Venus Optics Announced The Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift Lens

Laowa 20mm
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A new Laowa lens was announced, the Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift Lens, and it comes for Canon EF and RF mounts too.

At a glance:

  • 20mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens
  • ±11mm Shift Amount
  • Outstanding Optical Performance
  •  “Zero” Distortion 
  • 14-blade Aperture
  • Close Focusing Distance
  • 82mm Filter Thread
  • Rotatable Lens hood
  • Special Design Lens Support*
    *Not included, sold separately.

Venus Optics announced another rather interesting and uncommon lens, the Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift.

The Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is currently available to purchase via Venus Optics official website and authorized resellers. The US price for 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is USD1,299 for all mounts.  Pricing varies in different countries. The Lens support is now available for sale at USD249: Venus Optics / BHphoto / Amazon US / Adorama

Venus Optics press release:

Anhui China, 28 March 2022 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer that specialized in making unique camera lenses, is presenting a new Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift, expanding its shift lens line-up. On top of the fascinating ultra-wide angle of view, the lens delivers incredible sharpness with close-to-zero optical distortion (Zero-D). A ±11mm shift amount on full-frame (±8mm on Medium Format) allows architecture photographers to have maximum control on the perspective. The lens also comes with a rotatable lens hood for avoiding flare and protecting the front lens element. Pair with the special design lens support*, it can now create perfect high-res stitching with ease. This carefully crafted lens can absolutely satisfy professional users for both architectures, interior and landscape works.

20mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens

With a 94.4° angle of view and up to 117° for panorama photography, giving you an option to capture the whole scene with one shot. It is ideal for architectural and interior photography to balance the subject and the surrounding with a pleasing ratio.

±11mm Shift Amount
With its large image circle, the maximum possible shift amount of the lens is ±11mm for full-frame camera and ±8mm for medium format camera. Sufficient shift capability allows photographers to correct converging vertical lines created by distance. By changing the perspective of the lens, straight architecture can be easily maintained. The ±11mm shift amount also allows photographers to expand the rooms for compositions by stitching multiple images. Creating an extraordinary image perspective.

Outstanding Optical Performance
This lens has 16 elements in 11 groups with 2 aspherical elements and 3 ED elements, bringing impressive control on chromatic aberration and ensuring the image sharpness is consistent from the center to the edge.

“Zero” Distortion
As one of the “Zero-D” members, the distortion is nearly zero. Any straight lines can be maintained from corner to corner. It is a must-have advantage for architectural, commercial and interior photographers which not just saving effort in post-editing, it also prevents any issues when stitching.

14-blade Aperture
The 14-blade aperture produces a pleasant 14-point Sunstar for commercial architecture photography. It also able creates smooth circular bokeh when shooting close focus subject.

Close Focusing Distance
Apart from far-away architecture, Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift also supports capturing very close objects with a 22cm minimum focusing distance. A wide-angle macro style images can be created.

Rotatable Lens hood

The 360° rotatable lens hood shades the front of the lens, keeping the images away from unwanted flares. It is extremely convenient when there is a strong light source from the side. Photographers can also adjust the angle of the lens hood to avoid blocking the image during extreme shifts

82mm Filter Thread
Laowa 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is designed with 82mm filter thread which a screw-in filter can be used. Photographers can now use a lighter and more compact setup when compared to a heavier and more expensive filter holder.

Special Design Lens Support
Lens support is specially designed to work with the new 20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift. The rotatable ring is extremely helpful for stitching by retaining the principal axis when changing orientations and shifting. It is especially important for achieve perfect stitching and panorama photography.

Product Page

20mm f/4 Zero-D Shift: https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-20mm-f-4-zero-d-shift/
Lens support: https://www.venuslens.net/product/shift-lens-support 

laowa 20mm

Laowa 7.5mm T2.9 Zero-D S35 Cine Announced By Venus Optics

Laowa 7.5mm
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Venus Optics released a new lens, the Laowa 7.5mm T2.9 Zero-D S35 Cine.

Specifications:

Focal length7.5mm
FormatSuper 35mm Cine
MountsSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X
Angle of view123°
T-StopT2.9-22
Optics16 elements in 10 groups
Aperture blades7
Min focus distance25cm
Filter diameter77mm
Dimensions80 x 80.7mm
Weight610g

The Laowa 7.5mm T2.9 Zero-D S35 Cine is available at B&H Photo | Venus Optics Store

Venus Optics press release:

Anhui China, 7March 2022–Venus Optics, the camera lens manufacturer specialized in making unique lenses for photographers and cinematographers, has officially released Laowa 7.5mm T2.9 Zero-D S35 Cine. The lens is the widest rectilinear lens in the S35 line-up,producingan excellent “Zero-Distortion” image even with the 123° perspective.Filters can also be directly attached to the lens, making it highly user-friendly. The cine lens is now available for order and is priced at USD 699.

Presenting the widest angle of view (123°) ever offered in the Super35 line-up. It provides users with a super broad unique-to-your-eye perspective. A T2.9 large aperture is also beneficial for filmmakers to shoot under low light situations and control thedepth of field. It would be suitable for shooting in a limited space or using it for epic establishing shots.

Zero-Distortion

The lens additionally delivers outstanding image quality with close to “Zero-Distortion.” This enables cinematographers to shoot with straight lines retained. The “Zero-D” design is advantageous when shooting architectural, aerial, and indoor footage.

