ARRI unveils two new Orbiter Projection Optics

Let there be light, and a lot of it. Ahead of IBC, ARRI has announced the launch of two new Orbiter Projection Optics in 25° and 35° field angle varieties.

Built to sit on the front of an Orbiter LED, you wouldn’t expect ARRI to hide its light under a bushel, so to speak, when it comes to this sort of thing and indeed it doesn’t. “The Orbiter Projection Optics provide unparalleled precision in every detail, allowing for crisp projection of a light spot, as well as gobo projection and precise shutter cuts,” it says. “The field of light is even and without colour aberration. The projection has no visible hot spot or drop to the edge and the depth of field is outstanding. Both optics have a standard iris slot.”

Which all sounds fabulous. So, what does that all mean in terms of the optics themselves? Both have four manually adjustable shutter blades and a motorised focus adjustment which allows for the twin benefits of precision and repeatability. This is especially true as the latest update of Orbiter’s Lighting Operating System, LiOS2, means that the focus can be controlled locally via Orbiter’s Control Panel or remotely by DMX/RDM or IP based (ArtNet or sACN). Once set, the focus is kept in place and not altered by locking the lens tube into place.

A standard B-size metal or glass gobo can also be added. An ARRI gobo holder keeps the gobo securely in place, the produced gobo pattern is clearly visible, and ARRI claims that any focus adjustment between gobo and shutter is barely necessary. “Focus adjustment between gobo and open gate is not necessary at all,” it continues.

Durable enough for outdoor work as well, additional ARRI accessories like a snoot or colour filter frames can be added in front enabling fine tuning when needed.

Physical dimensions are compact. The Orbiter Projection Optic 25° is 287 mm x 287 mm x 331 mm (11.3 in. x 11.3 in. x 13.1 in.) and the Orbiter Projection Optic 35° is 287 mm x 287 mm x 284 mm (11.3 in. x 11.3 in. x 11.2 in.). Weight of the Projection 25° is 5.45 kg (12 lbs), while the Projection 35° is 4.35 kg (9,6 lbs).

Rounding up the features, the Quick Lighting Mount (QLM) system allows the Projection Optics to be mounted safely and quickly on the Orbiter but still enabling a 90° rotation. A recent LiOS2 update ensures an automatic recognition of the new models while its latest feature, Optics Auto Adjust, offers 100% colour stability with any focus and any optic. And finally, the Optics’ individual cooling fans can be controlled via the Orbiter’s Light Control setting through the Control Panel.

Both Orbiter Projection Optics will be available in black in October 2022. Pricing is currently TBA.