DZOFILM’s Arcana 1.5x anamorphic primes, praised for their balance of affordability, portability, and image quality, arrive at an opportune moment for modern filmmakers seeking full-frame anamorphic options that challenge traditional, bulkier setups.
DZOFILM’s Arcana 1.5x anamorphic primes arrive at an unusual moment for the format. What was once a niche, expensive and mechanically awkward toolset has become far more accessible, and Kevin Luiz’s review for RedShark News places the Arcana line squarely in that newer, more practical class of lenses. He describes them as compact, full-frame and unusually polished for the price, while DZOFILM positions the series as lightweight, 700g-class optics with 77mm filter threads and a minimum focus distance that starts as close as 48cm, depending on focal length.
The set currently consists of 32mm, 45mm and 75mm T2.1 primes, all built around an aluminium alloy housing and a PL mount. Luiz says the lenses feel well made, with a long 270-degree focus throw and coatings that are cleaner and less colour-biased than many budget anamorphics. That matters because coating quality strongly affects flare colour and overall rendering. In his testing, the Arcanas produced neutral flares rather than the green or yellow cast common in cheaper anamorphics, with the look shifting slightly according to the light source and stopping behaviour.
On image quality, Luiz argues that the Arcana lenses strike a useful balance between clinical sharpness and the softer fall-off associated with anamorphic optics. He says the centre remains crisp while the edges taper gently, with barrel distortion on the wider focal length helping subjects stand forward from the background. He also highlights very low chromatic aberration, ghosting and coma in his comparison tests, and points to the close-focusing performance as a major advantage in confined spaces such as a helicopter cockpit, where he did not need diopters to frame the pilot tightly. Independent video reviews on YouTube echo the same broad conclusion: the Arcana set is clean, compact and well suited to gimbal or handheld work.
That said, the review is not an unqualified endorsement. Luiz says the lenses still show some focus breathing, and he would like to see additional mount options beyond PL, plus a broader focal range to make the system more complete for paid production. He argues that the current trio leaves a gap at the long end, forcing crews to supplement the set with spherical telephoto lenses for distance work. Even so, his verdict is clear: for filmmakers seeking a relatively affordable entry into full-frame anamorphic capture, the Arcana primes may be the strongest budget option currently available. DZOFILM’s own product material and store listings reinforce that view, stressing the lenses’ compact build, close-focus capability and intended use across a range of camera systems.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
