DZOFILM PAVO 2X Anamorphic Lens Series Explained

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 19^th, 2023

On the show floor at IBC 2023, we paid a visit to DZOFILM’s booth to meet the company’s Marketing Manager Susanne Wu who was kind enough to walk us through their newly-announced, relatively affordable PAVO 2x anamorphic lens series. Let’s take a look!

DZOFILM’s first-ever anamorphic lens series was first teased right before NAB 2023 in Las Vegas when the company announced that a 6-piece 2x anamorphic lens series was just around the corner.

However, feedback collected at that time partially forced the company back to the drawing board, causing a 6-month delay in manufacturing. Nevertheless, these competitive lenses are (almost) here, and my colleague Nino was fortunate to get an early hands-on experience.

DZOFILM PAVO 2X anamorphic series – key features

Although we already have covered these lenses in detail in a recent article, let me quickly sum up some of the key features of the PAVO 2x anamorphic series for you:

• 28, 32, 40, 55, and 75mm T2.1
• 100mm T2.4
• 2x anamorphic squeeze
• Super35 coverage (full-frame coverage is also possible using the DZOFILM Marlin expander)
• Blue or neutral coating
• User-interchangeable ARRI PL/Canon EF mount
• Lightweight design (1.2-1.6kg)
• 270° focus throw
• 95mm front diameter
• All-metal body
• Metric or imperial focus markings
• Built-in back-focus adjustment

Initially, the company started designing these lenses with pin-cushion distortion but decided to switch to barrel distortion instead. According to Susanne, the lenses offer good optical performance with minimal focus breathing. Moreover, she claims that a longer focal length will join the series next year.

Price and availability

The new DZOFILM PAVO 2x anamorphic lenses are now available to pre-order starting at $5,499 per piece. Alternatively, you can purchase a 6-piece set for $30,999.

For more information, please visit DZOFILM’s website here.

What do you think of the new DZOFILM PAVO 2x anamorphic lenses? Do you believe DZOFILM can compete with other well-established anamorphic lens manufacturers?  Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!