Macro filmmaking just got a whole lot easier with the new DZOFILM X-tract 18-28mm full-frame macro lens, announced today. UPDATE – on 3/26/25, DZOFilm added to this line with a 90-degree version! These lenses maintain a fixed aperture across the focal range. Additionally, the Probe Zoom features an advanced optical design and coatings. The coating minimizes flaring and vignetting while offering consistently excellent image quality across the 18-28mm lens. These brand-new lenses set a new benchmark for the probe lens category, offering both the largest aperture and highest resolution of any probe lens currently on the market. If you’re a macro filmmaker, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible lens. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top features of the new DZOFILM X-tract Zoom 18-28mm macro lens. For info on the Key Features of the DZOFILM X-tract 18-28mm T8 90° Probe Macro Zoom Lens, jump to here.
Key Features of the DZOFILM X-tract Zoom 18-28mm macro
- 18-28mm Full Frame Focal Length
- 100°-73° FOV
- Fixed T8 Aperture
- Excellent Breathing Control
- Lightweight Parfocal Design (1089g)
- 6mm Minimum Focusing Distance
- 2.1x Magnification
- IP57-Rated (Waterproof, dustproof, anti-fog)
What’s New About the DZOFILM X-tract Zoom 18-28mm Macro?
An ultra-wide to midrange focal length is the headline feature of this new 18-28mm probe zoom lens, but there is so much more to be excited about. A constant T8 aperture is the largest available in the probe lens category, and it ensures excellent optical quality across the whole focal range. When it comes to focus breathing control, you can expect outstanding performance. A minimum focusing distance of just 6mm lets you get as close to your subject as needed. Finally, an IP57 rating means this lens is perfect for any job, no matter how wet, dusty, or foggy the shoot may be.
Focal Range
This lens’s focal range covers some of the most commonly used focal lengths in commercials and TVCs. On the wider end, 18mm is considered ultra-wide, and 28mm is near mid-range. Thus, the filmmaker has ultimate control over the type of shot they want. The field of view ranges from 100° to 73°, better than other probe lens options on the market. A fixed T8 aperture offers the largest aperture of any lens in the probe lens category. That aperture is fixed among the whole focal range for optimal image quality and ease of use when operating at numerous focal lengths.
Focus Breathing Control
Optimal focus breathing control is crucial for commercials that utilize probe zoom lenses, and this new lens won’t disappoint. The advanced optical design offers reliable and consistent performance that minimizes focus breathing to 0.5% at 24mm. As you pan focus from one part of the subject to another, the focus breathing is hardly noticeable, even to the trained eye. If you’re looking to shoot a professional-looking production, this is a crucial feature and will undoubtedly be well-received by the filmmaking community.
Minimum Focusing Distance
Having the creative flexibility to get up close and personal with your subject can provide unique looks that are visually satisfying, and the minimum focusing distance of the DZOFILM Probe Zoom 18-28mm will not leave you disappointed. At just 6mm, the lens can focus very closely across the focal range. Whether you want to capture a creative look or you have to shoot in a tight space, the wide-angle macro paired with the 6mm focusing distance and a large depth of field will provide you with superb video that will satisfy even the most demanding of creators.
IP57 Rated
An IP57 rating makes this already versatile lens even more useful. Its ability to withstand dust and temporary water immersion opens up a world of possibilities for creativity. An anti-fog coating helps when shooting in overly humid or cold environments. The lens can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes and dust-protected. No matter what scene you can think of, this 18-28mm probe zoom lens can help take your ideas and turn them into stunning visuals.
Who Should Buy the DZOFILM X-tract Zoom 18-28mm Macro?
This lens caters to the working videographer who uses macro filmmaking to shoot commercials and TVCs. The 18-28mm focal range makes this a highly versatile lens that could easily replace two lenses in your kit, and a best-in-class T8 aperture ensures sharp images. Excellent breathing control is a must for high-quality lenses, and you can expect no less from this new lens. No stone has been left unturned when it comes to image or build quality, so if you’re a creator who demands the best optical quality and capability of their lenses, look no further.
Similar Lenses from DZOFILM
The new probe zoom lens from DZOFILM is the first of its kind, but the brand already has numerous cine lenses on the market. The Gnosis series of macro lenses may be the perfect choice for videographers who want a macro lens but don’t need a probe-style lens. Featuring four primes spanning 24 mm, 32mm, 65mm, and 90mm and boasting a maximum t-stop of T2.8, these lenses are ideal for all types of film that require a macro lens. A 300-degree rotation on the focus ring helps to dial in absolute precision for those rack focus shots, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.155m is fantastic for capturing the finest details. If you don’t need the ultra-close probe macro focus offered by the DZOFILM Probe Zoom 18-28mm, one of the Gnosis series lenses may be the right choice.
Key Features of the DZOFILM X-tract 18-28mm T8 90° Probe Macro Zoom Lens
- T8 Aperture: Consistent brightness across all focal lengths
- 18-28mm Zoom Range: Ideal for macro and wide-angle shots
- 2.1x Magnification Ratio: Capture intricate details with stunning clarity
- 6mm Minimum Focus Distance: Get closer than ever to your subject
- 300° Focus Throw: Precise and smooth focus control
- Parfocal Design: Maintain focus during zooming
- IP57 Dustproof and Waterproof: Built for extreme conditions
- M0.8 Gear Pitch: Seamless compatibility with professional gear
With a fixed 90-degree optical path that bends light at a right angle, filmmakers will capture footage like never before. The probe design allows shooters to get their lens in close while keeping the bulky camera away from the subject, and the 90-degree angle with 360-degree rotation allows for a POV that makes the viewer feel they are inside the tiny world.
Conclusion
The brand new DZOFILM Probe Zoom 18-28mm has set a new standard in the probe-lens market for macro filmmakers worldwide. Its outstanding optics, wide focal range, best-in-class aperture, and IP57 waterproof rating empower creators to take their filming to a whole new level. Whether capturing the next big commercial or just shooting stunning macro videos of your subject, this new lens from DZOFILM will undoubtedly fill an essential slot in your kit.
