Meet the DZOFILM Catta Ace Set: Full-Frame Cine Zoom Lenses Without Breaking the Bank
Meet the DZOFILM Catta Ace Set: Full-Frame Cine Zoom Lenses Without Breaking the Bank

Meet the DZOFILM Catta Ace Set: Full-Frame Cine Zoom Lenses Without Breaking the Bank

2023-01-16
2 mins read

DZOFILM has introduced a new full-frame wide-angle cine-zoom titled Catta Ace 18-35mm T2.9 Cine lens. This cine-zoom is the wide-angle option of all other Cattas ( 35-80mm and 70-135mm), and thus completes the whole set of affordable cinema zoom glass that is aimed at cinematographers who shoot large format and don’t want to break their bank.

DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom

Full-Frame wide-angle cine-zoom

The DZOFILM’s Catta Ace 18-35mm maintains the consistent mechanical performance and image style of the other Cattas (Catta Ace 35-80mm and 70-135mm). Furthermore, the lens is compatible with the full-frame image sensor and features an interchangeable PL, EF, and LPL mount. The main features are described below.

DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom

Design and structure

DZOFILM states that each lens comprises 4pcs ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements and 1pcs aspherical element, maintaining a high image performance as the Catta Ace series while significantly minimizing curvature of field and reducing chromatic aberration at the wide-angle end. The lens has a 20-blade iris structure to enhance bokeh.

DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom

Key features of the Catta Ace 18-35mm:

  • Minimum focusing distance of 0.51m (1ft 8”)
  • Breathing as the same as two other Catta lenses
  • Interchangeable PL, EF, and LPL mounts
  • Full-Frame cover. Note: The 18-35mm does not cover Vista Vision
  • Consistent optics and mechanics in the series
  • Parfocal Design which allows the focus to remain accurate throughout the zoom
  • Consistent T2.9 to T22 Aperture
  • 16-Blade Iris for Soft Bokeh Comes with PL-Mount, Interchangeable
  • 77mm Filter Diameter, 1.9x Magnification
  • Natural Color Rendering
  • 270° Focus Rotation
  • 80mm Front Diameter
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom

Explore the full specs and table of comparison with the there lenses:

DZOFILM Catta Ace Full-Frame Cine-Zoom lenses: Specifications DZOFILM Catta Ace Full-Frame Cine-Zoom lenses: Specifications. Click on the image for a full-resolution view.

Pricing & Availability

The price of Catta Ace 18-35mm is $3,899, available to order preorder now, and ship by the end of January. Additionally, DZOFILM has decided to lower the price of Catta Ace 35-80mm and 70-135mm to $3,299 each after changing the package of the single lens to color boxes. The price for a 3-lens-kit with a hard case is $9,599 USD. Explore the Product List at the end of the article. 

DZOFILM Catta Ace Full-Frame Cine-Zoom set DZOFILM Catta Ace Full-Frame Cine-Zoom set

Summary

The Catta ACE Zoom 3-Lens Bundle which includes the 18-35mm, 35-80mm, and 70-135mm, allows versatility regarding the focal lengths and the privilege of accurate color rendering in cinematic productions without breaking the bank ($9,600 USD in total for the whole set). The lenses accommodate the latest full-frame cameras (note: the 18-35mm does not cover Vista Vision). The Catta ACE zooms come natively in PL mount with an additional EF mount kit included. Additional LPL mounts can be purchased separately. The Cattas perform pretty well and are extremely popular among independent filmmakers who need cinema zoom glass for their large format cameras. As for test footage, DZOFILM has released some screengrabs demonstrating the imagery of the 18-35mm lens. Unfortunately, cameras were not mentioned. Explore them below — Indeed, the combination of wide angle zoom with a full-frame sensor creates some magic:

DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage
DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm Cine-Zoom: Footage

Here is a sample footage. Shot on Sony A7SIII & FX6:

Here is another sample footage. Shot on ARRI Mini LF:

What are your thoughts about the DZOFILM Catta Ace zoom lenses? Would you buy a set?

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

1 Comment

  1. “Breading as the same as two other Catta lenses”? Is it a panko crust? I assume you meant “breathing.”

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