DZO PAVO New Anamorphic Lenses are GOOD - Review and Test Footage!

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I've been playing with the new PAVOs and had a chance to help friends make a music video with DZO's new anamorphics - plus filmed all the behind-the-scenes footage on them!
Order DZO's PAVO at B&H
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[@Frank-Ding]

Hey! Frank with DZO here 👋 happy to hear you enjoyed the lenses and I want to confirm what some others have mentioned in the comments, the final version will have space grey housings (considerably darker but not totally black). Personally I think it's a pretty handsome look. And we make a 1.6x Expander, should you want to shoot the wider focal lengths on full frame. If you have any questions let me know!

[@JoshGloverMedia]

That's a bummer, I liked the high contrast bare metal look.

[@DiegoSilvaAcevedoFilm]

With the installation of the expander, the minimum specification will change from T2.1 to T3.4? Will this alteration also accommodate the V-Raptor VV sensor?

[@alexiscuarezma]

that's amazing!! Would love to try these on a GFX100s for photos with the expander and also filming in Vista Vision

[@adelfilipchyk]

It was a blast working on this with you! Thank you so much :)

[@AkashSatheesh]

This is half the price of orions😱 and the flange adjustment is a plus😍. will be a deadly combo with KX and Alexa35s. Lovely footage my man ❤ I wish All manufacturers had this neutral flare option.

[@ankitjojha]

Damn. This is such an exciting resurgence of anamorphic lenses on the actual market.

[@Veptis]

I learned about their existence just yesterday... as I was mentioning there being new modern/cheap anamorphics that looks like the Elite Mk4 25mm from the lens test. and this really brings out the characteristics I enjoy. Great timing.

[@dp_zee]

Unfortunately they are priced where it's not worth buying.. so it would be a rental.. but if I'm renting, it's not going to be dzo.

[@shuailuo8637]

It’s all depend on look and budget you got

[@demonhogo]

Exactly. If I’m renting I’d go atlas every time over these

[@PMesmerizing]

Thank you for your input! I can confirm the results you experienced with the set I was able to test last week. Also the B Set is very consistent in the look and the distortion. Starting with the 55mm they cover FF. CA is behaving the same throughout the set, disappearing at around 4/5.6 split. Hard to flare in general, but overall a very sharp look. The grey paint will be darker on the final product, at least, this is what they told me. Not "all-black" but less shinny.

[@albinsjoberg3504]

What's the B Set?

[@hikarii_flow]

Thank you for showing the unconventional use of using super35 anamorphics on a full-frame sensor! You're the only one who does this and this is all I ask for. You're truly my go-to for lenses.

[@UtopiaShow]

Thanks for the video! Will there be more detailed reviews of these lenses? And what lenses can they be compared to? Atlas or maybe cooke?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

I'm super swamped, so I don't know what's the timeline like to compare them. The settings for all my tests are the same, so you could easily compare performance by going back a few videos. Head to head comparisons take a ton of time, and I just don't have that at the moment.

[@crusherondadrain]

оооо жесть утопия шоу =)

[@janisbrod]

Look at their character seen in this video, they are waayyyy different from Cooke anamorphics. If anything, I'd say they are maybe comparable to Atlas Mercury because they pack a similar amount of vintage character - but it's 2x vs 1.5x so it's not exactly the best comparison.

[@Dubi00]

I saw these at Cinegear and really loved them a lot. Been waiting for the price point and the overall delivery, but so far these are looking to be my favorite anamorphic lenses on the market right now. I do agree I wish these were in a darker color as well!

[@drrrw]

They have a real home run with this set. Only a matter of time for alternative to full frame 2x anamorphics. This set would be badass with RED's new Komodo X.

[@FlyingJackalope]

Looks about the best I have seen thus far as well. So many of these companies just jumped out there without the real crafting of their lenses so we have been getting a lot of half baked stuff like the GreatJoys until now. These really do look beautiful. Glad to see they can go FF with minor tweaks if need be. GreatJoy said their 35 goes FF but it does not at all without massive tweaks in post. So this is really refreshing to see with these lenses.

[@BlackWinterProduction]

Thank you for the review! The sharpness is impressive, and the barrel distortion is very nice, as well as flares. And yes, all lenses should be all black (useful for minimizing reflections).

