After finding success with the super fast Arles primes DZOFilm is back with a duet performance. Introducing the brand new 25-75mm & 65-180mm T2.6 Arles Zooms. First shown earlier this year, they are now available for pre-order. Built to slot in with the Arles ecosystem, they bring versatility and value for current and potential owner operators. The question is: will their lack of speed mean they will get left behind?
Key features of the Arles Zooms
The Arles Zooms bring the signature character of the Arles prime lineup into a more flexible zoom format, with just two lenses covering an impressive 25–180mm range. Both feature a constant T2.6 aperture, full-frame coverage, 8K resolving power, and a parfocal design with virtually imperceptible focus breathing. A 16-bladed iris delivers smooth, circular bokeh, while the 270° focus throw and 100° zoom rotation give you the control you’d expect from a proper cine zoom. They’re also built with interchangeable PL and EF mounts, dust- and splash-resistant construction, and a lightweight 1.7kg design.
Most importantly, they still look like Arles. Coatings help control flare and ghosting while preserving the warm, natural color rendition that gives the Arles primes their character. The moderate aperture still allows for enough separation between subject and background. During our short time with the preproduction version of the 25-75mm, we found them a joy to operate. Out of focus areas just melt into each other seamlessly. There is sharpness in subjects that gently lifts them out towards the viewer without punching them in the face.
Built to match the Arles Primes
The Arles Zooms are wonderful companions to the primes that allow you to mix and match them to suit your preferred workflow. With the same overall visual character, the zooms can slot naturally into an existing Arles set or become a jumping off point. The 25–75mm handles wide to medium focal lengths, while the 65–180mm takes over for medium to telephoto work. And at T2.6 with 8K resolving power, they’re certainly making a case that modern cinema zooms don’t have to sacrifice image quality for convenience.
First Footage from the 25–75mm
We were among the first to get our hands on the Arles 25–75mm, and we’ve already put some footage together to give you an early look at what the new zoom can do.
Watch the footage below, and check out our social channels for more from the Arles Zooms.
Pricing and ship dates
All in all, the Arles zooms pack a punch and will find use. They’re perfect for cinematographers that are into the look of the Arles, only want to pick up a couple specialty primes and then fill the rest out with a zoom. The zooms exchange the blazing fast aperture for efficiency during production. And for those reasons we believe they will find eager homes in the kits of many cinematographers.
The DZOFILM Arles Zooms are now available for preorder, with shipping expected to begin in late September. The 25–75mm T2.6 and 65–180mm T2.6 are each available for $2,899, while the two-lens kit is $5,199.