At IBC 2025, we met with Jimmy from Laowa to take a look at the corporate’s newest autofocus prime, a 200mm f/2 constructed for full-frame cameras. Regardless of its measurement, the lens weighs round 1.7kg (3.75 lbs) in Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, or 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) for Canon EF, making it lighter than it appears to be like.
Laowa has been steadily constructing out their lens lineup, and in current months, we’ve seen releases just like the 8–15mm Fisheye Full-Body and the 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF for mirrorless cameras. Now, with the 200mm f/2, we’ve an extended focal size with what could also be one in all their most formidable AF lenses but, one which bridges the hole between specialty glass and sensible, on a regular basis use.
Distinctive blue end. Picture credit score: CineD
What it appears to be like like, the way it works
The lens is completed in Laowa’s distinctive blue, first seen on earlier autofocus fashions. The concept was to face out from the standard black or white lenses in the marketplace. Autofocus was an enormous a part of the event course of, and Jimmy described it as probably the greatest performers you’ll discover at f/2 on this value vary.
The lens is versatile: portraits with robust background separation, indoor sports activities like basketball or dance, astrophotography, and occasions or weddings the place gentle is proscribed. For video, there’s a de-click choice on the aperture for smoother publicity adjustments, and the barrel has 5 programmable buttons so the identical operate is at all times inside attain, regardless of the way you’re holding the digital camera.
5 programmable buttons. Picture credit score: CineD
Laowa 200mm f/2 – filters and mounts
Up entrance, the lens takes 105mm filters. Within the again, a 44mm rear filter adapter with rotation makes polarizers or variable NDs simpler to make use of with out a matte field. The one exception is the EF model, the place the shorter flange distance guidelines out the rear filter choice. Mounts at launch embrace Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF, with the EF model adaptable to RF our bodies whereas maintaining autofocus. The lens is full-frame solely.
Value and availability
The EF model will promote for $1,799, whereas the Sony E and Nikon Z are set at $1,999. Laowa is aiming for an October 2025 launch, although the precise date continues to be open.
Does the rear filter system and programmable buttons make this lens really feel extra sensible for real-world use, or would you follow a extra conventional telephoto? Tell us within the feedback!
