DZO Picture Zooms: Affordable Cine Lenses for Super 35 Cameras

Описание: DZO Picture Zooms: Affordable Cine Lenses for Super 35 Cameras

Hello everyone, Hugo here! Today, I want to talk about a lens set that has really surprised me: the DZO Picture Zooms. These lenses are affordable cine zooms designed for Super 35 cameras like the RED Komodo, and they bring a lot to the table for their price. After using them on different projects, I have some thoughts on where these lenses shine and where they might fall short.

Why I Chose the DZO Picture Zooms

I picked up these lenses about two months ago because I wanted something versatile yet affordable. I often shoot interviews, corporate videos, and smaller commercial work where flexibility is key. While I used to rely on higher-end lenses, like the Angenieux zooms, they were sometimes overkill for smaller projects, both in terms of cost and practicality. I needed something more budget-friendly without sacrificing too much quality. After seeing some positive reviews, I decided to try the DZO Picture Zooms myself.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Design

Right off the bat, I was impressed by the build quality. These lenses come in a well-organized case with cutouts for each lens and all the accessories you need, including PL and EF mounts, screws, and shims. It’s obvious that DZO paid attention to the details, which I appreciate. The all-metal housing feels robust, and the mechanics—focus, zoom, and aperture rings—are smooth and precise. They don’t feel like budget lenses at all.

One cool feature is the zoom lever, which makes it easy to get smooth, controlled zooms. Camera operators I work with love it; it’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the user experience.

Super 35 Coverage: Great for RED Komodo and Similar Cameras

These lenses are designed for Super 35 sensors, so they’re a perfect fit for cameras like the RED Komodo. While I tested them on some full-frame cameras out of curiosity, they didn’t fully cover the sensor and produced heavy vignetting. But on Super 35 sensors, they perform beautifully and cover the entire frame. If you’re shooting on Super 35, these lenses are a fantastic choice, but if you’re exclusively working with full-frame, they might not be the right fit.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Character, and Bokeh

Now, let’s talk about image quality. The DZO Picture Zooms aren’t the cleanest or sharpest lenses, and that’s actually part of their charm. They have a bit of character—soft edges, slight distortion, and a mild bloom in the highlights—that gives the image a natural, cinematic feel. Modern lenses can sometimes feel too clinical, but these bring a bit of warmth and personality that I enjoy, especially for interviews and documentary work.

The bokeh is also impressive, thanks to the 16-blade iris. It’s smooth and rounded, creating a beautiful background separation that reminds me of high-end primes like the ARRI Signature Primes or Panavision lenses. For lenses in this price range, it’s rare to see such pleasing bokeh.

Versatility and Performance

The focal lengths on these zooms cover a nice range: 20-55mm and 50-125mm. While they’re not ultra-wide, for most of my work—corporate videos, interviews, and low-budget music videos—they provide more than enough flexibility. For a typical interview setup, I’ll use the 20-55mm on the A camera for a straight-on shot, while the 50-125mm goes on the B camera for a closer, more intimate angle.

These lenses are parfocal, meaning they hold focus as you zoom in or out, which is essential for documentary-style shooting where you might need to reframe quickly without refocusing. Just make sure they’re calibrated properly if you switch between PL and EF mounts; a quick shim adjustment is all it takes.

Downsides: Distortion and Limited Use Cases

There are some downsides, but they’re not deal-breakers depending on the project. These lenses do have a noticeable distortion, especially at the wider end. While this adds a bit of character to the image, it may not work for every type of project. I wouldn’t recommend them for product shots or projects where precise lines are crucial. I tested them on a commercial shoot, and the bending lines were noticeable to me, though the client didn’t seem to mind. But for projects where image accuracy is paramount, you might want to go with a cleaner lens.

Final Thoughts: Affordable Lenses with Cinematic Character

Overall, the DZO Picture Zooms are an impressive choice for Super 35 shooters who want affordable cine zooms with character. They’re not perfect, but the slight imperfections give them a look that’s both cinematic and pleasing to the eye. These aren’t lenses for every project, but if you’re doing interviews, documentaries, or creative work that benefits from a bit of texture and warmth, they’re definitely worth a try.

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My website: www.hugowill.com