Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 For Canon RF Mount Announced (it’s for APS-C sensor!)

Venus Optics announced a super fast lens for a series of camera mounts, RF mount included: the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95. But the lens is for an APS-C sensor.

Not sure what to think about the fact that there is an RF mount lens for APS-C sensors. Is it a sign that the rumored EOS R model with APS-C sensor is coming?

The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. The US price (ex-VAT) for Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is $499. Pricing varies in different countries. Shipping starts from Early May for Fuji X and Sony E mount. The Nikon Z and Canon RF will be shipped from Mid May.

Venus Optics press release:

Venus Optics announce the first lens of the f/0.95 ‘Argus’ line, Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

Starts capturing chromatic aberration-free image at f/0.95

Anhui China, May 03 , 2021 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, is proud to introduce the Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO, a magnificent f/0.95 prime lens for APS-C cameras.

The ‘Argus’ name was originally from the Greek mythology and was the name of a vigilant guardian with a hundred eyes and an “all-seeing” sight. The name represents the ultra-bright f/0.95 aperture of the lenses and the exceptional image quality they deliver.

The 35mm f/0.95 is the first released lens of the much anticipated Argus line. Featuring the ultra fast f/0.95 aperture with APO design, the lens offers photographers and videographers a classic focal length for everyday shooting and a versatility to shoot at difficult lighting condition. The lens delivers exception image quality at wide-open and suppresses the chromatic aberration to the minimal. Couple with the 35mm (1.15 feet) minimum focus distance, a buttery smooth and exquisite bokeh rendering can easily be created. It also equips with multiple touches of videographer friendly features for narrative filmmaking.

Key Features of Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

• f/0.95 Ultra-fast aperture
• APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)
• 35cm closest focusing distance
• Exquisite bokeh
• Long focus throw
• Internal focus
• Low focus breathing
• Stepless aperture ring

APO (Apochromatic Optical Design)

The new Argus 33mm f/0.95 was designed to deliver impressive performance at wide-open aperture. It incorporates one Extra-low Dispersion Glass, one Aspherical Lens and three Ultra High Refraction Glass to suppress both lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberration (CA) to the minimal at all apertures in its class. It also delivers an exceptional image sharpness across
the frame.

Ultra-fast f/0.95 Aperture

The ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture adds a dreamy atmosphere to your image that no other lenses can compare. The shallow depth of field offers great versatility for selective focus and isolate the subject for a better story telling. The fast aperture also makes handheld shooting at low light situations much easier. You can now tell your story in any condition without compromising your image with higher ISO. It is perfect for everything from prestigious portraits, low light photography & videography to everyday & astrophotography.

35cm closest focusing distance

The 35cm (1.15 feet) closest focusing distance (from subject to sensor) allows you to create buttery smooth bokeh with breathtaking close-up details.

Exquisite Bokeh

9 circular aperture blades produce smooth, round bokeh with no hard edges. Coupled with the 35cm close focusing distance, the new Argus lens allows photographers to create visually and aesthetically appealing images.

Low Focus Breathing

Venus Optics also attempted to compress the focus breathing of this new Argus lens to the minimal in its class. This is perfect for narrative filming where the distraction of the framing changes is no more.

Extended focus throw with 62mm filter thread

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO has a long focus throw (300°) and allows photographers and videographers to have a precise control of the focus over the shallow depth of field for isolating the subject better. A 62mm filter thread is designed to fit with screw-in filters.

Internal Focus Design with a small form factor

An internal focus optics design has been adopted so that the lens will not extend in length during focusing, it offers additional stability and prevents dust from getting into the lens. It is particularly useful for videographers where add-on accessories like matte-box are often used. Venus Optics still managed to keep the lens compact (3.26” / 83mm long) and lightweight (590 g/1.3 lbs) despite the internal focus design.

Stepless Aperture

The stepless aperture ring allows videographer to adjust and control the exposure smoothly.

Pricing & Availability

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. The US price (ex-VAT) for Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is $499. Pricing varies in different countries. Shipping starts from Early May for Fuji X and Sony E mount. The Nikon Z and Canon RF will be shipped from Mid May.