DZOFilm continues to break the market with its full-frame and affordable glass, by introducing two brand new cinema zooms that can cover full-frame sensors. Meet the Catta lenses: 35-80mm T/2.9 and 70-135mm T/2.9. Main characteristics: Super light, and super affordable. All details are below.
DZOFilm: The king of the affordable FF cine glass
DZOFILM is a Chinese brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing cinema lenses at affordable prices. As stated by the company: “In the contemporary film industry, DZOFilm wishes to redefine the role of a lens manufacturer. Offering the best lenses in terms of functionality at attractive prices. Allowing the next generation of filmmakers to turn their vision into reality”. Indeed, DZOFilm lenses are been used mainly by professional independent filmmakers that are eager to use cinema glass in their productions. Their lenses are affordable and constitute a rehoused version of still lenses. Nevertheless, filmmakers report that this glass has the optimal cost-effective ratio. To prove our point, visit our articles regarding price comparisons of cine-lenses that cover full-frame. DZOfilm offers one of the most affordable sets as well. Referenced articles below:
- DZOFilm Presets the VESPID Primes: Affordable Full-Frame Cinema Lenses
- Large Format Cinema Lens Sets: A Chart for Filmmakers
- Full-Frame Cine Prime Lenses For The Masses: Meet the Meike 35mm T2.1
The Catta lenses
Now, DZOFilm has decided to go full-frame with zooms as well, by presenting the Catta brand. As stated by DZOFilm: “After the launch of Super35 zoom lenses “Pictor”, and full-frame prime lenses “Vespid”, we began to think about meeting the zoom needs of full-frame users, and thus brought out these full-frame zoom lenses– Catta”. The Catta includes two very special cinema zoom lenses, that own unique characteristic, especially regarding weight and price.
Full Frame Zooms
As DZOFILM’s third zoom series, the Catta 35-80mm T/2.9 and 70-135mm T/2.9, cover most of the basic focal length in diverse shooting projects. DZOFIlm says that: “The golden focal lengths of 35-80mm/70-135mm enable cinematographers to create cinematic images without sacrificing time in lens replacing. Affordable, ultra-lightweight with minimal focus breathing, these zooms are an excellent addition to any cinematographer’s lens arsenal”.
“Primate monkey”
This is how DZOFilm describes the new FF Zooms: “Catta is a primate monkey with a swift body, keeps curiosity of environment. And the Catta lens is named after this. Light and compact, easy to carry to explore more possibilities on shooting. With increasing cinematographers turning to full-frame format for various productions, Catta Zoom aims to meet the current market’s demands of acquiring high-quality images and satisfying larger format cameras, like the latest Red V-raptor 8k”.
Reduced weight: Made of polycarbonate and glass-fiber
The 35mm-80mm T/2.9 weighs only 1.53kg, and the 70mm-135mm T/2.9 is less than 1.6kg. As stated by DZOFilm: “Manage to decrease the weight, we choose to use polycarbonate and glass fiber on this shell with strict tolerance. Extremely portable for changing field of view frequently”. DZOFilm says that these cinema zoom lenses would be a great choice for live shows, indie filmmaking, vehicle shooting, documentaries, and gun shooting scenarios with precise parfocal design. Furthermore, the company adds that the Catta Zooms are easily applicable with gimbal-like Ronin s2 and Crane 3s, etc. when shot on rapidly moving scenes.
Round Bokeh and fine details
With 16 blades of the diaphragm and an aperture range of T2.9-T22, Catta produces round and smooth bokeh with natural transition of image. The extremely close focus distance helps shooters to shoot clear details and characteristics of the subject.
Improved Breathing Control
Same as it ever was minimal breathing in DZOFILM cine lenses, the company promises that this time you can find a better performance in Catta. The lenses are characterized by invisible breathing during racking focus. “Focus along the journey, the edge of the frame always keeps same, making audience immerse in the plot deeply” DZFIlm adds.
Plug-in Filter
Loaded with a 77mm detachable front filter design, Catta Zoom lenses are also equipped with a plug-in rear filter, adding amusement to the shooting experience, allowing users to change the rear ND/ UV/ Streak/ Mist filter freely.
Mounts
In terms of mounts, both lenses are originated in E mount. But DZOFilm says that there is also an additional mount to meet diversified needs, like RF/ L/ Z/ X mount. “Equipped with a quick-release interchangeable mount, it is easy and speedy to change mount” DZOFilm emphasizes.
Explore the table below for the full specs of the Catta lenses:
Prices and Availability
These two lenses now accept pre-order from DZOFILM dealers and start to ship at the end of this month (explore the Product List at the end of the article). The price is $3099/ each, and a $299 discount if purchasing a bundle. The black metal version of the PL/EF mount will follow up next year (2022).
Closing thoughts
With a price tag of $3,100 for a decent full-frame cine-zoom, the Catta is considered super affordable. The lenses were designed to meet the demand of independent shooters that need full-frame cinema zoom lenses in their production. DZOFilm describes this concept accurately by saying: “DZOFILM hopes that all cinematographers can catch this light and compact lens to explore more possibilities on shooting easily”. Indeed, with that price, you can build a solid and professional rig that can do a beautiful job, and without breaking the bank. And what about image quality? DZOFilm has published a video that shows what the Cattas can do. The video was shot with the Sony FX6 and FX3. Watch it below:
What are your thoughts about the Catta full-frame cine-zoom lenses? Are you satisfied with the image quality? Would you use them in your productions, or should it be smarter to invest in more prestigious lenses?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- DZOFilm Catta 35-80mm T2.9 E-Mount Cine Zoom Lens (White)
- DZOFilm Catta 70-135mm T2.9 E-Mount Cine Zoom Lens (White)
Will the PL/EF Versions just be the mounts next year? So that means if i purchase the lenses this year I just need to get the PL mounts next year?
No, it means that a new version of Catta with original PL mount.