Lenses for the RED V-Raptor X 8K VV: sensor coverage explained, plus the DZO Arles, Leica R, anamorphic and Super 35 sets we would hire with it in London.
The RED V-Raptor [X] has a big sensor, a lot of resolution and a global shutter, and the lens in front of it does as much to shape the image as the camera. The good news is that our Raptor X kit comes with EF and PL adapters on its RF mount, so most cinema and stills glass on our shelf will fit. The thing to check is coverage. This guide explains how to match lenses to the 8K VV sensor, then picks the sets we'd reach for first.
RED quotes the V-Raptor [X] 8K VV sensor at 40.96 x 21.60mm, with a 46.31mm diagonal, at 8192 x 4320. A full-frame stills sensor is 36 x 24mm, about a 43.3mm diagonal. So the Raptor's full 8K 17:9 frame is wider than full frame, and its diagonal is bigger.
In practice that gives you three groups of lenses:
The V-Raptor [X] has RED's locking RF mount. Our kit includes a Canon EF to RF adapter and a Tilta PL to RF adapter, so EF and PL lenses go straight on. RF lenses fit natively. If you're bringing your own glass in a different mount, call us first and we'll check.
The DZO Arles Lustre set is 25, 35, 50 and 75mm at T1.6, with a 46.5mm image circle that covers full frame and VistaVision. DZO's Amber Halation coating gives warm, golden flares and a soft bloom around highlights while keeping the lenses sharp. On the Raptor X it's a natural fit for music videos, fashion and period work, where you want the look in camera rather than in the grade. Every lens shares a 95mm front, so your matte box stays put between changes. It also pairs well with the [X]'s Extended Highlights, which keeps more detail in the bright sources that drive those flares.
The DZO Arles Prime Set has the same 46.5mm image circle as the Lustre but a clean, neutral look, and opens to T1.4 across five lenses from 25mm to 100mm. DZO lists the V-Raptor VV among the large-format cameras it was designed for. Pick it when you'd rather keep the image modern and style it in post. We have both sets, so you can compare them side by side.
Our Leica R cine-mod set (16, 28, 35, 50, 90 and 135mm, with 180mm and 250mm optional) is a full-frame set rehoused in EF mount with focus gears and 80mm fronts for a clamp-on matte box. They give a softer, vintage character that takes the digital edge off 8K. Because they're full-frame stills designs, check the corners at 8K 17:9, or frame slightly tighter. Note that the apertures aren't de-clicked.
An 8K VV sensor is a great match for anamorphic glass: you get oval bokeh and horizontal flares with plenty of resolution left after the desqueeze. Our anamorphic lens hire page has the full list; these are the ones we'd look at first for the [X].
Set the matching desqueeze in the camera's monitoring settings so the director sees the correct image on set.
Some of the best-loved cinema lenses were designed for Super 35. On the Raptor X, use a cropped format such as 6K and they come into their own:
A matte box, follow focus and filters make the most of good glass. We hire the Tilta MB-T12 4x5.65 matte box, Tilta Nucleus M II wireless follow focus and filters such as the Tiffen Pearlescent set. Heavier zooms like the Varotal need proper lens support on the rods.
Not sure what covers what? Come to the counter and put the lenses on the camera before you commit. The RED V-Raptor X hire page has the full camera kit and FAQs, our V-Raptor X vs V-Raptor guide explains why the [X] is different, and the lens hire page lists around 80 lenses and sets with live day rates. Collect from Unit H1, 2 Leswin Place, Stoke Newington, London N16 7NJ, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, or call 020 7898 3322.
Often, but not always. The 8K VV sensor is 40.96 x 21.60mm with a 46.31mm diagonal, a little bigger than full frame. Many full-frame lenses cover it, but some darken the extreme corners at 8K 17:9, so test them or frame slightly smaller.
Yes, with a cropped format. A 6K-wide frame uses about 30.7mm of sensor width, close to Super 35, so S35 lenses like Zeiss Super Speeds, Ultra Primes and the Cooke Varotal work well.
RED's locking RF mount. Our V-Raptor X kit includes a Canon EF to RF adapter and a Tilta PL to RF adapter, so EF and PL lenses fit.
Large-format sets with an image circle of about 46mm or more. The DZO Arles and Arles Lustre primes both have a 46.5mm image circle that covers VistaVision.
Full-frame 1.5x sets like the Atlas Mercury, Blazar Remus and DZO Arcana cover the large sensor. 2x sets designed for Super 35, like the Atlas Orion and DZO Pavo, work in a cropped format, and the Orion can be adapted for full frame with the Atlas 1.4x LF Expander.