Overview
The Vespid Prime is a series of cine prime lenses from the Chinese manufacturer DZOFilm. The lenses are positioned as cost-effective full-frame optics for feature film, commercial, and documentary productions, and they cover the larger Vista Vision format in addition to Full Frame. All focal lengths are pure manual focus lenses with consistent gearing for focus pullers and follow focus systems.
Characteristic features include a consistent T2.1 aperture across most of the series, a uniform front diameter, and a changeable mount that allows use with different camera systems. Only the two wide-angle lenses, 12mm and 16mm, and the 90mm macro are slightly slower at T2.8.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|
| Type | Cine Prime, Manual Focus |
| Focal Lengths | 12, 16, 21, 25, 35, 40, 50, 75, 90 (Macro), 100, 125 mm |
| Aperture | T2.1 (12mm, 16mm, and 90mm Macro: T2.8) |
| Image Circle | approx. 46.5 mm (Full Frame / Vista Vision) |
| Mount | Interchangeable PL / EF |
| Front Diameter | 80 mm |
| Filter Thread | M77 (77 mm) |
| Focus Throw | approx. 270° (varies by focal length) |
| Gearing | 0.8 Mod (Focus and Iris) |
The 90mm macro offers a maximum magnification ratio of 1.5:1. Individual special focal lengths deviate slightly from the focus throw and front dimensions; for example, DZOFilm specifies the focus throw for some optics as exceeding 270°.
On-Set Use
Due to the uniform 80mm front diameter and the common 77mm filter thread, matte boxes, clip-on adapters, and follow focus systems can be used across the series without retooling. The interchangeable PL/EF mount makes the optics usable on classic PL cine cameras and EF-based systems; PL kits are typically supplied with EF adapters.
The full-frame image circle of approximately 46.5 mm covers sensors up to Full Frame and Vista Vision without vignetting, making the series suitable for large sensors such as those found in RED, Sony VENICE, or ARRI Alexa LF class cameras. Because of the largely consistent T2.1 aperture, exposure can be maintained to a great extent when changing focal lengths; note the slower exceptions of the 12mm, 16mm, and 90mm macro at T2.8. Furthermore, this is a pure manual focus series without autofocus or auto iris functionality.
Note: DZOFilm has since introduced successor and sister lines, including the faster Vespid Prime2 or Vespid 2 (T1.9) and the Vespid Retro; these should not be confused with the original Vespid Prime series described here.