Venus Optics is making waves in large-format cinematography with the launch of four wide-angle cinema lenses.
Specifically designed for Vista Vision cinema, the Laowa Zero-D VV Cine lenses are compatible with a wide range of cinematic cameras, including the RED RAPTOR 8K VV and the ARRI ALEXA LF Open Gate.
Let’s explore these new offerings.
Laowa 9mm T5.8 Zero-D VV Cine
Dubbed the widest rectilinear full-frame lens on the market, the Laowa 9mm T5.8 VV Cine lens features an impressive angle of view of 134.8° and an image circle of 46.31 mm.
The lens sports Venus’ signature zero distortion design, completely avoiding the fisheye effect that often requires post-production correction.
This lens allows filmmakers to capture dynamic ultra-wide shots while focusing as closely as 12 cm (4.72 inches).
Its close-focusing capability enables the capture of intricate details and compelling up-close shots, or the ability to create exaggerated foreground elements with a remarkably shallow depth of field.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Composed of 14 lens elements arranged in 10 groups and featuring a 14-blade aperture, the 9mm VV Cine Lens produces smooth bokeh and minimizes chromatic aberration and artifacts.
It also delivers near-zero distortion at the edges. With a .8 MOD rating, a 90-degree focus throw, and a 43.6-degree iris throw, it is ergonomic and compatible with most focusing devices available on the market.
Laowa 10mm T2.9 Zero-D VV Cine
Engineered for tight spaces and close focusing distances, the Laowa 10mm T2.9 Zero-D VV Cine lens achieves a remarkable 130.3° angle of view, showcasing Venus’ patented zero-distortion design.
This lens shares the same image circle of 46.31 mm as the 9mm lens and supports both full-frame and Vista Vision image sensors.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
The 10mm rectilinear lens consists of 15 elements in 9 groups and uses the same 14-blade aperture for beautiful circular background bokeh and effective subject separation.
It offers a maximum magnification of .24x, a focus throw of 113°, and an aperture throw of 63°.
Laowa 12mm T2.9 Lite Zero-D VV Cine Lens
The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Lite Zero-D VV Cine lens takes ultra-wide filming even further, maintaining the same angle of view and image circle as its predecessors.
It offers an exceptional minimum focusing distance and near-zero distortion imaging that preserves fine detail while effectively managing chromatic aberration and artifacts.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Like the 10mm, it features 15 lens elements in 9 groups, a 14-blade aperture, and consistent aperture and focus throws.
The lens can focus at a minimum distance of 12 cm (4.72 inches) and offers a maximum magnification of .24x.
Laowa 14mm T2.6 Lite Zero-D VV Cine Lens
Lastly, the Laowa 14mm T2.6 Lite Zero-D VV Cine lens narrows the field of view slightly to 117° but maintains similar construction specs.
It boasts 16 elements in 10 groups and adds a 15th blade in the aperture. With a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm (7.87 inches), it delivers outstanding sharpness and resolution from edge to edge and is just a hair faster than its compatriots.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Its focus throw extends impressively to 304.4°, allowing for precise focus control, while the aperture throw reaches 76.9°.
Additional specs include the same.8 MOD aperture ring design and a .15x magnification factor.
All four lenses weigh around 416-600 grams, and support various mounts including Arri PL, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Canon EF, and L mount options, and come with a shim kit for proper mounting and calibration across different cameras.
Image Credit – Venus Optics
Pricing and Availability
The Venus Optics Laowa Zero-D VV Cine Lenses are now available for preorder through Venus Optics and its authorized retailers.
Prices start at $1499 for the 9mm T5.8, 12mm T2.9, and 14mm T2.9 models, while the 10mm T2.9 is priced at $1699, and all lenses come with a hard shell case and shim set.
Shipping details are yet to be confirmed. Interested buyers should also verify the clearance for the protruding rear PL element on the 9mm T5.8 before making a purchase.
[source: Venus Optics]
Order Links:
- Venus Optics Laowa 9mm T5.8 Zero-D VV Cine Lens (B&H)
- Venus Optics Laowa 10mm T2.9 Zero-D VV Cine Lens (B&H)
- Venus Optics Laowa 12mm T2.9 Lite Zero-D VV Cine Lens (B&H)
- Venus Optics Laowa 14mm T2.6 Zero-D VV Cine Lens (B&H)
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