Apsara Lenses Officially Launches: Vintage Character Meets Modern Precision, Handcrafted in Canada
For immediate release
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 14 July 2025: Apsara Lenses, the latest venture from Simmod Lens founder and cinematographer Ron Sim csc, has officially launched, introducing two distinct lines of cinema lenses that promise to redefine the intersection of vintage character and modern reliability. Apsara’s Lumière and Prestige series deliver a unique blend of artistry and engineering, tailored for filmmakers seeking both creative expression and professional dependability.
The Lumière Series is a compact set of four matched T1.4 super speed lenses featuring vintage-inspired rendering. Initially there will be 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 75mm focal lengths with more to come. They have a compact, lightweight construction optimized for popular mirrorless mounts such as Sony E, Canon RF, NIKON Z and L-mount, making them ideal for mirrorless cameras as well as cinema cameras like the Sony FX3, FX6, Canon C80 and C400.
Despite their small size, they offer genuine multi-format coverage, including Large Format (ALEXA LF OPEN GATE), Full-Frame, VistaVision, and Super 35 sensors, making them versatile tools for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Artistically, the Lumière lenses are crafted to evoke the soul of vintage optics. They are based on existing lens formulas but have been carefully re-tuned through expert adjustment to introduce subtle, desirable imperfections. This results in a distinct vintage-inspired rendering characterized by soft, creamy skintones, gentle highlight halation, and a painterly focus fall-off that flatters subjects and adds depth to the image.
Chromatic aberration is present but controlled, adding a touch of analog charm without overwhelming the frame. Focus breathing is minimal, allowing for smooth, cinematic focus pulls. Importantly, each focal length is meticulously matched for color, contrast, and flare behavior, addressing a common challenge faced when using mismatched vintage lenses.
One of the standout innovations in the Lumière series is the patent-pending illuminated lens marking system. This feature allows cinematographers to easily read focus and aperture settings even in the darkest environments, a significant advantage for run-and-gun shooting or low-light documentary work. The lenses are built with precision-machined aluminum barrels, providing smooth, long-throw focus rings and stepless, de-clicked iris control for precise exposure adjustments. The front diameter is standardized at 80mm outside diameter with a 77mm filter thread, ensuring compatibility with common matte boxes and filters, The sealed construction offers protection against dust and light moisture.
The Prestige Series is designed for PL and LPL mounts. The line consists of five cine lenses with macro capabilities - 24mm T2.0, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.8 and 100mm T2.8. They cover Large Format, VistaVision, and Super 35 sensors, ensuring compatibility with the latest generation of cinema cameras such as ARRI Mini LF and 65, RED VV cameras, and Sony VENICE / VENICE 2.
Artistically, the Prestige series embodies a painterly image character with a vintage soul, balanced by modern optical performance. Like the Lumière lenses the Prestige lenses are also carefully re-tuned using proprietary airgap adjustments and element spacing to create a signature look featuring vintage warmth, subtle veiling flare, and beautifully rendered bokeh. The focus roll-off is again gradual and organic, drawing the viewer’s attention naturally to the subject while rendering backgrounds with softness and depth. Color rendition is consistent across the set, with a gentle highlight roll-off and rich shadow detail. Chromatic aberration is again tastefully present, adding character without distracting from the image. Importantly both Lumière and Prestige lenses share a similar look that allows them to be used side-by-side and cut together easily.
Vintage look, modern mechanics
The image may have a vintage aesthetic but the mechanics of the Prestige series is thoroughly modern. The lens bodies are custom designed to guarantee easy and consistent operation. Focus breathing is minimal, supporting complex focus pulls demanded in narrative and commercial productions. Unlike most vintage or adapted lenses, Apsara lenses are matched across the range for color, contrast, and mechanical feel, ensuring a cohesive shooting experience. Flare behavior is controlled and aesthetically pleasing.
They are built to withstand the rigors of professional use, featuring robust all-metal housings with deep knurling for a secure grip, even when operating with gloves. The lenses also undergo rigorous quality control, including precision optical centering, back-focus calibration, and advanced flare and contrast testing within the Simmod Windsor facility’s controlled dark room. The focus rings offer ultra-smooth, long-throw rotation with precise, clickless iris control, and the front diameters are standardized at 95mm, with a 86mm filter thread to fit industry-standard matte boxes and accessories.
Collaborate to innovate
Both Apsara series are the result of Simmods years of expertise in vintage lens modification. Rather than simply rehousing old glass the Apsara lenses are developed in collaboration with Sirui, a world-class lens manufacturer known for producing high-quality optical designs used by professionals around the globe.
The Simmod team starts with these proven optical formulas as a foundation and applies proprietary lens tuning techniques - including precise adjustment of airgaps and element spacing - to evoke the soul of classic cinema lenses. This approach results in optics that deliver subtle, beautiful imperfections while maintaining the reliability, consistency, and handling expected from modern cinema glass.
Final assembly, calibration, and quality control are performed in Simmod’s newly established, ISO-standard clean room facility in Windsor, Ontario, to ensure every lens meets the required standards for performance and visual character.
Why Apsara?
The brand’s cultural roots and philanthropic mission are equally important. Named after the celestial dancers of Southeast Asian mythology, Apsara draws inspiration from grace, artistry, and devotion. A portion of every lens sale supports the Apsara Academy, a non-profit initiative that provides filmmaking education and access to underrepresented talent in developing countries. The program began in Cambodia, where the launch films were shot with a self-taught local crew, embodying the brand’s spirit of empowerment through creativity.
Affordably priced
Pricing for the Lumière series starts at $849 USD per lens. The Prestige series lenses are priced according to focal length and configuration. Pre-orders are open now, with shipments scheduled to begin in mid-August 2025.
For cinematographers seeking lenses that combine the painterly, emotive rendering of classic glass with the confidence and usability of modern mechanics and Canadian craftsmanship, Apsara’s Lumière and Prestige series offer a compelling new option on the market.
The lenses can be ordered here.
For more details contact ron@simmodlens.com
Images from this release can be downloaded here.
LAUNCH FILMS:
OFFICIAL LAUNCH FILM – APSARA : THE DANCE THAT REMEMBERS
SACRED GROUND. SACRED HEARTS:
IN LIGHT. IN WATER. IN LOVE
THROUGH THE FRAMES OF TIME
