2026.2.28
Introduction
My name is Cody LaRosa, and I am a filmmaker based in Cleveland, Ohio. Outside of filmmaking, I have a passion for motorcycles, snowboarding, cycling, and weightlifting.
First encounter with DZOFILM
I first came across DZOFILM online, primarily through YouTube videos. My first experience working with their lenses was on a furniture shoot, where the DP was using a set of Vespid Primes on an Alexa Mini LF. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to use the Arles Primes on a variety of projects, including commercials, music videos, and even while traveling to Turkey.
Project experience with the Arles Primes
The first project where I really saw the Arles Primes shine was a music video for the artist Anees. We utilized four different focal lengths from the Arles set alongside some Sony glass to cover focal lengths I didn’t have available at the time.
Thoughts on the Arles Primes
I think the Arles Primes punch well above their weight class. Every time I use them, I notice something special in the image they produce. Their fast aperture of T1.4 is a game-changer, especially in situations where I don’t have enough lighting power for darker scenes. For example, while filming in Turkey, I shot at night several times and paired the lenses with my camera’s second base ISO. The combination made it feel like I was able to see in the dark.
Favorite focal length
The 40mm basically lives on my camera. I’ve done several solo jobs where speed and efficiency are key, and I’ve found this focal length to be incredibly versatile. It allows me to capture a mix of portrait-style shots while still being wide enough to handle broader compositions without feeling too tight.
Areas for improvement
I’ve compared the Arles Primes to some of the best in the industry, including the ARRI Signature Primes, and found the color rendition to be beautiful. Wide open, they are slightly softer than the Signature Primes, but I don’t mind that at all—it adds a nice character to the image. The only significant difference I noticed was that flare characteristics varied slightly across focal lengths; however, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me by any means.