TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 Lenses

TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 Lenses are offered in (3) core tuning options (S, T, & X) as well as a SKIN replacement which can be applied to any tuning. These cinema primes are purpose-designed for Large Format motion picture imaging, exhibiting unique imaging properties which arise from the introduction of controlled distortion during the development and manufacturing processes. This distortion is modular and allows a level of tunability over key parameters which shape many creative characteristics of the lenses, including unique flaring characteristics. The image produced by a BLACKWING7 lens has been described as having a "musical fidelity".

TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 S-Tuned Lenses feature a "Straight" profile often described as clean, with greater control over resonant flare characteristics (thanks to elements with both multi-layer and edge coatings). The more advanced optical coating also allows a modest increase in central image sharpness while maintaining a smooth roll-off of contrast across the frame. This profile is based on optical designs from the first half of the 20th Century, such as the 1950 Wray UNILITE 50mm f/2.

TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 T-Tuned prime lenses feature a "Transient" profile with increased flare and reduced saturation, further exaggerating contrast roll-off to the edge of the frame and providing increased edge halation. This is due to vintage-style, single-coated optics and edge coating. "T" lenses have a unique personality and are designed to render a slightly softer, more artistic image, with a higher degree of light reactivity and more vibrant flaring characteristic.

TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 X-Tuned prime lenses feature an "eXpressive" profile with the lowest contrast of the range, further exaggerated edge halation, and increased resonant flare characteristics (the signature "rainbow" effect). A minor degree of spherical aberration and focal plane curvature increases the perception of a shallower depth of field. All of this is achieved by selective edgeuncoating to reduce contrast under hard lighting conditions. "X" lenses are designed for filmmakers who light minimally and favor optics that create smooth, almost ethereal images.

TRIBE7 SKINS allow any BLACKWING7 prime lens, of any manufactured tuning, to take on a new range of creative looks through the addition of replacement front and rear lens elements utilizing new, specially formulated, non-radioactive amber coatings. The unique look of lenses fitted with SKIN is a tribute to lenses made during the "Thorium years". The warm amber hue produced by SKIN coatings and radically unique gold and intense ruby red ghost flare characteristics offer the choice of markedly different looks to be created over and above standard BLACKWING7 lenses. SKINS will be installed only by request.

At AbelCine we also rent B-Tuned and Binary Tuned lenses. These lenses are custom tuned. Seeing them on a camera is the best way to understand the differences between these tunings. 

The BLACKWING7 range currently comprises a core set of (7) focal lengths, with an additional 20.7mm prime which was released in 2022, and 23.7 prime coming in 2023:

• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 20.7mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 23.7mm T1.9 Cine Lens (Availability TBD)
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 27mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 37mm T1.9 Cine Lens 
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 47mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 57mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 77mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 107mm T1.9 Cine Lens
• TRIBE7 BLACKWING7 137mm T1.9 Cine Lens