The shortest focusing distance of this lens is 25 cm/ 9.84”, allowing cinematographers to be close to the subject and still focus. Creating a strong visual impact with an extreme close up and at the same time favorable in creating shallower depth-of-field that helps build a nice background bokeh effect.

Excellent Image Quality

The newly devised optical structure contains 16 elements in 10 groups, with two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glasses and two aspherical glasses. This helps improve imagesharpness and controls chromatic aberration at bothin-focus and out-of-focus areasto the minimum, hence delivering impressive image quality.

The non-dome-shaped front element

The non-dome-shaped front element allows attaching a 77mm screw-in filter directly. This makes filming easier for cinematographers as a heavy matte box is not required. The easy set-up is especially essential and beneficial for cinematography like aerial.

Hassle-free transportation

The lens comes with a weather-sealed box for hassle-free transportation. This can allow users to travel with their lens without worryingabout bad weather conditionsor damage due tocollisions. Additionally, it keepsdust, dirt, and smudges out, allowing thelens to stay in good condition for years.

Light and compact

This 7.5mm cine lens is highly compact and lightweight despite the extreme specifications. It measures 3.17” (80.7mm) long and weighs less than 1.4 lb (610g). The lens can easily fit onto any stabilizations system, including handheld gimbals.

Laowa RF 100mm F2.8 APO 2:1 Macro Review (D. Abbott)

Laowa RF 100mm
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Here is a Laowa RF 100mm F2.8 APO 2:1 Macro review. A third party lens for the EOS R system that seems to be rather interesting, and has an interesting price.

At a glance:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Low Dispersion Elements
  • Maximum Magnification: 2:1
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 9.7″
  • Manual Focus Design
  • 13-Blade Diaphragm

Dustin Abbott posted his exhaustive Laowa RF 100mm F2.8 APO 2:1 Macro review. He says:

In conclusion, I’m more positive than ever about the Laowa 100mm F2.8 APO 2:1 Macro in the Canon RF mount.  It has the same flaws as before (too short of focus throw, being flare prone), but using the lens on mirrorless really mitigates some of its other shortcomings (manual focus only, no image stabilization) and I’m left with a lens that is generally fun to use and easy to focus.  The punchy colors and images in general remind me of much more expensive APO lenses. When used to its strengths, images from this lens really pop.

And, as a macro lens, it’s additional degree of magnification allows you to do things that lesser lenses cannot.  It unlocks an extra level of creativity, and that Apochromatic design allows you to shoot shiny metal textures without fear of chromatic aberrations destroying the image.

[…] This remains as one of Laowa’s best value lenses, and is certainly a blast to use on a good mirrorless body.

As usual Dustin Abbott’s reviews come with sample images, comparison charts, and all the information you might want to know. Dustin’s reviews are what I look for when I am about to purchase new gear. As usual Dustin Abbott also releases a complete video review. See below.

More gear reviews by Dustin Abbott are listed here. You can follow Dustin Abbott on Twitter, YouTube, or on his website.

Laowa RF 100mm F2.8 APO 2:1 Macro :

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro… Overview

Characterized by its close-focusing capabilities and apochromatic design, the Canon RF-mount Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO from Venus Optics is a unique and versatile short-telephoto prime. Featuring a pair of low dispersion elements, color fringing and chromatic aberrations have been virtually eliminated throughout the focusing range in order to achieve high clarity and color accuracy. The lens’s manual focus design also suits its macro capabilities, which permit working with subjects as close as 2:1 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.7″. Additionally, a 13-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

  • Telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Featuring an apochromatic designation, this lens uses a pair of low dispersion elements to effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and accurate rendering.
  • Greater-than-life-size 2:1 maximum magnification pairs with a 9.7″ minimum focusing distance to suit working with close-up subjects.
  • Manual focus design, along with focus distance and depth of field scales, aids in precise focusing control.
  • A 13-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO Announced, World’s Smallest 2x Macro

Laowa 85mm
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Venus Optics announced the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO lens. The world’s smallest 2x macro lens, say’s the manufacturer.

The Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO is currently available to order on the official website of Venus Optics and their authorized resellers. Recommended Retail Price in the US is $449 (Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony FE) and $499 (Leica M). Shipping starts from early December 2021.

Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2x Ultra Macro APO is a mirrorless-designed macro lens with 28.55° angle of view for full frame. It is the smallest 2x macro lens in the Full Frame market. It weighs just around 252g (Leica M mount without caps and hood) which is super portable and handy for macro shooters. It features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that chromatic aberration at both ‘in-focus’ & ‘out-of-focus’ is compressed to minimum. This new lens is able to focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity which can serve as both macro and portrait lens with great image quality.

Black Friday: Venus Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens – $1389 (reg. $1599)

Laowa 24mm
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Pretty good deal on the Venus Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens, for both the RF and the EF mount.

At a glance:

  • Aperture Range: f/14 to f/40
  • Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • One Extra Refractive Index Element
  • Magnification: 2:1 to Infinity
  • Min. Focus: 1.5′; Working Distance: 0.8″
  • Integrated Focus and Aperture Gears
  • Long Lens Barrel, Small Front Diameter
  • Built-In LED Ring Light, Micro-USB Power
  • Waterproof Front Lens Barrel

Adorama has a $210 instant discount (13%) on the Venus Laowa 24mm f/14 2x Macro Probe Lens for the RF and the EF mount:

Curated and selected Black Friday deals:

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals might be found here)

Click here to open the rest of the article

Laowa Announces World’s Fastest 35mm lens for FF, Argus 35mm f/0.95 FF

Argus 35mm F/0.95
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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.