[@marcusphoenix594]

we've come a long way

[@Imhotep397]

They look good and I wish they were all black too. A little more sharpness would be appreciated by me.

[@FlyingJackalope]

Now, if they can build a large adapter that can be put on the front of the three DZO zooms I just received - THAT - would be spectacular.

[@stu9000]

A lot of distortion and chromatic aberration. Like the minimum focus and adjustable flange. I'm happy with the Viltrox 1.33x set I have for half the price.

[@ivonmorales2654]

You are definitely the guru of anamorphics. And based on that I ask you, from zero to 100, how much you give to Great Joy, and how much to these DZO... Thanks in advance.

[@decoyimages]

Thanks for sharing! I have a feeling that the 32mm is a great lens also. Seen some beautiful shots with the 32 from TRM. I'm kinda leaning towards the following 32mm 55mm 75mm

[@ForestCinema]

I’m leaning towards this same lineup

[@HenryOrtlip]

Hey Tito! You were very excited about the Mercury's and now the Pavo's -- Which lenses will you end up buying? Did you have a preorder on the Mercury's at the 5K price point?

[@randytate]

These looks fantastic! I guess my dream is performance like this, but for us little guys - in that $1500 range. But trend line for price/performance has come a long, long way in the last 10 tears.

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Pretty much perfect traditional anamorphic lenses. Definitely captures that look. I purchased the Viltrox but even I admit, they have a very clean look in comparison to traditional anamorphic. But I love their full frame coverage and complete lack of CA. It’s wonderful to be spoiled for choice nowadays.

[@cwichura]

Given the price point and the 2x squeeze -- seems like the Laowa Proteus is the biggest competitor. Be interesting to see a video doing a direct comparison between the two.

[@teyotenio1980]

Owning proteus 45 and 85 and i must say i think the pavos look a little too soft. I have more trust in laowa than dzo generally. But i would love too try them out if i ever get the chance

[@TronnetG]

In which camera can I take advantage of everything my anamorphic lens has to offer? if it is panasonic better

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

Do you prefer the Pavo or Proteus lenses?

[@8KHDRVideoBySittipong]

Nice review.

[@anamorphicalan]

nice I suggest a lens update of all current lenses released this year discuss who these lenses are for. plethora released this year that are impressive.

[@sturm3n]

Everyone has their own taste, but for me the barrel distortion on the wider lenses is just too much. I'm much more interested that the lens character being felt by the audience rather than seen, and the wider lenses are bordering on fisheye-level distortion for me.

[@jeyycie3656]

Having flange adjustable is a really nice feature, when the focusing elements gets misaligned, which happens quite often in rentals, you could still get infinity by adjusting it. Did you test that macro capabilities, because it also eliminates the need for a diopter to get tighter close focus ?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

There's no macro, just minimum focus. If you mean hacking the flange, that's a bad idea as it'll compromise the performance of the anamorphic block.

[@Eyepatchfilms]

So for S35 are you using true S35 or the Panasonic anamorphic mode that is slightly bigger? I guess its just a pain because the future is seemingly going all FF and something in between doesn't seem future proof enough- if that makes sense.

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

I don't know which future you're really talking about. We have almost a hundred years of success with S35 and cinema, and lots of non-full frame cameras being used all around. Full frame is a flavour, not a rule. I used a mix of full-frame cropped in, Panasonic's S35 and MFT in this video. What a mix.

[@AxelAxe]

Do you guys think these compete with Atlas? the price is up there and I agree that the extra mounts and case is a nice touch, but these feel over priced IMO

[@cwichura]

What is the rear protrusion on these lenses? E.g., will they clear mount adapters that include a rear ND filter, such as the KipperTie Revolvas? Thanks.

[@DasWildeReiskorn]

should be fine with ND Filters, but speedbooster won't work

[@onimar]

Counter. I wish they were full white like Viltrox Epic.

[@BlackPartyFilms]

Okay a $30K lens set on a page called “Anamorphic on A Budget” is insane 😂 but aside from that where the Blazar content?? Those I can actually buy rn😊

[@onlinetraderucom]

Where do you think the anamorphic picture is more interesting - DZO or Sirui 35mm 1.8 in coverage mode a little more super35?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

Definitely on the DZO. But at an almost 10x price difference.

