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Review of Dio Arless Primes Lenses

Introduction to the Review

• The reviewer shares excitement about reviewing Dio Arless primes after two months of use, clarifying that while Dio did not sponsor the video, there is a sponsorship from Artless.

• The reviewer expresses a growing obsession with lenses and mentions a previous review on Blazar Remis anamorphic lenses, emphasizing the importance of lenses in enhancing cinematography.

Overview of Dio Arless Primes

• The reviewer appreciates the value offered by Dio lenses, comparing them favorably to higher-end options like Ari Signature and Z Supreme primes.

• Two groups of lens kits are introduced: Group A (traditional focal ranges: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm) and Group B (unique focal ranges: 14mm, 21mm, 40mm, 135mm, and 180mm).

• The reviewer highlights their preference for the 40mm lens from Group B as versatile for various shooting scenarios.

Performance Insights

• At T1.4 aperture, these lenses excel in low-light conditions; close focus capabilities are impressive but not macro-level.

• Focus breathing is well-managed across most lenses; however, the 75mm exhibits slightly more breathing without being a deal breaker.

• The image quality at T1.4 strikes a balance between sharpness and softness that feels film-like rather than overly digital.

Image Quality Characteristics

• The reviewer notes that these lenses lean towards warmer tones which enhance skin tones during filming.

• A special blue coating on the lenses minimizes reflections and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions.

Distortion and Vignetting

• Some barrel distortion is present in the 14mm lens; pin cushion distortion appears at longer focal lengths (up to 180 mm), which is typical for such ranges.

• Slight vignetting occurs intentionally as part of the lens character; it does not hinder full-frame coverage.

Compatibility Across Camera Types

• Unlike many full-frame lenses that lose character when used on Super 35 cameras due to cropping effects, these maintain consistent image quality across different camera types.

Value Proposition

How to Submit Your Video for the Artlist 100K Fund

Submission Process

• To participate in the Artlist 100K fund, record a video discussing your idea and submit it on social media.

• Ensure to tag Artlist and use the hashtag #artlist100Kfund for proper submission.

• Detailed instructions are provided in the video description for those who may forget these steps.

Overview of Arless Primes Lenses

Design and Build Quality

• The Arless primes are not priced at $100K but are designed with cinema workflows in mind, ensuring solid build quality.

• While they are excellent in controlled environments, their weight makes them less ideal for run-and-gun filmmaking.

Compatibility and Performance

• These lenses come standard with a PL mount but can be easily swapped to EF mounts.

• They were designed with Vista Vision coverage, making them suitable for high-end cameras like the Red Raptor VV.

Target Audience and Unique Selling Proposition

Who Should Use These Lenses?

• Ideal for filmmakers seeking high performance without exorbitant costs; they offer great value compared to higher-end brands like Arri or Zeiss.

Distinctive Features

• The speaker appreciates that these lenses have a unique quality ("secret sauce") that sets them apart from competitors while remaining affordable.

Philosophy on Filmmaking Equipment

Long-Term Investment Mindset

• The speaker emphasizes a shift in methodology over the past few years, focusing on long-term usability rather than disposable products.

Lens Importance Over Cameras