Just announced, the Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO lens for APS-C sensors already has a full review.
At a glance:
Aperture Range: f/0.95 to f/11
50mm (35mm Equivalent)
Internal Focus Design
1 Aspherical Element, 1 ED Element
3 Ultra-High Refraction Elements
9 Aperture Blades
62mm Filter Thread
Manual Focus
Dustin Abbott posted his exhaustive Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO review. From his conclusion:
The Laowa Argus 25mm F0.95 APO is both similar and different than the Argus 35mm F0.95 full frame lens that I reviewed. The APO design does alter the formula, which results in more usable sharpness results at huge aperture values like F0.95.
It also means that the bokeh isn’t quite as soft, however, which might turn off some of the core audience that is interested in a lens like this.
These are all a matter of preference, however, and what is definite is that there is always room for more premium prime lenses for APS-C, a space that often gets overlooked. This is a serious lens, and it is interesting to see Laowa bring some of their APO experience that they’ve developed in their macro lens designs into a more extreme lens like this. You’ll have to determine for yourself whether or not the end result is something you’re looking for, but I will say this: the list of F0.95 lenses with an Apochromatic design and a price tag of under $550 USD is a VERY short one.
All reviews by Dustin Abbott come with test charts, sample pics, dynamic range tests, and much more. D. Abbott also provides a video-review that someone might prefer to the written review. It’s here (below) for your viewing pleasure.
Venus Optics announced a new lens for the Canon EF-M and RF mount, the Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO. I wonder why companies continue to make EF-M lenses since some people has already decided that the EOS M system has to be dead. Might those characters be wrong? ;-)
Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO & Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO
Anhui China, 25 October, 2022 – Venus Optics, the innovative camera lens manufacturer had already released a series of f/0.95 ultra-large aperture lens under the name “Argus” in last year. And today the company adding two new lenses to the Argus series:
Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO – MFT
Laowa Argus 25mm f/0.95 APS-C APO – Sony E / Nikon Z / Canon RF / Fuji X / Canon EF-M
The new additions provide MFT and APS-C users with an option of about 35mm equivalent focal length. The ultra-fast f/0.95 on them makes shooting in low-light environments easier than ever and easily creates a dreamy look with the exceptionally shallow depth of field. Both lenses also have the APO design, which performs very well at combating chromatic aberration and provides outstanding sharpness even at wide open. The minimum focusing distances are 20cm and 34cm respectively for the 18mm f/0.95 and 25mm f/0.95. Helping photographers to easily capture close-up details. The two new Argus lenses also design to be video-friendly.
Both have the “Aperture Ring Click Switch” for freely transforming between clicked and de-clicked aperture. A low focus breathing eliminates the distraction of the changes in angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another. The weight of the lenses is 500g(1.1lbs) and 575g(1.26lbs) for 18mm and 25mm respectively. With the affordable pricing of USD449(18mm) and USD549(25mm), these lenses are a must-have item for both photographers and videographers.
Ultra-fast Aperture of f/0.95
From an eye-catching portrait to stunning low-light photography, an f/0.95 ultra-fast aperture is perfect for creating impactful images with its shallow depth of field. Creating great background separation for the main subject so that the viewers can focus on the essence of your images. The lenses are built to offer an incredible low-light shooting performance. Both lenses can create excellent contrast from centre to corner. Perfect when you get limited time at dark sites or wants to increase the shutter speed.
Equivalent to 35mm Focal Length
A focal length of 35mm (equivalent) is one of the most popular choices among photographers. It is extremely versatile due to the semi-wide but comfortable images produced. Apart from portrait photography, it also works for landscape, street photography and as an everyday lens. Pair with the ultra-fast aperture and the short minimum focusing distance of Argus lenses, photographers can create some really unique shots.
Apochromat (APO) design
Both the 18mm and the 25mm are engineered with an Apochromatic Optical Design (APO) which suppresses longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration across in-focus & out-of-focus areas. Purple fringing is controlled to the minimum even wide open. The APO design reduces the post-editing time substantially, giving photographers and videographers the best image performance.
Stunning Bokeh and Rendering
The lenses are assembled with 9 aperture blades, which can create round and pleasing bokeh. Alongside the shallow depth of field, it can produce glamorous and dreamy images.
Short Minimum Focusing Distance
The 18mm and 25mm lenses have a minimum focusing distance of 20cm and 34cm respectively. Having a short minimum focusing distance can create an extremely blurry background, allowing the photographer to capture in different perspectives with details of the object. A breath-taking close up shot with shallow depth of field can be easily captured.
