A First Look at DZOFILM's Vespid 12mm T2.8 Ultra-Wide Cine Lens

The DZOFILM Vespid 12mm T2.8 is an upcoming addition to the Vespid Prime series, offering an ultra-wide lens option. Its design is both compact and lightweight, with compatibility for large format sensors up to Vista Vision. With an 80mm front diameter, gear rings, and a minimum focus distance of 20cm, it's set to become available in August 2023 at an approximate cost of $1,500.

China's DZOFILM has been busy introducing new products, including their first-ever anamorphic lenses, the PAVO 2X series, unveiled at the NAB show in Las Vegas in April 2023.

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Vespid Prime Cine Lens Series

Vespid Prime Series now consists of 11 lenses that are, according to DZOFILM, identical to each other in outside appearance and imaging styles.

• DZOFILM Vespid 12mm T2.8
• DZOFILM Vespid 16mm T2.8
• DZOFILM Vespid 21mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 25mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 35mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 40mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 50mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 75mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 90mm T2.8
• DZOFILM Vespid 100mm T2.1
• DZOFILM Vespid 125mm T2.1

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The recent Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles provided a sneak peek at DZOFILM's new Vespid 12mm cine prime lens, a welcomed ultra-wide extension to the existing Vespid prime series. The series also includes lenses with focal lengths ranging from 16mm to 125mm, all with a T2.1 aperture.

Similar to its series counterparts, the new 12mm T2.8 lens is suitable for large format sensors, even fully covering the image circle in open gate recording options for cameras like the ARRI ALEXA LF. Frank Ding of DZOFILM noted that the lens offers a clean aesthetic with well-managed flares, although some minor pincushion distortion is to be expected due to its wide angle.

The lens has distance markings in both metric and imperial units and is equipped with a PL mount, which can be switched out for an EF mount. The lens has an 80mm front diameter.

In addition to the standard Vespid Prime lenses, DZOFILM also offers a Vespid Retro line. The primary distinction between the two lines is in their coatings: the Retro series has a warmer, amber-toned coating and more pronounced, less controlled flares. The Retro series includes focal lengths similar to the standard series.

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Pricing and Availability

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The 12mm T2.8 lens is anticipated to hit the market in August 2023, with a tentative price of around $1,500, although this is not yet finalized.

Feel free to share your thoughts about the Vespid Prime series and what you expect from the upcoming 12mm T2.8 lens in the comments section.

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