The announcement of DZOFilm’s X-Tract 18-28mm T8 probe lens marked an exciting development in the growing probe category by introducing the ability to zoom in and out, allowing users to adjust the field of view while keeping the lens in place. At launch, the only iteration had a forward-facing direct view. Now, DZOFilm has formally unveiled 90° and 360° tube variations that are available for purchases separately or as part of a kit with all three attachments. These new versions totally open up what the lens is capable of, and make it a fantastic all-in-one solution for innovative close capture and creative macro videography.
If you missed the original announcement, here’s a quick recap: the PL-mount full-frame X-Tract 18-28mm T8 probe lens is waterproof, dustproof, and anti-fog, with controlled focus breathing and parfocal abilities. The lens has a 2.1:1 maximum magnification ratio, a 100° to 73° field of view, and a 0.24” minimum focus distance, plus multilayer anti-reflective coating and low-dispersion lens elements to prevent flaring and chromatic aberration. At only 16.3” long and 2.4 lb, the X-Tract is a reliable and relatively compact probe lens built for professional workflows.
These new 90° and 360° tubes should get the lens onto a lot more productions, opening up countless creative angles and possibilities, especially with overhead and tabletop shooting. Anyone who’s used a probe lens will likely agree that flexibility is key—if you only have a direct view attachment, you might have to move your camera around quite a bit and potentially put it in some tricky rigging scenarios. By utilizing the 90° and 360° periscope tubes, X-Tract shooters can keep their cameras more level and still achieve idiosyncratic angles and dynamic movement, even in extremely tight spaces.
For more information about the 90° and 360° versions of the X-Tract probe lens, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page.