[@svendollbaum1338]

Is there an anamorphic lens without typical lensflares? I really like the idea of using the full sensor but i am mostly annoyed by the flares especially in dark scenes. Or is it just a physical things which is not alterable? Thanks!

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

The new Iscorama is almost flareless, as well as many of Great Joy's offerings.

[@edhughes8893]

If you can only afford two lenses from this set, then which two would you go for (for narrative projects)?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

They're pretty consistent, so it's hard to make an "obvious choice" due to differences in performance. I think I'd pick the 28mm for the insane minimum focus and wideness for tight spaces, and the 40mm which is a neutral focal length and could be used for mediums and non-distorted closeups alike.

[@NeilAngeloBriones]

I like the design build but something is pulling me off a little. Aside from the green CA, it's also that 3D pop. After watching these tests from SP3 cookes, I realise how low the contrast is coming off from the Pavos. I mean yeah, this can be fixed in post but I kinda like that its already been done on the lens itself. Oddly enough, i like the Proteus look a lot. The contrast quality is just right. Never mind the flares, hide it when you shoot it as much as you can lol. But those gorgeous proteus bokeh i truly love it. Not complaining or anything, more likely a preference. Still it's fantastic that we can acquire these lenses now in a more affordable option.

[@BogdanSorlea]

all black can be done with gaff or foil of the type that people are covering their cameras with

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

Sounds janky, but definitely will get the job done.

[@LucasPfaff]

They do look great. I can't put my finger on it, but something's off for me. Something displeases (and I'm not talking about 15-30 grand I can't afford). Solid set, especially for rentals with the flange adjustment - keep in mind you only have to do it once per camera(/adapter combo). I'm with you on the all black, not because I dislike the contrast but just because I feel it could be nicer. Also it's weird to make the front of the lens bright, as that one tends to be more prominent in case a reflection catches the operator. But at least it will be easy to spot them in BTS footage etc, which might be the idea behind it

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

The thing that stood out for me when rewatching the finished review is CA on bokeh when wide open. It shows up in some shots through the video, but not in all of them (because of different stops), so it trips me a little. As for the color, I read somewhere further in the comments that the final ones won't be as bright. :) Price: yeah. I'm with you there.

[@LucasPfaff]

​@@AnamorphicOnABudget I noticed the Bokeh CA, but it was tamed (compared to Blazar or so). It somehow the general "vibe". But yeah, hard to put my finger on. Maybe it's the greenish flares from the neutral version, WHO KNOWS Price is something. I mean, yeah, it's expensive. But where have we come? These are lenses you can shoot a seven-figure-feature on and it would be perfectly fine. Mechanics seem good, they are well designed, relatively small+light. And the look is there, but also a bit tame, so "modern enough" to not scare producers. Maybe that is what's putting me off, but in any case: anamorphics of that tier for 5 grand pop? Seems reasonable to me.

[@ForestCinema]

@@LucasPfaff I think the bokeh CA is telegraphing some fairly modern coatings within the design. Not in a bad way, but the lenses lean more modern to my eye in color/contrast. As Tito I’m sure knows, it’s tough to do a lens test and then judge just how far to push things in color/post processing, because you’re trying to give an honest representation of the optics, but I think these could easily be shifted into a more classic aesthetic with a bit of intentional post work.

[@jcools]

Some others in the comments mentioned that the lenses look "modern" and "clean" similar to the Sigma Art lenses. They do not have contrast and 3D pop like higher end lenses. This is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on the type of look you want. The benefit is that the look can be dialed in with filters and in your NLE.

[@LucasPfaff]

@@jcools "fix it in post" became tongue-in-cheek proverb to ridicule misconceptions, but somehow as soon as we talk lenses it's used in a serious way. Sure we can do so very much in post, but that's somehow not the topic.

[@aerovision257]

Does DZO PAVO PL mount work with speed booster?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

It won't work because the lenses aren't full frame to be speedboosted. :(

[@corerage]

Quick question, how could decades old adapters like the ISCO ultra star deliver better optical performance at faster apertures even on full frame sensors while relatively more expensive modern anamorphic lenses can't?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

If you contextualize that adapters are cheap now but were pricy then, that's one thing. The other thing is adapters have great performance in *some* scenarios, and it took us years to figure that out. Last, working with an adapter has a higher cost in terms of time spent fiddling on set, or inconsistency in terms of cinema standards, so while you might get a better visual on some of them, you're compromising a lot of other aspects that make a big difference in a real production.

