Multiturret VERTIGO S is the latest iteration of Ian Kerr’s dream – a modern lens turret capable of speeding up lens swapping while maintaining the favorable traits of prime lenses. This incarnation ups the multi turret game with the addition of autofocus. Aimed at fast-paced documentary shooting, the lack of autofocus significantly limited the scope of former VERTIGOs. The design also made manual focus a bit tricky since the lens that wasn’t being used could get in the way. The new VERTIGO S solves this issue, given a SIGMA EF lens at least.
Multiturret’s VERTIGO S core design philosophy dates back to the early days of filmmaking. Before the rise of zoom optics, camera makers used a rotating turret to switch between three lenses. Used on the smaller end of film stocks with slower apertures than today’s mainstream, this solution was rather compact and pretty elegant. The modern take, however, tries to take on full-frame systems with their massive f/1.4 modern, optically-corrected, massive-sized prime lenses. That’s a whole different ballpark.
The new Multiturret VERTIGO S
Following its predecessors, the VERTIGO S also offers the same circular design. Three EF mounts are arranged around an axis revolving in and out of the camera E-Mount. But aside from this basic design, the new version offers significantly improved features. First and foremost – autofocus. Although requiring a SIGMA lens with an EF mount, this feature is still incredibly significant. For a device aimed at dynamic situations with not enough time to dismount and switch lenses, autofocus is a significant boost.
The Multiturret VERTIGO S is also well-built, as expected from a product designed for documentary filmmaking. The aluminum body is weather-sealed, and meticulous CNC machining maintains structural strength while shaving off some extra weight. On the rear side, we’ll find two standard 15mm rods to support the rather massive weight of three lenses.
Limitations
The Multiturret VERTIGO S is an innovative and clever contraption, but as with every product – it has its limitations. The most obvious, in my opinion, is the size. While the product itself is extremely slim (I’m actually surprised by how thin they managed to make it) it’s the mounting of three lenses simultaneously that worries me. Carrying this extra weight in a documentary scenario seems to be quite taxing on your shoulders (and spine, knees, etc, depending on your age and shape). While it might be more compact than a cine zoom lens, it’s much more cumbersome than using one lens at a time.
Another limitation goes for very large lenses. Considering the former point, this might not be as bad, but if you’re working with large-diameter lenses, full-frame anamorphic optics for instance, this should be considered. That said – the product shown here at NAB 2024 did carry one of the largest lenses available – the SIGMA Art 85 f/1.4, with its massive 86mm front thread diameter, and did fine with it.
Evolving revolution
The Multiturret VERTIGO S is the culmination of years of design, prototypes, products, successes, and failures. It’s evidence of Ian Kerr’s uncompromised passion to create better tools that support filmmaking. While I usually try to be as objective as possible regarding previewed products, I’m charmed by the journey made to create this innovative product.
Price and availability
The Multiturret VERTIGO S is available for preorder. It will set you back $4,200. Adding the FX6 option will add $200 to the price. Shipping is due in August 2024. Make sure to read the specific details, especially regarding camera compatibility.
Will you opt for the Multiturret VERTIGO S for your next documentary project? Do you find it efficient or cumbersome? Let us know in the comments.
