Laowa 200mm f/2 Autofocus Lens Introduced – Speed, Reach, and Custom Control

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 latest 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 got an extended focal size with what could also be certainly one of their most bold AF lenses but, one which bridges the hole between specialty glass and sensible, on a regular basis use.Distinctive blue end. Picture credit score: CineDWhat it appears to be like like, the way it worksThe 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 available on the market. Autofocus was a giant a part of the event course of, and Jimmy described it as top-of-the-line performers you’ll discover at f/2 on this worth vary.The lens is versatile: portraits with robust background separation, indoor sports activities like basketball or dance, astrophotography, and occasions or weddings the place mild is restricted. For video, there’s a de-click possibility 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 digicam.5 programmable buttons. Picture credit score: CineDLaowa 200mm f/2 – filters and mountsUp 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 no matte field. The one exception is the EF model, the place the shorter flange distance guidelines out the rear filter possibility. Mounts at launch embody Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF, with the EF model adaptable to RF our bodies whereas retaining autofocus. The lens is full-frame solely.Worth and availabilityThe 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!