Overview
The RED Pro Primes are a set of manual prime cinema lenses from the US camera manufacturer RED Digital Cinema, first introduced around 2009 (NAB). They were positioned as a more affordable alternative to high-end prime lens sets and complement the RED camera line (RED One, Epic, Scarlet, Dragon). As is common with cinema lenses, they feature calibrated apertures in T-stops, precise focus and aperture rings with long throw, and a robust all-metal housing.
The standard set includes six focal lengths: 18 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, and 100 mm. Additionally, there is a separate, slower 300 mm telephoto lens with a T2.9 aperture.
Technical Specifications
The six standard focal lengths share common characteristics, simplifying lens changes on set (same front diameter, uniform aperture):
- Aperture: consistently T1.8 (standard set); 300 mm: T2.9
- Mount: PL
- Image Circle / Format: Super 35
- Front Diameter: 110 mm (uniform across the set)
| Focal Length | Aperture | Minimum Focus Distance (approx.) |
|---|
| 18 mm | T1.8 | 4″ |
| 25 mm | T1.8 | 4″ |
| 35 mm | T1.8 | 4″ |
| 50 mm | T1.8 | 6″ |
| 85 mm | T1.8 | 18″ |
| 100 mm | T1.8 | 24″ |
On-Set Use
With their fast T1.8 aperture, the RED Pro Primes are suitable for low-light shooting and for achieving shallow depth of field. The uniform 110 mm front diameter across the set allows for quick swapping of matte boxes and filters when changing focal lengths, without needing to exchange adapter rings. The short minimum focus distances of the wide-angle lenses (around 10 cm) facilitate close-up detail and tabletop shots. The PL mount makes them compatible with common Super 35 cinema cameras.