IronGlass’s compact AIR series is now available to preorder through CVP. The AIR format moves curated vintage optics into a compact housing built around mirrorless cinema systems, with full internal focusing, a unified 80mm front diameter, and a user-swappable mount system covering E, Z, RF, L, GF, and M mounts. Let’s take a closer look at these lenses.
IronGlass has long been known for rehousing Soviet-era optics into cinema housings. We’ve previously looked at their take on the ZEISS Standard Speed Series and reviewed the IronGlass MK II, among others. With AIR, the company introduces a compact housing built around mirrorless camera systems rather than its larger PL-based designs. For details and sample footage on the AIR lenses, have a look at the following video:
What makes AIR different
The AIR series uses a compact housing designed specifically for mirrorless camera systems from the outset. All focal lengths share the same 80mm front diameter, matched gear positions, internal focus design, and a 15-blade aperture, creating a matched set in a more compact form.
The lenses ship with native, user-swappable mounts for E, Z, RF, L, GF, and M systems, avoiding the need for external adapters. That flexibility is central to the AIR concept, particularly for owner-operators moving between different camera systems.
37mm, 58mm, and 85mm compose the 3-lens set. Image credit: IronGlassThe optics inside the 3-lens set
The current 3-lens set includes rehoused versions of the Mir-1B (37mm T2.9), the Helios 44-2 (58mm T2.1), and the Jupiter-9 (85mm T2). The Helios 44-2, in particular, is one of the most widely known Soviet-era lenses, known for its distinctive rendering and swirl characteristics. It has long been used by filmmakers and photographers looking for a more expressive, less clinical image.
IronGlass has not confirmed the specific vintage origins of the 20mm and 28mm lenses in the wider set; however, in the video, CVP notes that the company says these lenses will match the look of the rest of the set. The sixth focal length is currently listed as 105mm, though specifications reference 100mm and indicate that the final focal length remains subject to confirmation.
58mm T2.1 AIR lens. Image credit: IronGlassPricing and availability
CVP currently lists the following AIR preorder options:
AIR 6-Lens Set With Multi Mounts
20mm / 28mm / 37mm / 58mm / 85mm / 105mm
€13,373.27 ex VATAIR 6-Lens Set – Sony E Mount
20mm / 28mm / 37mm / 58mm / 85mm / 105mm
€10,689.67 ex VATAIR 3-Lens Set A
37mm T2.9 / 58mm T2.1 / 85mm T2
€5,322.47 ex VATAIR 58mm T2.1 (single lens)
€2,459.97 ex VAT
For more information and to preorder, please visit the CVP website.
Have you used rehoused vintage lenses before? How important is a native swappable mount system in your current camera setup? Let us know in the comments below.