount, and our kit includes an ARRI LPL-PL adapter.
The Mini LF open gate diagonal is 44.71mm, so look for about 45mm or more to use the full sensor. The DZO Arles, Arles Lustre and Catta Ace cover 46.5mm.
A 2x set in the Mini's 4:3 mode gives the classic look. The DZO Pavo is a 2x Super 35 design, and we also hire Atlas Orion 2x sets.
Yes. The Mini has 0.6, 1.2 and 2.1 internal ND; the Mini LF has 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 FSND.