Laowa launches its first zoom in its Cine zoom range – with a teleconverter and anamorphic converter on the way
(Image credit: Laowa)
Innovative lens manufacturer Venus Optics has introduced the first zoom into its growing range of cine lenses. With a 4x zoom range, the 25-100mm T2.9 OOOM lens creates a set of focal lengths that provide an all-in-one solution for serious filmmakers – not least because a compatible anamorphic converter and 1.4x extender are promised for the lens later this year..
Having been shown at trade fairs for over the last two years, pricing and availability for the lens have now been announced – and at $5,000 it is priced to attract attention. It is now available for pre-order in Arri PL, Sony E or Canon EF mounts.
The lens is the first of a new OOOM range for the Chinese manufacturer - standing for "Out of our minds" the designers aim to challenge accepted optical norms – and this unusual cine lens that provides an ultra-wide and medium telephoto in the same lens certainly achieves that goal.
Its Super 35+ coverage ensures it can be compatible with top-end cine cameras such as the 8K Red Helium and Arri Alexa Mini. Manufactured from the ground up for cinematography, the lens promises 'extremely low' focus breathing.
Key features of the lens are:
• 9 aperture blades
• Super 35+ format compatibility
• constructed from 20 elements in 16 groups
• a massive focus throw of 300°
• a zoom throw of 163°
• 60cm minimum focus (under two feet)
• front 95mm filter thread
• user changeable Sony/Arri/Canon mounts
The lens measures 102x240mm and weighs 2.5kg / 5.5lbs.
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Laowa is promising that it will be producing a 1.4x teleconverter for use with the lens in the next three months - which will stretch the focal range to a maximum of 140mm.
Also promised for October 2020 is a 1.33x rear anamorphic adaptor -Designed to create cinematic 2.35:1 widescreen when paired with the lens. The two adaptors are scheduled to sell with the 25-100mm T2.9 lens for a retail price of $6500. The adaptors will cost $999 a piece if bought separately.
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.
