Compact S35 prime lenses by DZOFilm at T1.8 — lightweight cine optics with organic bokeh and warm character.
Focal Lengths (Zoom)
| 18-35 | 35-80 | 70-135 |
|---|---|---|
| T2.9 | T2.9 | T2.9 |
| 0.60m | 0.80m | 0.95m |
| 1.80kg | 1.95kg | 2.10kg |
| 80 | 80 | 80 |
| 90°–54° | 54°–25° | 29°–15° |
| ◀━━━━▶–◀━━▶ | ◀━━▶–◀━▶ | ◀━▶–◀▶ |
PL/EF/LPL · FF 43.3mm · 300° Focus · Nano-Coating
Technical Details
Three zoom lenses (18-35mm, 35-80mm, 70-135mm) with a constant T2.9 and a 43.3mm image circle for full-frame. Interchangeable mount (PL/EF/LPL). 300° focus ring with 0.8mm pitch gear, uniform gear positions. Low-dispersion glass with nano-coating for flare reduction. Focus breathing under 1.5%.
History & Development
DZOFilm first presented the Catta Ace series in 2021 as a further development of the original Catta series from 2020. The Chinese company positioned the lenses as a cost-effective alternative to established cine zoom manufacturers such as Angenieux or Canon. The market launch in Europe and North America followed in 2022. The Ace variant differs from the standard Catta series through improved optical performance, reduced focus breathing effect, and more precise mechanical processing.
Practical Use in Film
The compact dimensions and moderate weight make the Catta Ace series particularly suitable for handheld shots and gimbal use. The constant T2.9 aperture allows for consistently low-light shooting without exposure jumps when zooming. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the rapid focal length changes without lens swaps, while narrative productions utilize the uniform gear positions for precise follow focus work. The minimal focus breathing effect of less than 1.5% makes the lenses interesting for anamorphic setups with additional squeeze lenses.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4, the Catta Ace series offers a wider aperture at a lower price, but does not achieve the same optical precision in edge sharpness. The Sigma Cine High-Speed Zooms surpass the DZOFilm lenses in resolution but are significantly heavier and more expensive. Positioned as a budget alternative to Angenieux Optimo lenses, the Catta Ace series sits between the consumer and high-end cine segments, with mechanical processing meeting professional standards, while optical performance shows compromises in extreme lighting conditions.