Video Friendly
Both lenses are also built with features that would be a plus for videographers.
Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism
The Aperture Ring Click Switch Mechanism offers options to photographers and videographers for choosing either clicked or de-clicked aperture ring, a great option for videographers when adjusting the aperture during shooting.
Low Focus Breathing
Both lenses have a relatively low focus breathing. It eliminates the distraction of the changes in the angle of view when moving the focus from one object to another, which is perfect for video shooting.
Internal Focusing
As with other lenses in the Argus series, the two new lenses also have the same internal focusing characteristics. It maximizes the optical performance in both infinity focus and minimum focusing distance. Also, it prevents dust from getting into the lens. And compatible with accessories designed to be set to a specific position like polarizers.
A new Laowa lens for your EOS R full frame camera system. The Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF. The lens is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. The US price for Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF is $899.
Press release:
Anhui China, Sept10, 2021–Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, is proud to introduce Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF, the world’s fastest 35mm lens and widest f/0.95 lens ever designed for full frame cameras. It is a breakthrough of the camera lens industry,and it inherits Venus Optics’ objective to offer innovative and groundbreaking products. It provides awide63.4° angle of view together with superb shallow depth of field for both photography and videography.
Key Features:
Wide perspective with ultra-shallow depth of field
Ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture for low-light shooting
Superb sharpness at f/0.95
Aperture Ring Click Switc
Internal Focus design
Low Focus Breathing with extended Focus Throw
Exquisite Bokeh
Widest f/0.95 lens & Fastest 35mm lens for Full Frame Format
Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF is the FIRST full frame 35mm with f/0.95 ultra-fast aperture. Makes it the fastest 35mm and widest f/0.95 lens in the market. The optical performance is maximized by incorporating1 ED glass element, 1 aspherical lens element and 4 high-refractive-index glass materials. The extraordinary shallow depth of field and dreamy bokeh created by f/0.95 is the trump card for portraits. In the meanwhile, its unbeatable performance in low light conditions for obtaining sharp and outstanding images makes it a must-have tool for every photographer and videographer.The wide FoV allows more backgrounds being recorded into the image and thanks to the f/0.95 aperture, a shallow depth of field can still be achieved.
Aperture Ring Click Switch
Aperture ring click switch mechanism offers options for the photographer and videographer to choose either clicked or de-clicked aperture ring. No uneven exposure
Internal Focusing
Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF inherits an internal focusing characteristics from Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO. It maximizes the optical performance in both infinity focus and minimum focusing distance by enhancing the stability. Also, it prevents the dust or ashes falling into the lens. This feature is extremely welcomed by videographers as accessories like matte box will not move while pulling focus. Absolute advantage for both photography and videography.change when changing the aperture during shooting.
Low Focus Breathing with Long Focus Throw
The low focus breathing and long focus throw are perfect for narrative filming and selective focus control. It eliminates the distraction of the changes in angle of view when moving focus from one object to another. Along with the accurate focusing obtained by the 300° focus thread makes it become the ideal lens for videography.
Exquisite Bokeh
The 15-aperture blade produces silky smooth, round bokeh without hard edges. A dreamy Bokeh adds character to the images which is perfect for visually appealing images.
Technology breakthrough
f/0.95 and wide angle lenses with good optical performance are known to be heavy and bulky, making it inoperable in certain conditions. Dayong Li (Chief optics designer of Venus Optics) has managed to strike a balance between the ease of customer operation and optical performance. They push the optics design to another level by crafting a lens that can cover mainstream full frame sensor, have a good optical performance, offer a wide perspective and extremely shallow depth of field.
Pricing & Availability
Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) and authorized resellers. The US price for Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF is $899. Pricing varies in different countries. First 100 purchase in the webstore will get a free focus gear belt.
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.
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.
You’ll soon be able to use a 35mm f/0.95 lens on your Canon EOS R or Canon EOS M.
Laowa is set to soon announce new lenses in the Argus lineup. Among these lenses is a 35mm f/0.95 lens for the EOS RF mount and one for the EOS EF-M mount. Here are the specs for the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95, courtesy of the Chinese Weibo at Camerabeta.
Argus 33mm F0.95
low breathing effect
low dispersion
infinite aperture design
minimum focusing distance 35cm
filter size 62mm
size 71.5 x 83mm
weighing 590g
Sony E, Fuji X, Nikon Z and Canon RF and EF-M mount versions will be launched
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