DZOFILM X-Tract Probe Zoom Lens Series Unveiled

Lens News

by Francesco Andreola7 days ago

DZOFILM has just introduced their first probe lens for macro cinematography, called X-Tract. This 18-28mm T8 wide-angle probe zoom lens offers full-frame coverage, a maximum magnification ratio of 2.1:1, a minimum focus distance of 6mm from the lens’ front, an IP57 rating, and more.

Over the years, DZOFILM’s cinema lens portfolio has grown considerably and now includes Super 35 (Pictor and Tango) and Vista Vision (Catta and Catta ACE) zooms, compact and vintage-inspired primes (Vespid/Vespid Retro/Arles), the S35 PAVO 2x anamorphic set, and even the Gnosis VV Macro series. You name it!

Now, the company is adding another piece to the puzzle by making their first attempt at producing a wide-angle probe lens. This makes sense as this type of lens is becoming increasingly popular across the filmmaking board to achieve wide-angle macro shots in very tight, inaccessible places. So, let’s take a closer look at the new DZOFILM X-Tract!

DZOFILM X-Tract probe zoom lens – overview

While other popular probe lenses, like the famous Laowa Pro2be, have a fixed focal length, the new DZOFILM X-Tract is a wide-angle parfocal zoom ranging from 18mm up to 28mm. Its constant T8 aperture has no ramping across the focal length range and features a 10-blade design. The lens is only available in PL mount and has a claimed image circle of 43.2mm, which makes it suitable for use with full-frame sensors.

Regarding the X-Tract zoom’s macro capabilities, DZOFILM claims that the lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 2.1:1 and can focus as close as 6mm from its front element. Given that the barrel is 41.5cm long, this means that the lens’s minimum focus distance is 0.47m from the sensor plane.

Optical and physical design

The optical design of DZOFILM’s probe zoom lens consists of 25 elements arranged in 18 groups. These include seven high-refractive index (HRI) and six extra-low dispersion (ED) elements that should help deliver sharp, clean images. According to DZOFILM, chromatic aberration and focus breathing are kept to a minimum, and the lens showcases near-zero distortion at 24mm.

The lens barrel is made of aluminum, features M0.8 pitch gears for focus, iris, and zoom, and has an IP57 rating that partially protects the lens against dust and water. The lens weighs 1.09kg/2.4 lbs, but most of the weight is distributed toward the rear side of the lens, so this should make it easier to balance the probe on camera supports and motion control systems.

Price and availability

The new DZOFILM X-Tract Probe Zoom Lens is available now for $3,499/€3.299. The lens comes with a carrying case, a support bracket, a UV filter, a screwdriver, and 3 O-shape clamps.

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

Do you like shooting macro scenes with probe lenses? What do you think of this new offering from DZOFILM? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!