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Pergear

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Chinese manual prime lens brand (since 2019) offering 10–60mm focal lengths, f/1.6–f/16, designed for budget productions with cinematic bokeh rendering.

Technical Details

Pergear lenses cover focal lengths from 10mm to 60mm, with the 35mm f/1.6 and 25mm f/1.8 being the most frequently used models. The lenses feature all-glass construction with 6-10 lens elements and achieve minimum focus distances between 0.15m (macro versions) and 0.35m. Typical aperture values range from f/1.6 to f/16, and filter threads are standard 52mm or 58mm. The housing is made of anodized aluminum with a precision-machined focus ring offering a 180° rotation angle. Optical coatings are multi-layered (Multi-Coating) to reduce stray light and chromatic aberration.

History & Development

Pergear emerged in 2019 as a sub-brand of the Chinese optics company Zonlai, which had been producing manual lenses since 2015. The first Pergear lens, a 25mm f/1.8, was launched in the autumn of 2019 and immediately established the brand's signature look: soft bokeh characteristics with sharp central rendering. In 2020, the brand expanded into macro lenses with the 60mm f/2.8, followed in 2021 by the ultra-wide 10mm f/8 fisheye. The brand consciously focuses on manual focus as a counter-movement to increasing automation.

Practical Use in Film

Pergear lenses are used in independent productions and documentaries where manual focusing is desired and budget constraints exist. The 35mm f/1.6 is particularly suitable for available light scenes due to its wide aperture, while the 25mm f/1.8 serves as a standard focal length for close-ups and interviews. The soft bokeh creates a cinematic look similar to more expensive cine lenses. Focus pulling requires precise technique, as the short focus throws leave little room for correction.

Comparison & Alternatives

Pergear positions itself between budget manufacturers like 7Artisans or TTArtisan and established brands like Sigma or Tamron. Unlike autofocus lenses, Pergear lenses allow precise manual control but lack electronic aperture communication. For run-and-gun productions, autofocus alternatives are more practical; for controlled sets, Pergear lenses offer the advantage of constant aperture values and reproducible focus markings.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich schätze an Pergear-Objektiven die präzisen Fokusringe und die weiche Bokeh-Charakteristik, die selbst bei f/1.6 keine harten Kanten produziert. Der manuelle Fokus zwingt mich zu bewusster Bildgestaltung, allerdings muss ich bei Available-Light-Szenen die fehlende Bildstabilisierung durch solide Kameraführung kompensieren.

Director

Die manuellen Pergear-Objektive geben mir vollständige Kontrolle über Schärfeverlagerungen und erlauben sehr bewusste narrative Führung des Zuschauerblicks. Der charakteristische weiche Look unterstützt emotionale Szenen, wobei ich bei schnellen Dialogwechseln die langsamere Fokussierung einkalkulieren muss.

Producer

Pergear-Objektive kosten zwischen 150€ und 400€ pro Stück und liefern dabei Bildqualität auf 80% des Niveaus von Objektiven für 1.500€ und mehr. Für Independent-Produktionen bedeutet das Equipment-Einsparungen von 60-70%, allerdings verlängert sich die Drehzeit um etwa 15% durch manuelles Fokussieren.

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