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 an ordinary 72mm entrance filter thread, and retains the signature near-zero distortion design. With its 122° angle of view, it could possibly be an attention-grabbing and inventive choice for filmmakers and nonetheless photographers working in tight areas, in addition to for structure and actual property images. 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 might be uncommon as a result of their optics supply 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 usually 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 out there in each autofocus and handbook focus variations, and the aperture design varies relying on the mount. The autofocus model, at present restricted to Sony E and Nikon Z, comes with a 5-blade aperture that produces distinctive 10-point sunstars when stopped down. Handbook 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 handbook model for many who favor pronounced sunstars. This refined distinction will supply 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 components in 9 teams (2 aspherical and 4 low-dispersion components)
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 digicam. Picture credit score: Laowa
Value and availability
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF is out there for pre-order now and is priced at $699. For extra info, 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 equipment? Tell us within the feedback!
