Product Overview
The DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8 Super35 Parfocal Cine Lens is engineered for professional cinematic applications, offering exceptional optical performance and robust mechanical design. This lens is designed to maintain focus throughout the entire zoom range, a critical feature for dynamic filmmaking.
It features an inner focus construction with floating elements to minimize focus breathing, ensuring stable framing during focus adjustments. The lens covers a Super35 image circle and is equipped with interchangeable PL and Canon EF mounts for broad compatibility with various camera systems.
Figure 1: Front angled view of the DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8 Cine Lens, showcasing its robust build and clear markings for focal length and aperture.
The 16-blade iris contributes to a natural and pleasing bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic quality of your footage. Cine-style gears on the focus, aperture, and zoom rings ensure seamless integration with follow focus units, lens motors, and other lens control systems.
What's in the Box
Upon unboxing your DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8 Cine Lens, please verify that all components are present:
- DZOFILM Cine Lens Pictor Zoom 20-55 T2.8 Black (Super35)
- PL Mount (pre-installed)
- Canon EF Mount (interchangeable)
- Front Lens Cap
- Rear Lens Cap
- Lens Support Base
Setup and Installation
1. Mount Selection and Installation
The Pictor Zoom lens comes with a PL mount pre-installed and an interchangeable Canon EF mount. To switch mounts:
- Ensure the lens is placed on a stable, clean surface.
- Carefully remove the rear lens cap.
- Locate the small screws securing the current mount to the lens body.
- Using the appropriate screwdriver (not included), gently loosen and remove these screws.
- Carefully detach the current mount.
- Align the desired mount (PL or EF) with the lens body, ensuring the alignment marks match.
- Secure the new mount using the screws, tightening them gently but firmly. Do not overtighten.
Figure 2: Side view of the lens, illustrating the rear mount area where PL or EF mounts can be interchanged.
2. Attaching to Camera
Once the desired mount is installed, attach the lens to your camera body:
- Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from your camera.
- Align the mounting index marks on the lens with those on your camera body.
- Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise (for PL mount) or counter-clockwise (for EF mount) until it clicks securely into place.
Important Compatibility Note:
This lens is not compatible with DSLR cameras that have an EF mount due to potential clearance issues with the mirror box. It is designed for mirrorless cameras with an EF port, including Blackmagic Design cameras.
3. Attaching Lens Support Base
The included lens support base is crucial for providing additional stability and reducing strain on your camera's lens mount, especially when using heavy accessories or during dynamic movements.
- Attach your camera and lens assembly to a rod system (not included).
- Slide the lens support base onto the rods, positioning it directly beneath the lens's support thread.
- Secure the lens to the support base using the provided screw.
Operating the Lens
The DZOFILM Pictor Zoom lens features three distinct rings for precise control over your image:
Figure 3: Angled view highlighting the distinct focus, zoom, and iris rings, each with standard 0.8 MOD cine gears.
1. Focus Ring
The frontmost ring controls the focus. It features a long throw for precise adjustments and hard stops at both minimum focus distance and infinity. The focus marks are clearly visible in feet and meters.
- Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus on your subject.
- The lens is parfocal, meaning that once focus is set at a particular focal length, it will remain in focus as you zoom in or out. This eliminates the need to re-focus after zooming.
- The internal focus design significantly reduces focus breathing, ensuring minimal change in angle of view when adjusting focus.
2. Zoom Ring
The middle ring controls the focal length, ranging from 20mm to 55mm. This provides a versatile 2.75x zoom ratio suitable for various shot types.
- Rotate the zoom ring to change your field of view.
- The parfocal design ensures that your focus remains consistent throughout the zoom range.
3. Aperture (Iris) Ring
The rearmost ring controls the lens's aperture, or T-stop, ranging from T2.8 to T22. The 16-blade iris creates smooth, circular out-of-focus highlights (bokeh).
- Rotate the aperture ring to adjust the amount of light entering the lens and to control depth of field.
- The de-clicked aperture ring allows for smooth, stepless iris adjustments during recording.
Figure 4: Close-up view of the aperture ring, showing the T-stop markings and the smooth, geared surface for precise control.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your DZOFILM Pictor Zoom lens.
1. Cleaning the Lens Elements
- Always use a clean, soft microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces.
- For dust, use a blower brush first to remove loose particles.
- For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to the microfiber cloth (never directly onto the lens) and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards.
- Avoid touching the lens elements with bare hands.
2. Cleaning the Lens Body
- Wipe the lens body with a soft, dry cloth.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they may damage the finish.
3. Storage
- When not in use, always attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the optical elements.
- Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Consider using a dehumidified cabinet or silica gel packets in your storage case to prevent mold and fungus growth, especially in humid environments.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lens does not mount securely to camera. | Incorrect mount installed (e.g., PL on EF camera without adapter), or misalignment. | Ensure the correct mount (PL or EF) is installed on the lens for your camera system. Verify alignment marks before rotating to lock. |
| Image is out of focus after zooming. | Focus was not set correctly, or lens is not parfocal (unlikely for this model). | Re-focus the lens at your desired focal length. While this lens is parfocal, extreme temperature changes or physical impact could potentially affect calibration. |
| Lens does not fit on my Canon EF DSLR camera. | Incompatibility with DSLR mirror box. | This lens is designed for mirrorless cameras with an EF mount, not EF mount DSLRs. No solution for DSLR compatibility. |
| Rings (focus, zoom, iris) feel stiff or gritty. | Dust or debris ingress, or lack of lubrication. | Avoid operating in dusty environments. Do not attempt to lubricate yourself. Contact DZOFILM customer support for professional servicing. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | DZO-7220002B |
| Focal Length | 20-55mm |
| Maximum Aperture | T2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | T22 |
| Iris Blades | 16 |
| Image Circle | Super35 / APS-C (31.1mm) |
| Mounts | Interchangeable PL and Canon EF |
| Front Diameter | 95mm |
| Filter Thread | 86mm |
| Gear Standard | 0.8 MOD / 32 Pitch (Focus, Iris, Zoom) |
| Parfocal Design | Yes |
| Focus Breathing | Virtually Eliminated |
| Item Weight | 5.85 pounds (approx. 2.65 kg) |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
Specific warranty terms and conditions for the DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8 Cine Lens are typically provided with your purchase documentation. Please refer to the warranty card or leaflet included in the product packaging for detailed information regarding coverage period, terms, and conditions.
For any warranty claims or service requests, it is recommended to retain your proof of purchase.
Customer Support
Should you encounter any issues not covered in this manual, or require technical assistance, please contact DZOFILM customer support. You can typically find contact information, including email and phone numbers, on the official DZOFILM website or through your authorized dealer.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (DZO-7220002B) and purchase details ready to facilitate a quicker resolution.
