DZO ARLES PRIMES - Amazing Value Cinema Lenses

Introduction

In this review, we'll be diving deep into the DZO Arles Prime Cinema Lens Set, a highly anticipated lens set designed for filmmakers and videographers. Over the course of four weeks, I had the chance to test these lenses in a variety of shooting environments and projects. In this blog, I'll share my hands-on experience, discussing the build, performance, and whether the DZO Arles Primes might be the right choice for you.

Initial Impressions: Build and Feel

One of the first things you’ll notice about the DZO Arles Prime Cinema Lenses is their impressive build quality. These are heavy lenses, each weighing between 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms, which is typical for cinema lenses. The robust construction gives them a professional feel, while the smooth focus and aperture rings provide excellent tactile control.

The focus ring is incredibly smooth, allowing precise control, which is crucial for capturing cinematic shots. The aperture ring also offers a fluid experience, making adjustments easy while filming. If you're working with a focus pull motor or want to make aperture changes on the fly, these lenses are designed to accommodate such setups seamlessly.

Lens Compatibility: Mount Options

The lenses come with PL mounts (Positive Lock), but if your camera uses an EF mount, no worries—DZO includes EF adapters right in the box. This adaptability means you don’t need to spend extra money on an adapter, which is a major plus.

In my case, I mounted the lenses on my Fujifilm XH2S using an adapter from DZU, and the results were stellar. Whether you're using a PL or EF mount, the DZO Arles Primes offer flexibility across different camera setups.

Usability for Solo Operators

Most of my projects involve working as a solo operator, and I used the DZO Arles Prime lenses in this context. While the lenses are a bit hefty, making them more suitable for shoots with controlled environments or small crews, they still performed well during my solo work. Their size and weight might be a challenge if you're frequently changing setups or working in more dynamic situations, but the image quality they deliver makes up for it.

Performance and Image Quality

Despite testing the lenses with my Fujifilm XH2S instead of my planned Blackmagic Pixis (which hadn’t arrived yet), the results were already impressive. These lenses produce incredibly sharp, cinematic visuals, even with smaller camera setups like the Fujifilm XH2S.

The optics are top-notch, delivering clarity, color accuracy, and detail that will make any filmmaker excited. The markings on the lens are well-done and spaced out, making it easy to adjust settings accurately even in fast-paced environments.

Ideal Use Cases: Where Do the Arles Primes Shine?

The DZO Arles Primes truly shine in controlled environments such as studio setups or shoots with dedicated crews. Their heavy build and superb optics make them perfect for narrative filmmaking, commercial shoots, and documentary work, especially when you have the support to change lenses quickly and optimize your setup.

However, if you're a solo shooter like me, and you're constantly moving between different locations or shooting in unpredictable environments, the heavier build might be something to consider. That said, the quality these lenses offer makes them worth the extra effort.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the DZO Arles Primes?

After four weeks of testing, I can confidently say that the DZO Arles Prime Cinema Lenses are a high-quality option for filmmakers looking for professional-grade cinema lenses at a competitive price. The build quality, smooth controls, and adaptable mount options make them versatile for various shooting styles.

While they may not be the most convenient lenses for run-and-gun videography due to their weight, they excel in controlled, cinematic projects. If you're in the market for cinema lenses that offer exceptional image quality and reliability, the DZO Arles Primes are worth considering.

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