ARRI Ultra Prime 40mm T1.9 f/1.7 Distagon T* Lens with PL-Mount (In Feet) Review

The ARRI Ultra Prime 40mm T1.9 is a professional cinema lens built around a Zeiss Distagon T* optical design and a PL mount, the industry standard for high-end film and digital cinema cameras. With a fast T1.9 aperture, it delivers excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field control, making it a versatile workhorse for narrative, documentary, and commercial production. The 40mm focal length sits between the more common 35mm and 50mm, offering a slightly wider field of view than a standard lens while remaining natural and unobtrusive for interviews, medium shots, and environmental portraiture.

This particular unit is available used in Excellent Plus (EX+) condition from KEH, priced at $7,149. The Ultra Prime series is known for its warm, organic rendering, minimal breathing, and robust mechanical construction. The Distagon design helps control distortion and maintain sharpness across the frame, even wide open. For cinematographers working with PL-mount cameras and seeking a fast, compact prime with classic ARRI character, the Ultra Prime 40mm is a proven choice, particularly in the used market where it offers solid value against newer, more expensive cinema glass.