DZOFilm has been developing lenses like cupcakes. This time the focus is on cine-primes. The newly announced VESPID is surrounded by a cine-structure and designed to cover full-frame sensors. The main advantage is the price. Read on.
DZOFilm cine-lenses
DZOFILM is a Chinese brand that specializes in designing and manufacturing cinema lenses. 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”. DZOFilm lenses are being used mainly by independent filmmakers that demand cinema application. Their lenses are affordable and constitute a rehoused version of still lenses. Nevertheless, filmmakers report that this glass has an optimal cost-effective ratio.
VESPID primes
The new DZOFilm VESPID prime lenses include 25, 35, 50, 75,100, 125mm, and 90mm macro models with a PL mount and an EF mount option. Each prime lens features a fast T2.1 aperture and a 16-blade iris to produce a soft, silky bokeh for stunning images, even in low light. Weighing between 1.6 and 2.1 lb, these compact and lightweight field lenses are dedicated to small and lightweight cinema cameras, run-and-gun setups, as well as for use on drone and gimbal rigs. They are aimed to provide a cinema-quality image.
Cinema characteristics for full-frame sensors
Each lens owns a 46.5mm image circle that covers full-frame cine sensors. The lenses also feature manual iris rotation ranging from 58° on the 50mm model to 84° rotation on the 125mm model, and a manual focus rotation range of 270° on all models. The 90mm macro model features a close focus distance of 10.1”. Furthermore, the lenses have developed to meet harsh cinema environments. According to DZOFilm, the VESPID primes are armed with metal construction to withstand the rigors of daily production.
Image quality
In order to examine the image quality, have a loot at the commercial video below published by DZOFilms, which demonstrates the capabilities of the VESPID primes on the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF vs the RED Komodo.
Price and availability
Now to the good part. This glass is much affordable. Each prime costs $1,250. The Macro costs $1,500. Also, the whole set (six lenses) costs $6,500. These are very affordable prices for a robust piece of cinema glass.
Initial thoughts
The VESPID primes enter the market for affordable cinema lenses, which has a thick segment made of independent content creators that need cinema characteristics to be utilized on drones and gimbals. Don’t expect this glass to be battle-ready like more expensive (real) cinema lenses. However, those who need the heavy build and focus rotation of 270, might find the VESPID primes as a logical solution.
What do you mean by “Don’t expect these to be battle ready”? They seem like good housings, have 270 degrees throw, and almost T2. What’s considered “battle ready”?
I meant, that it can’t be compared to a $5,000 (and above) cinema glass. This is a Chinese product that was designed to be affordable, which is great. But from an engineering perspective, it can’t (and not supposed to) compete with the robustness and reliability of a true cinema lens.
When you mention “Battle Ready” have you actually had these lenses in your hands and perhaps do a basic evaluation. If not, you are making a bold assumption about something you have really no information about except for preliminary specifications. Yes, we are tempted to assume the physical quality of these lenses because 1.They are under 2K each, and 2. They are are made in China. Let’s see these in the hands of actual users and we’ll get a much better idea of how “Battle Ready” they are. We all might be surprised!
Very well. I hope you are right and I’m wrong 🙂