DZOFILM Arcana 1.5X Anamorphic T2.1 Full-Frame Lenses Introduced – Pre-Orders Now Open

March 24^th, 20262

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5X Anamorphic T2.1 Full-Frame Lenses Introduced – Pre-Orders Now Open

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 24^th, 2026

DZOFILM has just introduced a new set of 1.5x full-frame anamorphic lenses, called Arcana, consisting of 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm T2.1. Featuring a lightweight and compact design, they promise to deliver a 2x anamorphic look thanks to their oval-shaped iris. The lenses are now available to pre-order starting at $1,099/€949 per lens.

DZOFILM’s portfolio is constantly growing with some of their prime and zoom lenses sitting among the most popular choices for independent filmmakers and small productions. This is true for their Vespid Prime / Vespid Prime 2, Arles, Pictor, and Catta series, for example. However, based on my experience on set, my feeling is that their PAVO 2x anamorphic lenses, introduced in 2023, weren’t as commercially successful, probably due to the company’s pricing strategy. So now, DZOFILM is giving anamorphic another go with Arcana. Let’s take a closer look!

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm T2.1. Image credit: DZOFILM

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic primes with 2x look

Upon launch, the DZOFILM Arcana anamorphic series will consist of three focal lengths, 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm, all sharing the same maximum aperture of T2.1. Unlike the PAVO series, which was designed for the Super 35mm format, the Arcana lenses grant full-frame coverage (43.3mm image circle) in a pretty compact package.

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic 32mm T2.1. Image credit: DZOFILM

The lenses have a front anamorphic design with a nominal 1.5x squeeze factor. However, they feature a 14-blade elliptical aperture that, according to DZOFILM, contributes to creating a classic 2x anamorphic look. This makes them a direct competitor to the recently announced Blazar Viper anamorphic series.

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic sample image. Image credit: @cammackey / DZOFILM

While full-frame anamorphic lenses with AF capabilities already exist (Blazar / SIRUI), the DZOFILM Arcana is fully manual, and ARRI PL is the only mount option currently available. According to DZOFILM, the rear protrusion of the PL mount does not interfere with drop-in filter PL adapters, like MOFAGE’s POCO, for example. Additionally, the PL mount flange has 4 keyways, allowing you to mount the lens at a 90° angle relative to the camera for vertical anamorphic shooting.

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic 3-lens set. Image credit: DZOFILM

Optical and physical design

The optical design of the DZOFILM Arcana 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm anamorphic primes consists of 15 elements arranged in 13 groups (32mm/45mm) or 11 groups (75mm). These include 3 ED low-dispersion elements and 4 high-refractive elements, which should result in sharp images with controlled chromatic aberration. Whether this makes the lenses “too clinical” for an anamorphic set remains to be seen.

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic 45mm T2.1. Image credit: DZOFILM

The lenses’ close focus capabilities are in line with the competition. Indeed, the Arcana 32mm, 45mm, and 75mm can focus as close as 0.48m/1ft 7in, 0.53m/1ft 9in, and 0.78m/2ft 7in, respectively.

When it comes to their size and weight, the Arcana lenses are, again, very similar to the Blazar Vipers. All three lenses have an 80mm front diameter with a 77mm front filter thread, measure 80mm in length from the front element to the PL mount flange plane, and weigh around 700g (24.69oz), with only a 14g (0.49oz) difference between different focal lengths, making them suitable for gimbal work.

DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x anamorphic 32mm T2.1 on a DJI RS5 gimbal. Image credit: DZOFILM

The lens barrel is made entirely of aluminum with a titanium anti-fingerprint finish. The lenses have standard 0.8MOD focus and iris gears, offer a 270° focus throw, and a metric or imperial focus distance scale, depending on your preference.

Price and availability

Pre-orders for the new DZOFILM Arcana 1.5x full-frame anamorphic lenses are now open on the manufacturer’s website and will run until April 8th, 2026. Early-bird pricing is set at $1,099/€949 for a single lens and $2,899/€2,499 for the 3-lens set, with both options including a free DZOFILM Octopus PL adapter (compatible with RF/L/E/DX/X mount cameras). The lenses should start shipping at the end of April. For more information, please visit DZOFILM’s website.

Have you ever shot with the PAVO lenses? Are you excited to see a more affordable anamorphic option coming from DZOFILM? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!