[@corerage]

I am not comparing usability at all, I know adapters are hard to deal with. I am inquiring about the "optical performance" bit. If you could use an ISCO with a f/1.4 58mm voigtlander for example and get very good optical performance wide open. How could modern lenses not replicate that optical performance level?

[@terrygriffin5201]

Csn these be adapted for the GH6 or GH5?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

Yes! Some of the footage here was filmed on the GH6.

[@thatchinaboi1]

Have you ever noticed that hand holding rolling shutter cameras (especially those without insanely fast read out speeds) leads to a distinct motion rendering that automatically makes it look less cinematic? Try comparing the same shots with motion on a Red Komodo and your camera handheld. It's not like there is any visible warping as commonly seen in fast pans or quick motion across the frame. There is something with the motion rendering that makes handheld even more jarring and not in a cinematic way. I think this problem is even more pronounced when shooting in 24fps.

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

I have not noticed that.

[@jambred]

I agree

[@denoise_]

There's a jello jiggle even with faster readouts especially with certain types of handheld work vs global shutter. I hope global shutter becomes the standard across cameras in the next couple generations *fingers crossed*

[@tommyboyvisuals]

Yes FPS all the way!

[@TheTitanGen]

If they could make this but for FF that would be chef kiss

[@ArmandD]

These look great but somehow a little excessively soft? As though nothing is ever quite in focus? It made me feel a bit nauseous.

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

I think this was mostly a consequence of me filming wide open and not using a proper monitor to confirm focus, so a handful of shots are, indeed, soft.

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

For the nausea, could it be all this green? :P

[@ArmandD]

@@AnamorphicOnABudget yes very true haha, would love to see these lenses used on a short film in a more controlled environment, they're very promising :)

[@shuailuo8637]

@@ArmandDWatch the release short film of release video，there’s even Pavo on the drone footage

[@Berserkeroffroad]

The initial shots, with the rounded bokeh behind the subjects that were in focus, made me think you were reviewing cheap anamorphic lenses for an iPhone. Maybe others like it, but I don't like at all how the lenses make the out-of-focus backgrounds look spherical because it's so distracting.

[@jmez927]

Nope. I like the proteus better…but if you gave me these for my birthday 🎂 I’d be a very very happy 😃 man

[@NoSuRReNDeR001]

crap now I want them in black too...

[@notmyforte88]

It doesnt look as sharp as I thought it would be. Is it just me?

[@SuperSuperka]

those shaky noisy/messy footages are not were anamorphic lenses shines or needed at all.

[@jonathanmasters2178]

Something up with your audio. The beginning / ends of your words are chopped off. I suspect a KZbin tutorial I recently saw where you could automate removing all the gaps in words

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

My mic was acting up, and I ran the audio through the Adobe Podcast tool, which ends up doing that. I didn't have the chance to re-record the VO before finishing the video. :(

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

These render a very “flat” non-dimensional image… they seem to lack what I’ve heard described as “micro-contrast” which gives that 3D “pop”. As opposed to Atlas & Cooke lenses which feel like you could reach into the screen. Spherical lenses like Leica R & Zeiss have that dimensional quality whereas Sigma 18-35, while testing well on charts produces a flat, soulless image. This is the anamorphic version of the Sigma… after the novelty fades and they’ve sold a bunch of kits people will realize that they are not all that inspiring. Not bad by any means but no, not a dream lens kit in my opinion. $1,200- $1,500 would be a compelling price point. It boggles my mind that this isn’t a regular aspect of lens tests and no one has developed a standardized measurement metric.

[@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg34]

Oh man, I think these lenses have too much character! But still, any full-frame lens is better! Please tell us about your directorial projects. How do you write a script?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

I come up with an idea, go to Celtx or Arcstudio and type it out, then rewrite until I don't hate it, or to the last week before production starts. Whichever comes first. hahahaha I don't direct through, I mostly produce and provide the tools for other creative folks to express their vision - like in this case.

[@Meatyowlleg]

Proteus looks much cleaner with great anamorphic characters, the DZO one has way too strong CA and other flaws, which is only limited for vintage look.

