Vista One are a modification of the standard Vista series from Tokina Cinema. The fragile wavefront design of the Vista series allow for a pleasing flare that is taken to more extreme limits in the single coated Vista One series. The front element receives a proprietary single coating technology applied to both the concave and convex surfaces of the front element. There are different coating types applied to each surface controlling the flare in ways that a simple polish and new coating would not provide if done by a 3rd party manufacturer.

The flare is strongly diffused with a strong blue color inclusion at wider apertures with secondary and tertiary flares coming in a green color that is normal for the Vista series. The look of the flare is retained up to T5.6 which is relatively unique as most single or uncoated lenses will often lose their characteristic when stopped down just one or two stops.

Many single or uncoated lenses lose significant resolution in the white points of the image to the point of recording no information on the sensor in certain areas of flare. The Vista One retain resolution and detail even in the strongest flare making them more versatile and more freedom in creative choices.

The single coating allows for very little flare on-axis making the Vista One behave much like standard Vista series lenses when the on-set lighting is generally diffused without light sources in frame. The off-axis flare allows for maximum creative control with some diffusion making this series a versatile choice.

The Vista Ones are optically identical to the Vistas just with a different coating on their elements to offer even more character than their sister set. If you're looking for well-made, consistent and accurate glass but with a little flavor in their flares, check these lenses out.

If you liked the Vista Primes but wanted to take the edge off just a tad, the Vista ONE lenses are the answer. They are differentiated by their grey painted bodies but really shine thanks to the single layer Mag Fluoride coating on the front and rear elements. This provides enhanced flares under the right circumstances to give a bit of a unique look to an otherwise clinical lens.

Tokina Vista Ones, are simply Tokina Vista Primes with gray housings, and they have single layer coatings on the front elements. The new coatings deliver images that are warmer than the standard Vistas, and they flare more easily. In addition to making the overall image warmer, the new coatings bloom a bit more, and create a blue tint to some of the ghosts.

The Vista Ones are Tokina’s effort at “de-tuning” their own lenses. I have a feeling we will see a few 3rd parties attempt different “recipes” to de-tune Vista Primes to achieve unique looks. There are already one or two companies doing this and selling the lenses under new names. Make sure you test them to decide which flavor of Vista Prime you prefer.