DZOFilm 18mm T1.4: The Final Lens in the Arles Cine Prime Line

DZOFilm has reportedly just added the final piece, and you might finally be ready to make a purchase. For all those who prefer a complete and consistent set before investing, DZOFilm has announced that the last lens in the Arles series is forthcoming. This new DZOFilm 18mm T1.4 FF/VV Prime Cine Lens joins the ten existing lenses, which range from 14mm to 180mm. With this wide-angle lens, the Arles series is now complete, featuring 11 lenses that cover all the focal lengths needed to tell any story.

The Power of the New DZOFilm 18mm T1.4 Arles Prime

The new DZOFilm 18mm T1.4 lens is more than just an accessory. It represents a bold choice in the world of photography. As a wide-angle prime lens, it provides a spacious and engaging view, ideal for capturing both the surroundings and the emotions they evoke. DZOFilm describes this lens as the final addition to their popular Arles series. You can easily attach it to your full-frame ARRI PL-mount camera, or switch to a Canon EF mount if needed.

DZOFilm 18mm T1.4 offers a wide aperture range, from T1.4 to T22. The fast T1.4 opening lets you take great photos even in low light. Additionally, it allows for a strikingly shallow depth of field, a highly desired feature among filmmakers, even in wide-angle shots.

According to DZOFilm, the lens features a 16-blade iris and a design comprising multiple grouped elements, which helps create smooth bokeh and high-quality images. When a manufacturer introduces a wide-angle lens with T1.4 speed, it’s worth paying attention to. It offers numerous creative opportunities to capture both ambiance and emotion, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. This 18mm lens should make shooting in tight spaces or dim light much easier and more beautiful for your next project.

Consistency Across the Full DZOFilm Arles Lineup

According to DZOFilm, the Arles family of lenses is now complete. This lineup consists of 11 lenses, ranging from an ultra-wide 14mm to a long 180mm telephoto. The other focal lengths included are 21mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm.

It ensures consistency in your work. Each lens in this series is designed to fit large-format sensors, including full-frame and VistaVision cameras. DZOFilm mentions that the lenses have a 46.5mm image circle, which ensures compatibility. This larger image circle may also boost light transmission, helping to add depth and dimension to your photos.

You’ll notice the cine-style design of all the lenses, as they share a 95mm front diameter. This uniformity is beneficial because it means you can easily switch lenses without needing to make numerous adjustments. For example, when moving from the 18mm to the 100mm, your matte box will be ready to use without any hassle. Additionally, all the lenses come with 0.8 MOD focus and aperture gears, saving you time on set. The focus ring also provides a wide 270° rotation, enabling you to make accurate manual focus adjustments.

[Related Reading: DZOFilm’s new “Tango” series Super35 cinema zooms cover 18mm up to 280mm]

The Arles’ Cinematic and Painterly Look

DZOFilm has often promoted the Arles line as providing a “cinematic, painterly look.” They argue that shooting at the wide T1.4 aperture results in a soft, low-contrast image with gentle, swirly bokeh at the edges. The lens also reportedly minimizes focus breathing through the use of floating elements, a feature that professional filmmakers value.

Additionally, DZOFilm claims to incorporate low-dispersion materials and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration and improve performance in low-light conditions. They state that a multilayer nano coating is used to control flare, reduce ghosting, and ensure color accuracy. It appears that DZOFilm is aiming to strike a balance between modern technical features, such as minimal breathing and sharpness, and a classic, character-rich image that is currently in demand. Only time will tell if they truly achieve that “painterly” look they are promoting, but the specifications look promising.

Specs

Focal Length	18mm
Maximum Aperture	T1.4
Lens Mount	ARRI PL
Lens Format Coverage	Full-Frame (46.5 mm Image Circle)
Filter Thread	No
Image Stabilization	No
Electronic Communication	No

Pricing and Availability

The DZOFilm 18mm T1.4 is now ready for preorder, and DZOFilm plans to start shipping them soon. The cost is $2,299 for a single lens. You can also purchase it in various package options, along with the rest of the 11-lens range, if you prefer a bundle deal. If you are serious about filmmaking and want a complete set that maintains a uniform look across all your focal lengths, acquiring a comprehensive set like this is very appealing, even if it requires some budgeting.

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[via nofilmschool]

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