Venus Optics has launched a brand new model of their ultra-wide 12mm lens designed for mirrorless cameras: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF. It’s smaller and lighter than the unique, helps autofocus on choose mounts, has a regular 72mm entrance filter thread, and retains the signature near-zero distortion design. With its 122° angle of view, it might be an fascinating and artistic choice for filmmakers and nonetheless photographers working in tight areas, in addition to for structure and actual property pictures. Let’s take a look.
Final month, Laowa launched two 8-15mm fisheye lenses (one for filmmakers and the opposite for photographers and content material creators) which are uncommon as a result of their optics provide each a round and an oblong picture. With the introduction of Laowa’s new “Lite” 12mm, the corporate continues with their “Zero-D” (zero distortion) optical design, which corrects the barrel distortion sometimes seen in ultra-wide lenses. Straight strains stay straight, even on the edges of the body, which is one thing that may make an actual distinction when capturing structure, interiors, or another topic the place distortion would throw off the framing.
Aperture choices and sunstar kinds
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is on the market in each autofocus and guide focus variations, and the aperture design varies relying on the mount. The autofocus model, presently restricted to Sony E and Nikon Z, comes with a 5-blade aperture that produces distinctive 10-point sunstars when stopped down. Guide focus variations can be found for all 4 mounts – Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Leica L – with a 14-blade aperture for smoother, rounder bokeh. Canon RF and Leica L customers even have the choice of a 5-blade guide model for many who favor pronounced sunstars. This refined distinction will provide filmmakers and nonetheless shooters some flexibility relying on whether or not they prioritize starburst results or a gentler fall-off within the background.
“Zero-D” (zero distortion) optical design. Picture credit score: ©Bastian Kratzke / Laowa
Specs
- Mounts: AF: E/Z (5 blades), MF: E/R/Z/L (14 blades)
- Format: Full-frame
- Angle of View: 122°
- Aperture Vary: f/2.8 – f/22
- Optical Design: 16 parts in 9 teams (2 aspherical and 4 low-dispersion parts)
- Aperture/Iris Blades: 5 blades/ 14 blades
- Focus Kind: MF/ AF
- Minimal Focus Distance: 14 cm (5.5 in)
- Most Magnification: 0.2×
- Entrance Filter Thread: ⌀72mm
- Dimensions: 74.8 mm diameter × 84.6 mm size (2.94 × 3.33 in)
- Weight: Sony E (AF): 377g (0.83 lbs), Nikon Z (AF): 390g (0.86 lbs), Canon RF (MF): 480g (1.06 lbs), Leica L (MF): 475g (1.05 lbs)
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF mounted on a Sony digital camera. Picture credit score: Laowa
Worth and availability
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is on the market for pre-order now and is priced at $699. For extra data, please see the Laowa web site.
How will you see your self utilizing this type of lens? Is it one thing you’d discover helpful in your package? Tell us within the feedback!
