When shooting macro cinematography, you quickly realize just how much the right lens shapes the storytelling process. Many probe lenses tend to either be too rigid in focal length, difficult to balance, or less practical for fast-paced setups.
The DZOFILM X-TRACT Probe Zoom (18–28mm T8 2:1 Macro) redefines what a probe lens can be: versatile, lightweight, and designed for both creativity and workflow efficiency.
I tried it out at Wooden City Tavern in Seattle on my Sony FX3 with the iFootage Shark Slider Nano 2, and it worked seamlessly for the close-up macro shots that I had in mind.
Build and Handling
The first thing that I noticed was how well-balanced the X-TRACT was for being such a long lens. A lot of probe lenses tend to be front-heavy and hard to balance, but the X-TRACT balanced perfectly on my DJI RS3 Pro. It’s also nice that the X-TRACT can handle much more than just indoor shoots. DZOFILM has tested it from –30 °C to 70 °C and given it an IP57 dust- and waterproof rating. The front element has a hydrophobic, anti-fog coating, which is essential in a restaurant setting with condensation, splashes, and a busy environment.
Three Front Modules (I Tested the 0° Version)
The X-TRACT system is designed with three interchangeable front modules:
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0° straight – the classic probe look (this is the version I used for my shoot)
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90° periscope – for angled perspectives or tight spaces
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360° rotating – for dynamic, rotating moves around a subject
For my cocktail shoot, I only worked with the 0° straight probe, but still, it’s worth noting that the 90° and 360° modules are also available and add even more flexibility to the system.
A Zoom Range That’s Rare in a Probe Lens
Most probe lenses are primes, but the X-TRACT breaks that mold with its 18–28mm zoom range, which isn’t something you usually see in a macro probe lens like this. For me, that small but meaningful zoom range made a big difference. At Wooden City, I could start wide to show the full cocktail on the bar and then zoom in just enough to highlight the details without having to stop and swap gear. It’s a level of flexibility you don’t often get with a probe lens, and it made the whole tedious process of shooting macro cinematography feel a lot more versatile.
Parfocal and Minimal Breathing
This is where the DZOFILM X-TRACT really shines for me. It’s parfocal, so once I locked focus, I could zoom without losing sharpness. Paired with the Shark Slider Nano 2 and the DJI RS3 Pro focus motor, I could set focus points and know that they’d stay locked on throughout my keyframed movements. In addition to that, the X-TRACT has virtually no focus breathing—about 0.5%, which you don’t really notice. For macro work, where even small focus changes can be distracting, having a parfocal probe lens that has no focus breathing makes focus pulls look clean and professional.
Image Quality
The X-TRACT keeps distortion within ±2% across the entire zoom range, which translates to distortion basically being non-existent. That allowed me to capture the cocktails in my shots with a natural look, devoid of any bending or warping. I also really loved having the 2.1:1 maximum magnification ratio, which allowed me to highlight tiny details easily. I couldn’t have been any happier with the images that I captured on location, with the image quality from the X-TRACT being on par with the rest of my professional cinema-grade lenses.
Specs at a Glance
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Magnification: up to 2.1:1
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Minimum Focus: 47.3 cm from sensor; ~6 mm from front element
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Parfocal Design: maintains focus while zooming
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Focus Throw: 300° rotation
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Focus Breathing: ~0.5%
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Distortion: within ±2%; near-zero at 24mm
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Relative Illumination (RI): 70.7% (0°), 68.6% (90°), 71.7% (360°)
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Build: Aerospace aluminum, anodized finish, IP57 water/dustproof, hydrophobic and anti-fog coating
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Operating Conditions: –30 °C to 70 °C
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Dimensions and Weight:
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0°: 41.5 cm, ~1.09 kg, front diameter 29.6 mm
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90°: 42.1 cm, ~1.14 kg
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360°: 16 cm cross-arm, 30 cm lens arm, ~37.7 × 30.58 mm
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Final Thoughts
The DZOFILM X-TRACT probe zoom lens feels like a big step forward. It’s flexible, easy to handle, and delivers images that look cinematic right out of the camera.
For my cocktail shoot, it gave me the ability to explore shots that would have been tough or impossible with a more traditional prime probe lens setup.
Between the zoom range, the modular fronts, and the parfocal precision, the X-TRACT is a tool that lets you stay focused on the creative process without being held back by technical limitations.
If you’re into food, product, or macro storytelling, this macro probe zoom lens isn’t just a specialty option—it’s a solid and versatile choice that’s essential for macro cinematography.
