DZOFILM X-tract 90 Probe Lens Announced – Adding the Periscope Element

March 26^th, 2025

DZOFILM X-tract 90 Probe Lens Announced - Adding the Periscope Element

by Jakub HanMarch 26^th, 2025

DZOFILM X-tract 90 is a new PL mount full-frame macro probe lens with a zoom range of 18-28mm and a constant aperture of T8. The 90 in the name implies that the tip of the lens features a 90°-angled element that brings new filming angles. The X-tract 90 will start shipping from April 3, 2025, for $3,799.

The so-called probe lenses have gotten quite popular over the last few years and get a lot of use by DPs, especially for commercial projects and product showcases, as they offer a unique perspective and angles that would otherwise be impossible to film.

It all started back in 2016 when Venus Optics showed a prototype Laowa probe lens during the Photokina tradeshow. I remember this because our video interview from that show about the lens still remains the single most viewed video on the CineD YouTube channel for some reason. Fast forward to 2025, multiple manufacturers are offering these kinds of lenses. In fact, Venus Optics recently teased a new version of the Laowa probe lens. Among other companies that now offer probe lenses is DZOFILM. They introduced the new X-tract probe lens in January 2025, and today, they expanded the product with a 90° version. Let’s take a closer look at the new DZOFILM X-tract 90° probe lens.

DZOFILM X-tract 90 probe lens

DZOFILM X-tract is a macro zoom lens with an 18-28mm focal length and a constant aperture of T8. The lens’s image circle covers full-frame sensors, so it is, in fact, an ultra-wide lens. The X-tract comes with a PL mount (easily adaptable to any mirrorless camera via adapters).

The only difference to the DZOFILM X-tract lens announced in January is the addition of the 90° tip lens element, which opens up new possibilities for filming. The angled tip can be rotated 360° to accommodate different filming scenarios. The lens tip features a square front element with a PET silver-coated reflective layer.

X-tract 90 probe lens sample image. Source: DZOFILM

DZOFILM claims the lens is parfocal, so the sharpness should remain consistent when zooming. It features the standard M0.8 gear pitch on focus, zoom, and aperture rings. The focus throw is 300°.

As this is a macro lens, the magnification ratio is 2.1x. The minimum focusing distance (from the front element) is 6mm.

X-tract 90 probe lens specs. Source: DZOFILM

Optically, the X-tract 90° lens incorporates 7 high-refractive index (HRI) and 6 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration, distortion, and focus breathing. At 24mm, the lens reduces focus breathing to 0.5% (compared to 39.2% in other probe primes) and achieves a relative illumination of 68.6%, according to DZOFILM, reducing the need for post-production corrections.

When it comes to physical specs, the lens weighs 1132g (2.5 lbs) and is 421mm (16.6 in) long. The aluminum alloy body of the lens features rubber gaskets, so it is rated at IP57 (dustproof and waterproof design).

Pricing and availability

DZOFILM X-tract probe lens is available for pre-order now and the company says shipping will start from April 3, 2025. The lens will retail for $3,799 (around €3,499 in Europe). For more information, please see their website.

Do you use a probe lens for your productions? What do you think about the new DZOFILM X-tract zoom probe lens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.