DZOFilm launches X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Probe Zoom Lens for Close-Ups

DZOFilm has introduced the X-Tract 18-28mm T8 wide-angle macro probe lens. The lens offers full-frame coverage, a magnification ratio 2.1:1, a minimum focusing distance of 6 mm from the front lens, and an IP57 protection class for durability in challenging environments. The tube length is 41.5 cm, so the focusing distance is 47 cm from the camera sensor. Probe lens photography is gaining popularity among filmmakers, as it allows shooting macro in tight spaces inaccessible to cameras with traditional lenses.

DZOFilm X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Probe Zoom Lens for arri pl

Our readers are familiar with such lenses; for example, we wrote in the news about the Laowa 24mm T8 2x Pro2be macro lens, which offers a fixed focal length of 24 mm, while the new product from DZOFilm X-Tract provides parfocal zoom from 18 to 28 mm, the T8 aperture is constant throughout the zoom range and has a 10-blade design. The X-Tract lens is available only for the PL mount; the declared image circle is 43.2 mm, which is optimal for a full frame. The Laowa 24mm T8 lens is available for the ARRI PL, Canon EF, Canon RF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony E, and Leica L mounts.

The optical design of the DZOFilm X-Tract lens consists of 25 elements in 18 groups, including 7 high refractive index (HRI) elements and 6 extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. They promise to minimize chromatic aberration and focus breathing, and the lens delivers near-zero distortion at 24mm.

DZOFilm X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Price and Release Date

The new lens is now available for pre-order at a price of $3,499 through B&H Photo and Adorama online stores. Additionally, it is scheduled for release on January 20, 2025.

The lens body is aluminum and equipped with gear wheels with a pitch of M0.8 for focus, aperture, and zoom. According to IP57, the lens has partial protection from dust and water. It weighs about 1 kg, with most of the weight on the back of the lens, near the camera, so the lens will not “peck” forward much when shooting, including when used with sliders and cranes.

DZOFilm X-Tract 18-28mm T8 Probe Zoom Lens for arri pl

The lens has a case, a support bracket, a UV filter, a screwdriver, and three clamps. The company’s presentation website is worth mentioning separately; it is so overloaded with heavy video files that it took me about half an hour to load. Making a lightweight version or a text mini-presentation of the lens with regular pictures would be better.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 18 to 28mm
  • Lens Mount: ARRI PL
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full Frame
  • Maximum Aperture: T8
  • Minimum Aperture: T22
  • Optical Design: 25 elements in 18 groups
  • Image Circle: Ø43.2 mm
  • Zoom Ratio: 1.56x
  • Minimum Focus Distance: From Camera Sensor: 18.6″ / 47.3 cm; From Front of Lens: 0.2″ / 6 mm
  • Maximum Magnification Ratio: 2.1:1
  • Lens Mounting: 1x 1/4″-20 (via Included Support Foot) / 3x 3/8″-16 (via Included Support Foot)
  • Gear Standard: Focus: 0.8 MOD / Iris: 0.8 MOD / Zoom: 0.8 MOD
  • Gear Rotation: Focus: 300°
  • Diameter: Front: 1.2″ / 29.6 mm
  • Length: 16.3″ / 415 mm
  • Weight: 2.4 lb / 1.09 kg

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