Venice Optics, the name behind Laowa, has unveiled two new lenses: the long-rumored Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D and the Laowa 25mm F.2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro. Here's what we know now via parent company Sightron's Google translated releases.
Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D
Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D
The Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is a wide angle prime for mirrorless APS-C sensors available in Sony E, Canon EF-M and Fujifilm X mounts. It optics blend 15 lens elements in 10 groups that include three low dispersion and two aspherical elements to offer "close-to-zero distortion" imagery. The lens offers a 113-degrees angle of view at F2.8 which could work well shooting in vehicles or in spaces where a light source isn't a luxury.
If you need a wider angle of view and are willing to sacrifice some focal length, the Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D offers 122-degrees. The metal construction is said to offer "excellent robustness and luxury." No word on price yet, but it's expected to hit the streets in April 2018.
Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro
Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro
The Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro might not be ideal for video, but it would be interesting to see the results. Weighing 400g, the manual focus lens is for full frame cameras in Sony FE, Canon EF, Nikon F and Petax K mounts. Optically, 8 elements in 6 groups include an ultra-low dispersion lens to ward off chromatic aberration and color fringe. At its closets, the lens offers 5x magnification or an equivalent working distance of 40 mm at 5x. The lens could be an interesting choice for product videography or to detail smaller animals/insects and plant life. Price is not set but will ship in April 2018.
Laowa 9mm Tech Specs
- 9mm
- Max. aperture: F 2.8
- Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)
- Lens construction: 10 groups of 15
- Number of diaphragm blades: 7
- Shortest shooting distance: 12 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
- Filter diameter: φ 49 mm
- Sony E, Canon EF-M, FUJIFILM X
Laowa 25mm Tech Specs
- 25 mm
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Maximum aperture: F 2.8
- Field of View: 10.3 degrees
- Lens construction: 6 groups 8 elements
- Number of diaphragm blade: 8
- Sony FE, Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K mounts
