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CHIOPT has recently teased a new 16-35mm T3.2 lens to complete its full-frame XTREME ZOOM series, which now covers a broad range of focal lengths spanning from 16mm up to 250mm, with a constant aperture of T3.2. Letβs take a closer look!
CHIOPT is a Chinese lens manufacturer specializing in industrial applications. Back in 2022, the company broadened its horizons into the filmmaking world with the release of an affordable full-frame cinema zoom β the XTREME ZOOM 28-85mm T3.2. In his review, my colleague Johnnie praised the lens for its price tag, although he rightfully pointed out that 28mm being the widest focal length was a limiting factor for his documentary work.
The 28-85mm was then joined by a 75-250mm T3.2, although the development of this zoom series was then halted in favor of other prime lens concepts, such as the SLASHER Macro and the AURA Super Speed series. But now, the company seems ready to expand the XTREME ZOOM series on the wide end.
The CHIOPT XTREME ZOOM 16-35mm is a wide-angle parfocal cinema zoom, sitting next to the existing 28-85mm and 75-250mm to complete a trinity of T3.2 lenses. Just like its predecessors, the 16-35mm is available in either ARRI PL, Canon EF, or Sony E mount and has a claimed image circle of 46mm, making it compatible with full-frame and large-format cinema cameras.
According to CHIOPT, the new 16-35mm matches the other lenses in the series in terms of color and look, and should produce clean images with minimal distortion, focus breathing, and chromatic aberrations, plus a smooth bokeh thanks to a 9-blade aperture design.
Compared to similar lenses in its price range, like the DZOFILM Catta Ace 18-35mm or the Laowa Ranger Lite 16-30mm, for example, CHIOPTβs 16-35mm is bulkier and heavier. The lens has a front diameter of 114mm, tips the scales at around 2.5kg/5.5lbs, and features an all-metal construction with a support foot at the bottom, which is essential to prevent unwanted stress on the cameraβs lens mount.
The barrel features 0.8MOD gears, whose position is unified across the 3-lens set to facilitate lens swaps when using FIZ motors. The focus ring offers a long focus throw of 288Β°, and focus distances are marked in both metric and imperial units. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 0.34m (13.38 in) measured from the front element.
On paper, the new 16-35mm looks like a compelling addition to the XTREME ZOOM lineup, especially for filmmakers looking for a relatively fast, wide-angle zoom to complete the set. However, if I were building a kit from scratch, Iβd probably lean towards one of the alternatives mentioned above to save weight and improve usability.
At the moment of writing, there is no clear indication of when the new CHIOPT XTREME ZOOM 16-35mm T3.2 will become available. However, it looks like the company is running a limited-time discount offer for the 16-35mm lens and bundles:
For more information, please visit CHIOPTβs website here.
What do you think of the CHIOPT XTREME ZOOM series? Would you consider buying these lenses now that the set is complete? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Francesco Andreola is a Milan-based filmmaker. He currently teaches the Video Technology class at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan. He works in the Camera Department as a camera operator and assistant.