DZOFILM Arcana Anamorphic Prime Lenses – Hands-On With the 1.5x Hybrid Trio

by Alexandra ThompsonApril 23^rd, 2026

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DZOFILM brought its new Arcana anamorphic primes to NAB 2026, and we stopped by the booth for a closer look at the full-frame 1.5x squeeze trio. With a consistent T2.1 aperture, a form factor under 700g (1.54 lb), and a hybrid design aimed at delivering 2x-style bokeh, the Arcana series enters the affordable anamorphic segment while borrowing structural ideas usually reserved for higher-end glass.

We first covered the DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic primes when the series was announced in late March, with pre-orders opening ahead of NAB. Now that the first batch has shipped and the lenses are on the show floor in Las Vegas, Susanne Wu, Marketing Manager at DZOFILM, walked us through the design decisions behind the line.

Three focal lengths, one consistent footprint

The Arcana set currently ships in three focal lengths: 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm, all sharing a T2.1 maximum aperture. As Susanne put it at the booth, “they have a very consistent weight and size. They’re all at around 700 grams, so you can put them on the Ronin 4D as well.”

Each lens measures 80mm in length from the front element to the PL mount flange, carries an 80mm front outer diameter, and weighs between 690g and 710g (1.52 to 1.56 lb), with only a 14g (0.49 oz) spread across the three focal lengths. Gimbal users can therefore swap focal lengths without rebalancing the rig, exactly the detail that solo operators and Ronin 4D shooters notice first. The barrels are machined from aluminum alloy with a titanium anti-fingerprint finish, and metric or imperial focus markings are available.

Why the 1.5x squeeze with a 2x look

The most interesting design choice in the Arcana series is conceptual. Susanne described it on camera: “I would say it’s a hybrid anamorphic. It is a 1.5 squeeze ratio, but can also deliver the bokeh character close to 2x.”

DZOFILM achieves that behavior through a 14-blade elliptical aperture combined with a front anamorphic optical structure, a front-mounted cylindrical element group that Susanne called “rarely seen in this affordable anamorphic. They are more often seen in some high-end anamorphic lenses.” The company claims the design holds a consistent squeeze factor from close focus to infinity, reducing post-production squeeze correction at shorter focus distances. DZOFILM also points to the front-cylindrical structure as a way to minimize the “anamorphic mumps” effect, the facial distortion common on wider-squeeze glass.

Flare coating and character

For the flare character, DZOFILM drew directly from its earlier PAVO 2x anamorphic line. Susanne explained that the Arcana uses a neutral coating, carried over from the PAVO design, that lets the horizontal streaks take on different colors depending on the light source in the scene.

In practice, that means the flares do not lock in a single blue or gold signature. The streaks shift tone based on the color temperature of the light hitting the front element, giving colorists and DPs more latitude to tune the look on set.

Optical construction and resolution

Susanne told us the lenses deliver oval bokeh close to what a 2x anamorphic produces, with strong resolution from center to edge compared to other anamorphic lenses in the same class.

The optical formula consists of 15 elements in 13 groups for the 32mm and 45mm, and 15 elements in 11 groups for the 75mm, combining three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, four high-refractive elements, and four cylindrical elements aimed at controlling chromatic aberration and distortion while preserving edge sharpness. All three lenses cover a full-frame 43.3mm image circle (36 x 24mm), with close focus at 0.48m / 1ft 7in (32mm), 0.53m / 1ft 9in (45mm), and 0.78m / 2ft 7in (75mm).

Mount options, adapters, and workflow

The Arcana lenses currently ship in ARRI PL mount only, with an EF mount version in development and third-party adapters available for mirrorless mounts.

According to DZOFILM’s published specs, the barrels use standard 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears with a 270-degree focus throw, and the 77mm front filter thread accepts screw-in filters directly. DZOFILM has designed the lenses with a short flange back for compatibility with rear-mount drop-in VND filter systems across PL-mount cinema cameras and mirrorless bodies, and the company has confirmed compatibility with the DJI Ronin 4D LiDAR focus system for solo operators.

Price and availability

Individual Arcana lenses are priced at $1,099 / €949, with the three-lens set in a hard case at $2,899 / €2,499. The lenses are available through authorized dealers, as well as directly from the DZOFILM store.

Have you had a chance to shoot with the DZOFILM Arcana lenses yet, or are you weighing them against other sub-$3,000 anamorphic options? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!