DZOFILM X-tract Macro Zoom Probe Lens Introduced – 3 versions, 18-28mm, T8, and Full-Frame

by Alexandra ThompsonApril 10^th, 2025

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At NAB 2025, Nino stopped by the DZOFILM booth to speak with Susanne Wu about the X-tract, an 18–28mm T8 full-frame macro zoom probe lens. Announced earlier this year, this is DZOFILM’s first entry into the probe world of macro cinematography. There are now three versions of the X-tract lens, and all have full-frame coverage and up to 2.1:1 magnification, so there’s quite a bit to unpack. Let’s take a look.

DZOFILM offers quite a large line of cinema lenses, such as the Arles set of lenses, which then expanded with the Arles B Set. When asked why DZOFILM decided to expand into the probe zoom lens market, Susanne said they are always eager to push the boundaries and give something new to their users.

Versatile design with three versions

There are now three versions of the X-tract lens – 0° (direct view), 90° (periscope), and 360° (periscope). The angled 360° version lets you capture both low and overhead shots by rotating the lens a full 360 degrees. Susanne explained that the 360° version works with two prisms to get at all the angles. The X-tract covers full-frame and zooms from 18 to 28mm at a consistent aperture of T8 to T45, which is rare for a probe lens.

With up to 2.1:1 magnification and parfocal design, you can move from extreme close-ups to wider framing without needing to refocus or move the camera. The lens includes 0.8 MOD gears for focus, iris, and zoom, and features a 300° focus rotation for precise control when paired with a follow-focus system. Nino also pointed out that chromatic aberration appears to be minimal, even at close focus.

Compact build for tight spaces

Despite all that flexibility, the X-tract lens is quite compact at just 41.4 cm (16.3 inches) long with a front diameter under 3cm (1.2 inches), so it should work very well in tight setups or tabletop work, for example. It weighs 1.08 kg (2.38 lb). The lens focuses as close as 0.24 inches, and the straight version gives a direct forward view, while the 90° and 360° options open up more creative angles depending on what you’re shooting.

Key features of the DZOFILM Probe

• Full Frame | T8 Maximum Aperture
• Innovative 90° Probe Zoom
• 0.8 MOD FIZ Gears, 300° Focus Rotation
• 2.1:1 Image Magnification
• Versatile 73 to 100° Angle of View
• Minimum Focus: 0.24″
• <1.2″ Front Outside Diameter
• Compact 16.3″ Length
• ED and HRI Elements Reduce Aberrations
• Waterproof, Dustproof, and Anti-Fog

Specifications

• Focal Length – 18 to 28mm
• Maximum Aperture – T8
• Lens Mount – ARRI PL
• Angle of View – Full Frame (Horizontal: 100 to 73°)
• Zoom Ratio – 1.56x
• Minimum Focus Distance – From front of lens: 0.2″ / 6 mm
• Maximum Magnification Ratio – 2.1:1
• Lens Mounting – 1x 1/4″-20 (via Included Support Foot), 3x 3/8″-16 (via Included Support Foot)
• Gear Standard – Focus: 0.8 MOD, Iris: 0.8 MOD, Zoom: 0.8 MOD
• Gear Rotation – Focus: 300°

Price and availability

The X-tract 0° and 90° Macro Zoom Probe Lenses are available now, each priced at $3,499 / €3,531.70. They currently ship with a PL mount, but Susanne mentioned that an EF mount option is coming. The 360° version is expected to be released within the next month. For now, the lenses are only sold individually, though a full set may become available once all three versions are out. For more information, please see the DZOFILM website.

How would you use a macro zoom probe like this in your own workflow? What’s your ideal setup for getting extreme close-ups? Does this kind of lens solve a problem for you, or just open up new creative rabbit holes? Let us know in the comments below!