DZOFilm X-Tract 18-28mm T8 FF Probe Zoom Lens (360° Periscope) PL Mount

Four motors can drive the DZOFilm X-Tract 18-28mm T8 FF Probe Zoom Lens (360° Periscope) PL Mount at once. Focus, zoom and iris turn on 0.8 MOD gears through 300°, 100° and 72°, with their motors on DZOFilm's T-shaped stubby rail. An I-shaped rail made for this model alone adds a fourth that rotates the periscope.

Both rotation rings lock, and the barrel carries rotation scales, so a rehearsed angle returns for every motion-control pass. The rings also select three modes. Set to 0°, the arm rises along an arc of about 55 cm, climbing past patty, melting cheese and lettuce in one burger build. At intermediate settings, the horizon tilts into a Dutch angle across a pair of headphones for a tech launch. At 180° the arm faces the camera and the head turns a full circle: a barrel roll chasing toppling dominoes in a music video. The roll happens in the lens, so the camera stays level, with no roll axis to rig.

Thirteen of its 27 elements, in 20 groups, are special glass: seven HRI, six ED. Distortion stays within ±2% and the yellow cast of many probes is held back. Breathing at 24 mm is 0.5%, where rival 24 mm probe primes measure 39.2%. DZOFilm quotes 71.7% relative illumination, above even its straight 0° model. Parfocal, the zoom sees about 90° to 65° across on full frame and at 28 mm reaches 2.1:1 macro, with the subject 6 mm from the glass. T8 is constant, ten blades close to T45, and the 43.2 mm image circle spans full frame as well as Super 35.

The IP57 rating covers dust and water: a line on the barrel marks the 28 cm immersion limit, and the hydrophobic, anti-fog front lets the tip explore a rock pool at low tide. The anodised aluminium body (25 µm layer) is tested from −30 °C to 70 °C. Mass sits near the mount to steady the long arm on gimbals and robotic rigs, while O-ring clamps with accessory threads brace the front. A Y-bracket, shims with driver and two UV filters share the hard case. Little glass protrudes at the rear, so DZOFilm Octopus, PL-to-E, RF or LPL adapters and speed boosters fit. For a production house, moves once needing a roll head or tabletop jib now come from one 360° periscope probe lens.