DZOfilm launched a new line of T/1.4 FF/VV cine lenses: the DZOFilm Arles. Currently composed of five primes, including 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm, the Arles line opts for a clinical look, emphasizing the highest technical qualities. All five lenses are mechanically consistent. The weight varies a little, but the dimensions are identical, with a front diameter of 95mm and 0.8 pitch gears. The icing on the cake is the brilliant T1.4 aperture, which allows for an extremely shallow depth of field and excellent light gathering capacity throughout the line.
We have seen quite a few movie sets join the market in recent years. Several new manufacturers are attempting to master the complex craft (or art) of lens manufacturing, providing us filmmakers with incredible abundance. Most sets seem to take the “character” approach, glorifying optical flaws as a feature rather than a bug. DZOFilm chose with its line Arles opted for the technical and clinical approach. This line competes with others such as NiSi ATHENA and SIGMA Art Cine, as well as more traditional sets from ZEISS and other manufacturers.
Construction and ergonomics
All DZOFilm Arles primes share identical dimensions. Encased in a black aluminum chassis with geared focus and aperture rings, the lenses are easily interchangeable. The weight is around 1,600g/3.52lbs, with the 25mm T/1.4 being the lightest at 1,490g/3.28lbs. The 100mm T/1.4 is the heaviest, weighing 1.83 g/4.03lbs. The lenses share a front diameter of 95mm, a length of 121mm for the PL version and a length of 129mm for the EF version. The Arles will use the PL mount by default and the EF as an extra. The mounts are interchangeable by the user. Another nice touch is the user-interchangeable markings to choose between metric or imperial focusing distance scales.
Optical features
All DZOFilm Arles lenses use a fairly complex optical design and are relatively large as a result. These designs aim to ensure highly corrected projection with minimal distortions and aberrations. The line is designed to maintain a consistent look at all focal lengths. These are all claims from the manufacturer and we will try to test them when we get the lenses in our hands. Anyway, the sample images look pretty good in that regard.
Alternatives
There are several options considering when it comes to technical and clinical film lines. The NiSi ATHENA line is a stop slower, but makes up for it with a lower price. For about the same price as the Arles 5-lens set, you can get a set of 8 lenses ranging from 14mm to 135mm. The SIGMA Cine Art is considerably more expensive, with its 5-lens set priced at $19,000, but it’s still relatively affordable compared to other manufacturers. SIGMA’s reputation and experience may be a plus for some of us. If reputation is important to you, you should take a look at the ZEISS Nano Prime line. However, you should note that this line will only work with Sony E-Mount.
Price and availability
All DZOFilm Arles lenses are now available to order. The set of 5 lenses will cost you $9,699 at B&H or €9,178.14 at CVP (excluding VAT). Each lens will cost $2,149 / €2,038.67 (excluding VAT).
Do you think the DZOFilm Arles T/1.4 prime hits the sweet spot for your creative needs? Will you consider purchasing them or do you plan to opt for a different set? Tell us in the comments.
