At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, I caught up with DZOFilm to have a look at their new Simera-C lenses. The new series of compact and fast prime lenses will be available in the following focal lengths:
- 21mm T1.5
- 28mm T1.5
- 35mm T1.5
- 50mm T1.5
- 75mm T1.5
The lenses are lightweight and small and they are arguably DZOFilm’s answer to the much more expensive Cooke SP3.
The less will be available in Sony E at launch, With Leica L, Leica M, and Canon RF mounts coming after. The lenses have standard 0.8 pitch gears and metric scales on the left side and imperial scales on the right.
DZOFilm states that they are fully compatible with everything from entry-level mirrorless cameras and the DJI Ronin 4D to ARRI Cinema Cameras.
You may well think that it is somewhat of a strange name choice as Thypoch already makes a range of lenses called Simera, however, these are essentially rehoused versions of those lenses that are being made by DZOFilm. Thypoch is actually a brand that is owned by DZOFilm.
Here is what DZOFilm has done:
- Removed the depth-of-field indicator and focus ring resistance point.
- The focus ring was moved to the front, the aperture ring to the rear, and industry-standard cine gears were added.
- The aperture blades have been increased to 16 for smoother, rounder bokeh.
What are the image characteristics of the lenses?
The lenses are said to have a neutral look with a vintage organic texture, as well as a fast aperture for narrative depth and spatial separation. I am not sure what narrative depth is supposed to be!
They are also claimed to have smooth and rounded bokeh with controlled flaring, and well-balanced contrast.
Each lens in the series incorporates aspherical elements, ED elements, and high-refractive-index elements, to help achieve both high sharpness and a compact form factor.
The Simera-C feature a multi-layer anti-reflective coating design that moderately retains a soft blue flare while effectively suppressing ghosting.
DZOFilm claims that when compared to competing products, they improve upon the Dulens T2.4 lens’s issues with low sharpness and field curvature at maximum aperture, as well as the noticeable chromatic aberration and purple fringing of Sirui lenses, highlighting superior resolution, chromatic aberration control, and out-of-focus bokeh performance.
Size & Weight
The lenses weigh between 390-470g. The 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm T1.5 are the same size, while the 21mm T1.5 and the 75mm T1.5 are slightly longer. All of the focal lengths have slightly different weights and they have a 67mm front filter diameter, except the 75mm which is 72mm.
Above you can see a relative size comparison between the Simera-C and some other prime lenses on the market.
The lenses feature a full-metal construction with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. They also have an internal dustproof design and are resistant to dust and splashes.
Price & Availability
The DZOFilm Simera-C lenses are priced at $998 USD each. All of the focal lengths, except the 21mm will be available at launch.
Competition
Competition arguably comes in the form of the NiSi Athena series, Dulens APO Mini, and Sirui Nightwalker.
Specifications
