DZOFILM Vespid Prime 35mm T2.1 Cinema Lens User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The DZOFILM Vespid Prime 35mm T2.1 lens is designed for professional cinematography, offering high-quality imaging for full-frame sensors. This lens is part of the VESPID series, known for its compact size and robust construction, making it suitable for various shooting environments including handheld, gimbal, and drone setups.

Key features of the Vespid Prime 35mm T2.1 lens include:

• 35 mm focal length for full-frame sensors.
• 16-blade aperture for smooth, natural-looking bokeh.
• Cinema gearing for precise focus and aperture control.
• 270° focus rotation for fine adjustments.
• 80 mm front diameter, compatible with standard matte boxes.
• Interchangeable PL and EF mounts for broad camera compatibility.
• Supports sensors with an image circle up to 46.5 mm, ensuring full-frame coverage without vignetting.

Figure 1.1: The DZOFILM Vespid Prime 35mm T2.1 Cinema Lens, showcasing its compact design and robust build.

2. Setup and Installation

2.1 Attaching the Lens to Your Camera

1. Ensure your camera is powered off before attaching or detaching the lens.
2. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
3. Align the red dot on the lens mount with the corresponding mark on your camera's lens mount.
4. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks securely into place. For PL mount, ensure the locking ring is fully engaged. For EF mount, rotate until the lens lock pin engages.
5. If changing between PL and EF mounts, refer to the specific instructions provided with the interchangeable mount kit.

2.2 Attaching Accessories

• Matte Box: The lens features an 80mm front diameter, compatible with most standard cinema matte boxes. Secure the matte box to your camera rig or directly to the lens if supported.
• Follow Focus: The focus and aperture rings are equipped with industry-standard gearing. Attach your follow focus unit to the camera rig and engage its gear with the lens's focus gear.
• Lens Motors: For remote focus, iris, or zoom control, attach lens motors to the geared rings and connect them to your lens control system.

3. Operating the Lens

3.1 Focus Control

The focus ring allows for precise manual focusing. It has a rotation range of 270°, providing ample room for critical focus adjustments, especially when working with shallow depth of field. The focus distance markings are clearly visible on the barrel.

Figure 3.1: Side view of the lens showing the focus distance markings in feet and meters, and the T-stop scale.

3.2 Aperture (Iris) Control

The aperture ring controls the amount of light entering the lens and the depth of field. It offers a generous rotation range of 63°. The 16-blade iris design contributes to a smooth, circular bokeh, enhancing the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.

Figure 3.2: Front view of the lens, indicating the 'Vespid Prime' series and the image circle diameter of Φ46.5mm.

3.3 Full-Frame Coverage

This lens is designed to cover full-frame sensors, supporting an image circle of up to 46.5 mm. This ensures that the lens can be used with a wide range of modern cinema cameras without vignetting or image degradation at the edges of the frame.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning the Lens

• Lens Elements: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics. For stubborn smudges, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards. Use a blower brush to remove dust particles before wiping.
• Lens Body: Wipe the lens barrel with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the finish or markings.

4.2 Storage

• Always attach the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use to protect the optical elements.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidified cabinet to prevent mold and mildew growth.

5. Troubleshooting

• Lens not mounting securely: Ensure the lens mount is clean and free of obstructions. Verify that the lens is correctly aligned with the camera mount and rotated fully until it locks. Check for any damage to the lens or camera mount.
• Difficulty with focus or aperture rings: Ensure no accessories are obstructing the rings. If using a follow focus or lens motor, check its alignment and engagement with the lens gears. If the rings feel stiff or gritty, do not force them; contact support.
• Image quality issues (e.g., soft focus, dust spots): Check if the lens elements are clean. Ensure the lens is properly focused. Verify that the camera sensor is clean.
• Vignetting: While this lens is designed for full-frame, ensure your camera's sensor mode is set correctly and that no external filters or matte box flags are causing obstruction.

For issues not covered here, or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact DZOFILM customer support.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

7.1 Warranty Information

The DZOFILM Vespid Prime 35mm T2.1 Cinema Lens comes with a manufacturer's guarantee. Please refer to the specific warranty terms and conditions provided at the time of purchase or on the official DZOFILM website for detailed information regarding coverage, duration, and claims procedures.

7.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, service, or warranty inquiries, please contact DZOFILM customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the official DZOFILM website or through your authorized dealer.