DZOFilm Catta Ace: Three zoom lenses (18-35mm, 35-80mm, 70-135mm) with constant T2.9 and interchangeable mounts (PL/EF/LPL) for full-frame cameras.
| 18-35 | 35-80 | 70-135 |
|---|---|---|
| T2.9 | T2.9 | T2.9 |
| 0.60m | 0.80m | 0.95m |
| 1.80kg | 1.95kg | 2.10kg |
| 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 90°–54° | 54°–25° | 29°–15° |
| ◀━━━━▶–◀━━▶ | ◀━━▶–◀━▶ | ◀━▶–◀▶ |
PL/EF/LPL · FF 43.3mm · 300° Focus · Nano-Coating
Three zoom lenses (18-35mm, 35-80mm, 70-135mm) with a constant T2.9 and a 43.3mm image circle for full-frame. Interchangeable mount (PL/EF/LPL). 300° focus ring with 0.8mm pitch gear, uniform gear positions. Low-dispersion glass with nano-coating for flare reduction. Focus breathing under 1.5%.
DZOFilm first presented the Catta Ace series in 2021 as a further development of the original Catta series from 2020. The Chinese company positioned the lenses as a cost-effective alternative to established cine zoom manufacturers such as Angenieux or Canon. The market launch in Europe and North America followed in 2022. The Ace variant differs from the standard Catta series through improved optical performance, reduced focus breathing effect, and more precise mechanical processing.
The compact dimensions and moderate weight make the Catta Ace series particularly suitable for handheld shots and gimbal use. The constant T2.9 aperture allows for consistently low-light shooting without exposure jumps when zooming. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the rapid focal length changes without lens swaps, while narrative productions utilize the uniform gear positions for precise follow focus work. The minimal focus breathing effect of less than 1.5% makes the lenses interesting for anamorphic setups with additional squeeze lenses.
Compared to the Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4, the Catta Ace series offers a wider aperture at a lower price, but does not achieve the same optical precision in edge sharpness. The Sigma Cine High-Speed Zooms surpass the DZOFilm lenses in resolution but are significantly heavier and more expensive. Positioned as a budget alternative to Angenieux Optimo lenses, the Catta Ace series sits between the consumer and high-end cine segments, with mechanical processing meeting professional standards, while optical performance shows compromises in extreme lighting conditions.
Ich schätze die einheitlichen Gear-Positionen und den konstanten T2.9-Wert, der mir bei Available-Light-Situationen mehr Flexibilität gibt als vergleichbare T4.4-Zooms. Der minimale Fokus-Breathing macht Rack-Focus-Fahrten natürlicher, auch wenn die Randschärfe bei offener Blende nicht an meine Zeiss CP.3 heranreicht.
Die schnellen Brennweitenwechsel ohne Objektivtausch beschleunigen meine spontanen Einstellungsänderungen erheblich, besonders bei emotionalen Szenen wo ich zwischen Close-ups und Weitwinkel wechseln möchte. Das kompakte Format stört die Schauspieler weniger als schwere Cine-Zooms und ermöglicht intimere Aufnahmen in engen Räumen.
Mit 8.000 Euro für das komplette 3-Objektiv-Set spare ich gegenüber vergleichbaren Canon CN-E-Zooms etwa 15.000 Euro, ohne zusätzliche Objektivassistenten für häufige Wechsel zu benötigen. Die Kompatibilität mit Standard-PL-Mount reduziert Adapter-Kosten und potenzielle Ausfallzeiten durch zusätzliche mechanische Verbindungen.
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