[@pauly8951]

Proteus is too huge and pincushion distortion .

[@JoshGloverMedia]

The Proteus seem like great anamorphic lenses for people that don't like anamorphic lenses. Like a Zeiss Master.

[@isaacbedford3644]

Proteus have pincushion distortion, streak filter-like flares, way bigger/heavier, and worse close focus

[@waynosfotoscameras]

What is going to let these down is the price, don't get me wrong, they are beautiful, I like a lot. But currently, these can't be used as a main lens. They have too many imperfections for commercial and interview work. So they are an artistic tool. As a feature le, s they are just too pricey. I have just bought the Blazer Remus, and at this price, it is worth purchasing as a feature lens. Yes, they are not as good, but hey, these are artist lenses.

[@kurtnelle]

What was with the narration audio Tito? It was a bit jarring.

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

My mic kept failing throughout, so I had to use various tools to try and bring it back as much as I could. Filming this was a rush and my gear was out after, so I couldn't reshoot it. :(

[@kurtnelle]

@@AnamorphicOnABudget Aw man. I guess that's life sometimes.

[@mosswareproaudio6328]

Music videos with guns in them?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

Sadly, yeah.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Idk… I’m thinking you might be tripping. These are S35 lenses… and they cost $5500 a pop. The Atlas Mercury… which will be sorted by release are the same money. But Atlas has the reputation that DZO lacks… and they cover a GFX large format sensor. Granted, the Pavo lenses check a lot of boxes… but they leave a major box unchecked. And for that price… for a Chinese lens… they seem a bit spendy.

[@Henchproductions]

The weird focal plane issue make the Mercury a non starter.

[@phoenixfunny4517]

Mercury's are a couple thousand dollars more, actually

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

If you read the Cine Lens Manual, you'll see that DZO is a pretty outstanding optical designer through its product line. Also, not being judgy, just trying to clarify: 5500 for a Chinese lens is too much, but 8000 for an American lens is cheap?

[@Henchproductions]

@@phoenixfunny4517 yeah. Exactly. More expensive. And weird focal plane issues.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Hey, be judgy… and judge this. The DZOFilm offering is 2X… but only S35. There are plenty of more “On a Budget” options from Chinese manufacturers. The Atlas Mercury does cost more… but what is the entry price for the next most “On a Budget” America anamorphic offering? I was honestly expecting these to hit at the $3k mark… not $6K out the door. Certainly not with only S35 coverage.

[@qaesarx]

For the price they are good, but that is to be expected for this price range 2023. But at this price, yes, they SHOULD be black. Beginning from mirrors to reflections, etc. Its a sin to make cases white (the same goes with red komodo in white for ex). I see these in mid priced netflix productions, but not on the big hollywood screen, there panavision is unmatched and worthy the big dollars.

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇸🇪🇹🇹

[@idontwantahandlewhymustidothis]

I mean they look good, but at that price I'd go for a brand other than DZO personally

[@phoenixfunny4517]

What other anamorphic would you go for at 5500 a lens?

[@AnamorphicOnABudget]

Can you expand on why?

[@jambred]

Do tell what other reasonable price anamorphic lens has this amount of great anamorphic character, lightweight, has backfocus adjustment and great flares that dont look like a streak filter. DZO makes awesome lenses. Some anamorphic lenses (one lens) cost the same as this whole set of 3...or even the set of 6.

[@LocksleyLennoxfilms]

Thes lenses look amazing

[@Henchproductions]

Looks great. Glad I cancelled my Mercury.

[@DJBFilmz]

Bruh, the CA is ugly! The bokeh makes these lenses NG.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

The bokeh on these lenses is right up my alley! I've said it before, and I'll NEVER stop saying it-we are absolutely, ridiculously, gloriously spoiled as anamorphic content creators nowadays!!!! Also, I agree that standard focus and iris rings across a set should be standard.

[@janscott602]

I'm starting to dislike the bokeh. It seems like it ruined a lot of the shots.

[@LucasHJX]

Bokeh 😂

[@ForestCinema]

FIRST lol

[@timdanyo898]

2Xs squeeze is too much for my taste.

[@lonceyswildcairns333]

Cheers much i hate their look

[@Skrendabitute]

Does not look good