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Brightin Star's 50mm F2 TRI-SIGHT is one of the more unique lenses that we've seen in a while for the RF mount. It's a full-frame manual focus 50mm with three rendering modes selected by a ring on the barrel. There's also a rear slot that takes drop-in inserts for shaped bokeh.

This lens was first shown at CP+ in February. The 50mm F2 TRI-SIGHT is available for the RF, E, Z and L-Mount for the launch price of $349.99 (regular price $399.99).

• Three rendering modes: SMOOTH soft focus, PRIME standard and FOAMS bubble bokeh
• 7 elements in 6 groups, with lens groups that move to reshape the rendering
• Rear-mounted creative inserts for shaped bokeh
• 11-blade diaphragm with a de-clicked f/2 to f/22 aperture ring
• Built-in retractable hood and detachable focus lever
• 0.7 m minimum focus · RF, E, Z and L-mount

The TRI-SIGHT's main feature is the mode ring between the aperture and focus rings. Turning it shifts lens groups inside the barrel. Brightin Star says it tuned spherical aberration and astigmatism for each group position, so one optical system can produce three different renderings.

The optical formula is simple, which helps keep the lens small. The three looks come from moving groups rather than swappable optics.

Brightin Star 50mm F2 TRI-SIGHT optical construction Schematic of seven lens elements in six groups, including one cemented pair, with light entering from the left and the rear insert slot at the camera side. LIGHT → Rear insert slot SENSOR G1G2G3 G4G5G6 Single element Cemented pair Schematic · not to scale

A slot at the rear of the lens takes drop-in inserts that reshape out-of-focus highlights. Brightin Star shows four shapes, each marked “Camera Side” so it's easy to fit the right way round.

Shaped bokeh isn't a new thing and has been around for as long as I can remember. The difference here is you can get 4 rear inserts that will produce a different output for each of the FOAMS, PRIME and SMOOTH settings on the lens itself.

The front filter thread is an unusual 37.5mm, and Brightin Star sells a bundle with a matching ultra-thin filter.

The Brightin Star 50mm F2 TRI-SIGHT is available now from Brightin Star, at the same price for every mount.