DZOFilm has introduced a set of full-frame cinema lenses with a fixed focal length and premium assembly. The new DZOFilm Arles Lustre series includes 10 lenses with apertures from T1.6 to T2.8, covering large-format image sensors (up to Vista Vision).
The lenses give the image a nostalgic vintage look and add a “soft glow.” The company says the iconic golden halo of old cinema lenses inspires its latest primes.
The development of the new DZOFilm Arles Lustre cinema lenses was not easy. The company consulted and collaborated with over 20 cinematographers and photographers specializing in feature films, historical dramas, and fashion advertising.
In practice, the concept of new cinema lenses does not imply the complete elimination of glare (which manufacturers of modern high-end photo optics usually try to achieve). In the cinema optics segment, many manufacturers try to achieve “individuality” with the help of such and other optical features.
DZOFilm has chosen a similar approach but with several necessary clarifications. Glare should only be present in the frame when complementing the image. Otherwise, maximum optical efficiency is required.
The company claims the lenses suit high-resolution cameras, such as the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. The new series’s 14mm, 21mm, and 25mm cinema lenses feature dual aspherical elements to correct spherical aberration and coma. The series also promises smooth, soft bokeh without artifacts.
While all 10 lenses have optical differences, the Arles Lustre series features consistent color rendition, and all lenses have 16-bladed apertures.
The lenses also have a consistent physical design, with minor differences in lens length. The lenses weigh between 1.4 and 1.9 kg and feature a uniform front diameter of 95 mm.
All lenses support 86mm filters (except the 14mm prime), which do not support front filters and have uniform focus and aperture ring placement.
The series also gets a Desert Gold exterior design option. This finish is available in a limited edition of 100 10-lens kits and 50 single-lens variants (25/35/50/75mm). The lenses come with a professional PL mount, work with optional EF and LPL mount kits, and are compatible with DZOFilm’s Koop rear magnetic filters.
DZOFilm Arles Lustre Price and Release Date
DZOFilm’s new Arles Lustre lenses aren’t cheap like most Vista Vision cinema lenses. The 10-lens kit comes in a pair of hard cases and costs $26,999.
A four-lens kit, which includes 25, 35, 50, and 75mm lenses, costs $10,799. In comparison, a five-lens kit featuring 14, 21, 40, 135, and 180mm lenses is priced at $13,999. Additionally, individual lenses are available for $2,999 each. Currently, all DZOFilm Arles Lustre lenses can be pre-ordered on the B&H Photo and Adorama e-shops.
The 14mm and 135mm DZOFilm Arles Lustre primes have a maximum aperture of T2.2, while the 180mm lens has a slower T2.8 prime. The remaining seven lenses (21, 25, 35, 40, 50, 75, and 100mm) have T1.6 apertures.
Earlier this year, DZOFilm released a unique macro zoom for cinema DZOFilm 18-28mm T8 X-Tract Probe. The optics have a variable focal length of 18-28mm and an elongated tube-shaped body. The maximum magnification ratio reaches 2.1:1, and the minimum focusing distance is 6 mm from the front of the lens. The parfocal cinema lens has an aluminum body and weighs 1.09 kg.
