Chinese budget lens maker Venus Optics just announced the brand new Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens, specially designed for cinematography and videography purposes. The new 12mm lens is currently one of the widest T2.9 cine lenses covering sensors up to both full-frame and vista vision size, making it an excellent wide-angle piece of glass for both professional cinema cameras and mirrorless cameras.
In a nutshell, the 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens is extremely compact and lightweight weighing in at less than 1.5 lb (675g) while being 3.4” (87mm) long. Its optical design is composed of 16 elements in 10 groups with two pieces of large aspherical glasses providing an edge-to-edge sharpness and supports up to 8K resolution with minimal chromatic aberration.
Furthermore, the lens can focus anywhere from 7” away from the sensor all the way to infinity, has 47mm image circle and can create some unique shallow depth of field look with pleasing bokeh.
The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D is designed with standard 0.8 mod gears on both aperture and focusing rings for easy installation of follow-focus systems. An extended 270° smooth focus throw, on the other hand, allows for accurate and precise manual focus pulling.
The entire enclosure of the lens is made of aluminum alloy, plus there’s a 114mm step-ring included in the package to expand the front diameter for those who want to use an industry sized matte box. The unit comes in watertight and crushproof Pelican hard case for further convenience and safety when traveling.
Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Highlights
- Full Frame / Vista Vision coverage
- 16 elements in 10 groups
- Close to zero distortion
- 122 degrees FoV
- 47mm image circle
- Super compact and lightweight design
- Available in EF, PL or E mount versions
- Step-up to 114mm for matte box installation
- Weight: 1.5 lb (675g)
- Price: $1,499
The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D will be available in three different versions including PL, EF, and E-mount selling for $1,499.
[source: Venus Optics]
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