DZOFILM Vespid Primes | Six Month Review #dzofilm #lenses

Summary

In this honest review, filmmaker Ed shares his experience with the DZO Film Vespid Primes, a set of affordable yet high-quality cinema lenses. After using them for six months on professional projects, Ed discusses the technical features, image quality, and the practicalities of using these lenses on set. While they provide a vintage yet sharp look with minimal focus breathing, they also introduce some chromatic aberration, which may appeal to those seeking a more organic image. Ed highlights the consistency across the set and advises potential buyers to consider their needs and test the lenses before committing. Overall, he finds them a great value for filmmakers looking for quality and versatility.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DZO Film Vespid Primes are a set of cinema lenses with focal lengths ranging from 25mm to 125mm, covering full-frame and Vista Vision sensors.
• 😀 The lenses feature manual focus and aperture rings that are smooth and consistent across the set, offering precise control for cinematographers.
• 😀 The lenses are relatively lightweight for cinema lenses, but their combined weight in a case can be heavier than expected compared to still lenses.
• 😀 All lenses in the set have a 77mm front filter size, which is convenient for using screw-on filters and other accessories across all lenses.
• 😀 These lenses produce a sharp image with a slight vintage look, due to some chromatic aberration and a more organic rendering, making them ideal for certain creative works.
• 😀 The macro lens (90mm) is a standout feature, offering impressive close-up shots of details, which adds a creative dimension to filmmaking.
• 😀 There is minimal focus breathing in the Vespid Primes, which ensures smooth transitions during focus pulls and minimizes distraction in shots.
• 😀 The image consistency across all focal lengths in the set is excellent, which is important when shooting with multiple cameras in setups like interviews.
• 😀 While the lenses provide a vintage look, they are not overly soft and are still sharp enough for corporate work or commercial projects.
• 😀 If considering purchasing the full set, Ed suggests that a smaller selection of focal lengths (35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm macro) could be sufficient for most professional work.
• 😀 These lenses are more suitable for certain types of filmmaking (e.g., artistic projects) but may not be ideal for fast-paced events or weddings where lens swapping is time-consuming.

Q & A

What are the key features of the DZO Film Vespid Primes that make them stand out for filmmakers?

The DZO Film Vespid Primes offer a consistent set of cinema lenses with full-frame coverage, a T2.1 aperture (except for the macro at T2.8), manual focus and aperture rings, and solid build quality with all-metal construction. They are lightweight compared to other cinema lenses and have a 77mm filter thread across all lenses, which is convenient for using the same filters.

What is the significance of the T2.1 aperture on most of the Vespid Primes?

The T2.1 aperture allows for good light transmission, which is crucial for shooting in low-light conditions or achieving a shallow depth of field. It provides filmmakers with creative control over the exposure and bokeh, offering a cinematic look.

Why is the 90mm macro lens particularly important for the filmmaker's work?

The 90mm macro lens is a standout because it opens up creative possibilities for capturing close-up shots, such as hands, eyes, and small details. The filmmaker appreciates its versatility and the ability to add another level of detail to their shots.

How does the Vespid Primes' image quality compare to modern lenses like the Sigma Art lenses?

The Vespid Primes offer a more vintage look compared to modern lenses like the Sigma Art lenses, which are cleaner and sharper. The Vespids exhibit some chromatic aberration, which some filmmakers appreciate for its character, while others may prefer the cleaner image of modern lenses.

What are the performance characteristics of the Vespid Primes in terms of sharpness and image rendering?

The Vespid Primes are sharp, but they sit between modern and vintage lenses in terms of image rendering. They produce a sharp image, but not as clinically sharp as high-end modern cinema lenses. They are great for filmmakers looking for an organic, cinematic look with softer fall-off and creamy skin tones.

How does chromatic aberration affect the look of the Vespid Primes?

The Vespid Primes exhibit noticeable chromatic aberration, particularly in high-contrast areas, resulting in a slight green or magenta fringing. While this may be seen as a flaw by some, others appreciate it for the vintage character it adds to the image.

What is focus breathing, and how does the Vespid Primes perform in this regard?

Focus breathing refers to the change in image composition when adjusting focus, which can distort the frame. The Vespid Primes perform well in this area, showing minimal focus breathing, which helps maintain the composition when pulling focus during a shot.

What types of projects are the Vespid Primes most suitable for?

The Vespid Primes are ideal for cinematic projects, such as interviews, short films, and creative work where a more organic, vintage look is desired. They are not as suited for fast-paced events like weddings or live broadcasts where prime lenses might be impractical due to the time required to swap them.

How does the Vespid Primes' performance change with different sensor sizes?

The Vespid Primes are versatile and work well on both full-frame and Super 35mm sensors. The filmmaker uses them on both sensor types, with focal lengths like the 35mm and 50mm covering most of their needs. However, the choice of focal lengths may vary depending on the sensor size and the specific shooting requirements.

What advice does the filmmaker offer to those considering the purchase of the full set of Vespid Primes?

The filmmaker recommends considering the types of shoots you typically do before purchasing the full set. While the full set offers great value, many filmmakers may find that they only use a few focal lengths. Renting and testing the lenses before committing is also advised to ensure they meet your needs.